Local Job Fair to Highlight Opportunities at Petco Olam and Zia Natural Gas

A significant focus of the recent Las Cruces City Council meeting was the ongoing job opportunities in the area, highlighted by various local businesses seeking to fill multiple positions. Petco is hiring sales associates starting at $14 an hour, while Olam Spices is looking for general laborers and a mid-shift forklift operator. Zia Natural Gas has seven openings with a starting wage of $19 an hour, and MBT Holdings is seeking a controller for financial operations with a salary of $82,000 per year.

In addition to job openings, the council discussed upcoming community events aimed at enhancing job readiness and youth engagement. The monthly Community of Hope job readiness event will take place at the soup kitchen, providing resources for job seekers. Furthermore, a youth health industry forum at Gadsden ISD aims to guide students interested in pursuing careers in the health sector.

The meeting also featured a segment on pet adoption, with Carol Nielsen from the Bridal Services Center of the Mesilla Valley introducing the "pets of the week." Claire, a playful dog, and Goblin, a cat, were highlighted as available for adoption, with a call to the community to consider adopting long-term residents at reduced costs.

Public participation included comments from residents addressing recent council behavior and community concerns. Lori English expressed her support for Chief Story, urging respect for his contributions to the community amid criticism. Lucas Hearn raised alarms about recent federal actions in the area, describing unsettling encounters with unmarked law enforcement.

The meeting underscored the city's commitment to job creation, community engagement, and addressing public concerns, setting the stage for future discussions and initiatives.