City of Yuma offers new hiring incentives

As the city of Yuma grows, so does the need for more city employees; however, it has become a challenge to fill positions in certain city departments.

The City of Yuma has implemented new incentives to hire more people that can fulfill various special projects.

The utilities department at the city is one of the areas that is struggling the most.

Greg Wilkinson, c ity administrator said, “There’s just a nationwide shortage, you know the qualifications that you have to have in order to move up the ladder, they aren’t easy tests.”

Certain tests and certifications are required in order to work at a water or waste plant and unless there is a certified supervisor, the city cannot run a plant.

In order to encourage staff to pass these tests and certifications, the city has begun implementing incentives.

The several certification levels within these positions provide additional responsibilities as the levels increase.

If a person is to pass a test or certification, they are able to be paid by their certificate level and not by a salary-linked position.

This is different from the old process where a person could only be promoted if that position was open.

In addition to trouble hiring in the utilities department, the Police Department is also struggling to hire officers to fill the openings.

Law enforcement around the country is experiencing shortages, “the pool is not as big as it used to be,” said Wilkinson.

The city used to hire law enforcement officers on a bulk basis but has now changed to focus on smaller groups.

To combat this, the city is now offering relocation allowances and incentives for city employees who recruit a person to join the force.

“We have a full-time recruiter and we are going on an individual basis now,” said Wilkinson.

If the city gets one qualified candidate that makes it through testing, they will sign them and bring them in as a cadet.

Public service technicians and dispatchers are also positions available through the Police Department.

The city is hoping to encourage dispatchers with part-time positions, and by working with Arizona Western College to make their curriculum better.

City employees are also being used as recruiters who can get a $500 bonus if the person they suggest makes it through the hiring process for those departments.

If you are interested in applying for these positions, you can visit yumaaz.gov to find openings.