NEWPORT NEWS, Va. — Newport News city staff are working to fill 565 vacancies across various departments.
“That includes part-timers," said Allison Dichoso, the director of the city’s human resources department. "So, that number is a little higher than full-time regulars. But what we’re finding is there’s certain positions that are just in critical need status.”
She said positions requiring a commercial driver’s license (CDL) are highly important.
“We have five different departments in the city that use CDL drivers,” Dichoso said.
More than 100 open jobs require a candidate to have a commercial driver’s license or CDL. Many of those positions are open within the Public Works Department.
“Right now we have about 60 vacancies," said Public Works Director Frank James. "About 40 are straight equipment operator positions, backhoes, excavators.”
He said the vacancies are having some employees work overtime.
"But we don’t want to burn them out,” James said.
However, city staff hope a new effort will help get those positions filled. It’s called the Breakthrough Bonus program where a person hired for a city CDL position can earn up to $5,750 in bonuses over four years. They will receive $500 after successfully completing new employee orientation. Employees will receive the amounts below at the end of each of the following years:
- Year One: $750
- Year Two: $1,000
- Year Three: $1,500
- Year Four: $2,000
Current employees who refer new hires benefit too.
“On that employee's first year anniversary, he gets an additional bonus and the person who referred him gets an additional bonus,” Dichoso said.
Employees will receive $500 when the individual they referred is hired and an additional $750 after the person completes their first year of employment.
Dichoso said the city wants to create a "culture of retention." James hopes this new initiative will get more employees in the door so his team can better serve residents.
“People’s dollars are on the line," James said. "We want to make sure we benefit them and…provide the services they expect.”
City staff ask that you obtain a CDL permit before your first day of employment. The city will provide ongoing training and funding to help as the new employee secures their CDL. You can learn more about the open job positions on the city's website.