TIOGA—Job Service North Dakota, Williston branch, doesn’t only serve the Williston area but also extends its services to a few other outlying communities. Currently, the communities of Watford City and Tioga receive these outreach services provided by Job Service. The days set aside for these events are dubbed Watford City Wednesdays (meeting the first and third Wednesday of each month at the Roughrider Center, and Tioga Thursdays (meeting the third Thursday of each month at Tioga City Hall).
Job Service Williston’s Workforce Center Manager Paula Hickel said she felt there was a need to branch out to communities with specific needs in the workforce sector. Employers in these communities “could do a Facebook live or a hiring event – whatever matches the needs of that particular community,” said Hickel. Hickel and other employees will also meet individually with people who are exploring job opportunities to provide feedback and tips for those seeking employment.
Many employers in these areas are looking for help. Those desiring multiple job placements are Cash Wise Foods, Kum & Go, and Dollar General in Tioga are especially needy. The same goes for Cash Wise Foods, Little Missouri Inn and Suites, and First National Bank and Trust of Watford City. Several oilfield companies in these communities have an urgent need to fill positions as well. Positions for workers with skills and degrees are also in demand here.
Pizza Pie on the Fly is adding a fourth location in Tioga. It initially opened ten years ago in Watford City, then added a restaurant in New Town, and opened another in Williston in March of 2020. Owner Ryan Siegfried said, “There is a niche in Tioga. It is a growing community and has enough going on to support our business.” While others are struggling to find good help in these places, Siegfried said he does not have the same problem. “We are a good employer. We pay well and are flexible. We treat our employees well,” said Siegfried. Tioga’s employees come from Tioga. “There is a mix of staff including a lot of high school kids.”
Hickel said she would like to take the opportunity provided by Watford City Wednesdays and Tioga Thursdays to get more connected with high school students. She wants to get them acquainted with “learning about industries that are hiring, finding and getting a job, and filling out applications,” explained Hickel.
Hickel said she wants the communities to know that they are open to suggestions and that they want to help with any workforce related need the area might have.
The Williston branch of Job Service North Dakota can be reached by phone at 701-774-7900. For more information see the Williston branch website or its Facebook page.
