Media Contact: Laura Byrnes, APR, CPRC
Communications Manager
Direct: 352.291.9559 Mobile: 352.816.1264
[email protected]
OCALA, Fla. (July 16, 2021) – The agriculture-rich workforce regions of CareerSource Citrus Levy Marion, CareerSource North Central Florida and CareerSource Florida Crown have teamed up to hold an Agriculture Job Fair on July 28 from 2-5 p.m. at locations throughout each region.
CareerSource CLM’s job fair takes place at the World Equestrian Center at 1390 NW 80th Ave., in Ocala. The CareerSource North Central Florida event will be at the Alachua Agricultural and Equestrian Center at 23100 W. Newberry Road in Newberry and CareerSource Florida Crown will hold the job fair at the region’s career center at 25811 SE Hwy 19 in Old Town.
On any given day across the nine-county area, there are more than 10,300 workers employed by 2,100 farms, ranches and agribusinesses. Combined, the three regions raise nearly $600 million annually in field crops, and forestry and livestock products.
According to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, as of 2019 there are 47,400 farms and ranches throughout the state.
“Agribusiness is definitely on the grow, not only in our region but in neighboring regions as well,” said Cathy Galica, CareerSource CLM business development manager. “From blueberries to poultry and cattle to Thoroughbred (horses) and ponies, it is an industry with deep roots and a lot of promise for those seeking employment.”
The job fair takes place both in person as well as virtually which, Galica said, offers candidates the ability to check out opportunities outside their area and apply for jobs without having to travel to the other regions.
To date, the following local businesses plan to take part: Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Katya Vineyards (Ocala) Scherer Quality Farms (Morriston), Williston Peanuts, Inc. (Williston), Woerner Farms (Bronson), and World Equestrian Center (Ocala).
Galica said that while the job fair is ideal for those with farm or ranch experience, “there are plenty of great career opportunities in agribusiness that cover a wide variety of occupations.”
“WEC, for example, has scores of openings for just about everything, including HR director, sous chefs, food and beverage supervisors, cashiers, bartenders, security officers, line cooks, chief engineers, housekeepers, hosts and payroll managers,” she said. “And that barely scratches the surface.”
Candidates are asked to register prior to the event at bit.ly/AGjobfair. For more information, as well as updates on participating businesses and the registration link, check the calendar at careersourceclm.com.
Those interested in attending should bring printed copies of their resume, dress professionally, and be prepared for on-the-spot job interviews. Also, for the safety of businesses, job seekers, and staff, masks will be required of all attendees.
Candidates interested in updating their resume, preparing a 30-second “elevator speech”’ or sharpening interview skills are encouraged to visit one of CareerSource CLM’s career centers for fee-free assistance. The centers are located at 2703 NE 14th St., Ocala; 683 S. Adolph Point, Lecanto; and 2175 NW 11th Dr., Chiefland.
For more information, call 800-434-5627.
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CareerSource Citrus Levy Marion is an equal opportunity employer/program supported by the U.S. Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and other agencies as part of awards totaling $8.7 million (revised annually). Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities and in Spanish. All voice telephone numbers may be reached using TTY/TDD equipment via the Florida Relay Service at 711. For accommodations, call 800-434-5627, ext. 7878 or mail [email protected]. CareerSource CLM is a proud partner of the American Job Center network and member of CareerSource Florida.