Amazon announced Monday it is looking to hire for more than 700 positions in Alberta as the company prepares for the launch of three new buildings.
More than 600 full-time associate positions are being hired at Amazon’s new one million-square-foot fulfillment centre in Nisku. These people will responsible for picking, packing and shipping larger customer items, according to a news release from the company.
Full- and part-time associates will also be hired to support Amazon’s new delivery stations in Calgary and Nisku.
Amazon’s Nisku facility is located at the Border Business Park (1440 – 39 Ave.) directly south of Edmonton’s city limit at 41 Avenue SW.
The massive building, which was projected to cost $120 million to build, is the size of 21 football fields.
Amazon said permanent roles within its company come with a wage of at least $16 per hour, as well as a benefits package that starts on Day 1.
“All full-time associates who have worked continuously for a year have access to innovative training and continuing education programs like the company’s Career Choice program, which creates a springboard for employees into a career at Amazon or other companies,” the media release read.
“The company also offers six weeks of parental paid leave and innovative benefits such as Leave Share and Ramp Back, which give new parents flexibility with their growing families.”
Jessica Culo is the owner of Express Employment Professionals, which helps Edmontonians find work.
She said typically after recessions, there is a bounce-back when it comes to companies hiring, but admits the bounce-back amid the COVID-19 pandemic has been a bit slower.
“They’ve got to go full force, lots of volume, with urgency. This time it’s been a slower recovery, more gradual,” she said Monday.
“Since May we’ve seen an increase in trending for hiring administrative, customer service and support roles. That sector was maybe hit hard at the beginning of the pandemic, but it’s also coming back.”
Culo said the number of positions Amazon is looking to hire is significant, considering there’s only been about 1,400 to 1,500 postings for similar jobs in the Edmonton area year to date.
“To add an additional 600 to 700 with one organization, one facility, is significant.”
People will still need to stand out though. Culo said it’s important to be specific yet concise in your application — and not send pages and pages of information to a prospective employer.
“Do your research and know about the organizations you’re applying to. Figure out why you want to work there and make sure you’re clearly articulating that,” she explained.
“Tailor your experience to the position you’re looking to get. Share data, share wins and experiences you have, accomplishments you’ve achieved.
“Where you have the opportunity to upload a document like a resume, I would suggest to do that.”
The job announcement comes as the unemployment rate in Alberta spiked to 15.5 per cent in May from 13.4 per cent in April. The latest job numbers for June are set to be released by Statistics Canada later this week.
Leduc County Mayor Tanni Doblanko said added jobs in the area is a huge positive.
“At a time like this, when the economy is struggling and people are struggling throughout the COVID issue, having the opportunity to look for new jobs, well-paying jobs right here in the county is one of the best news stories we’ve had in a long time.”
Anyone applying for the Amazon jobs must be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or the equivalent. Candidates can learn more and apply online for the jobs in the Edmonton area and Calgary area.