retail jobs in Hilo/Puna area?

[thornpicker]

Aloha everyone,
I'm fairly new to this site (have posted a few things) and once again thank you to all that have realistic truthful insight...

I was wondering if any of you are employed in the field of retail--perhaps I could get a bit of insight as to how hard it really is to find a job there. My main experience lies in retail management (grocery business) and am having concerns about what is really available. My gut tells me that since so many people are retiring to Puna, somebody has to sell them groceries, right?

Anyhow, we are a couple in our mid 30's, will be moving there purely by choice (2 years from now) and because we love it there and have spent a lot of time in Puna in recent years so we know what we're getting into as far as environment and infrastructure is concerned. I am very willing to start at the bottom and work my way up as I have in the past.

What are the other hot job markets there if there is such a thing? Construction is out (not all that handy) but I'm willing to try new things.

I've read about some horrible experiences from people looking for government jobs, but haven't really heard about other fields.

Thanks for any input you might have!!

Thornpicker

[Carey]

There are grocery stores here. In Hilo, I have heard that the "KTA" (2 stores) is hard to get into, there are also "Sack'n'Save" (2 stores) & "Safeway" (1 store). In Puna there is the "Malama Market" in Pahoa & "Puna Fresh" in Keaau, along with more convienent stores like "Cash & Carry" & the Orchidland True Value market, but there may be more in 2 years, as there are a couple of retail venues that are in the planning/development stages. HomeDepot & Sears usually have positions advertised, & OfficeDepot & Ross's regualrly are looking for staff.
If you have the experience, there are tons of positions in the Health Care industry, social services, and even Astrophysics (how many areas of the globe can say that?). TSA usually has positions in Hilo, but I think that the position also has high turnover for a reason. Puna area has often has positions for flower & fruit pickers & packers. Teachers & educational aids are in demand, but the school dist. seems to be a little goofy when it comes to hiring, I have heard tales of weirdness from those that are in or out of state.
An excellent resource to check for jobs in Hawaii is the University of Hawaii at Hilo career center at:
http://career.uhh.hawaii.edu/HI_jobs_student.php



Edited by - carey on 06/19/2007 13:28:39

[carmel123]

Did someone say that Hawaii DOE is a little weird. I think thats called an understatement.

[thornpicker]

Thanks Carey--I appreciate your knowledge. By posting this thread I am hoping to gain even more insight as to people's experiences moving to Puna and finding a job in whatever field it may be.

How about temp to hire work--I'm not super concerned with making lots of money right off the bat, but I would like to have a positive cash flow!

[Greg]

Other than a State or County job (good luck) the outlook here is pretty bleak. That is unless you are an entrepreneur. Then the opportunities are endless.

[Carey]

Employment Agencies:
AP Tech Services (808)326-2722
Altres Staffing (808)935-4196
Employment Experts (808)933-8660
Workforce Management (808)935-7511

[Genxor]

Thorn ,

Carey summed the retail market up really well.

The only grocery employment opportunities that I have seen advertised were for Malama Markets new Oceanview store.

Sears has a very diminished pay scale as compared with years past. Home Depot , I believe, was recently hiring *a* cashier.

The "hotels" on Banyan were also hiring recently. Perhaps with your management experience, this may be an opportunity.

Greg Henderson

[HiloHaole]

The hardware/building supply store, HPM, is constantly hiring. It is one of the few that has random drug testing and, consequently, they are always having openings.