Help Wanted: Fargo Strains to Fill Jobs

[The Straight Story]

North Dakota boasted a 3.9% average unemployment rate in 2010, the Labor Dept. said Friday, the third consecutive year the state has notched the lowest rate in the nation, or tied for it.

After such bulletins, North Dakota staffing agencies often are flooded with calls from out-of-staters looking to work there. Yet, few of those conversations translate into hires.

As the U.S. struggles with 9% unemployment, many companies in North Dakota are struggling to find workers and recast a reputation that some local officials blame on cold weather and a bad image stemming from "Fargo," an Oscar winner with the tagline: "A lot can happen in the middle of nowhere." (Most of the 1996 movie actually was set in Minnesota, locals are quick to point out.)


"It's not easy finding a candidate from the coasts who wants to move here," says David Dietz, vice president of Fargo staffing firm Preference Personnel Inc., which is trying to fill more than 80 positions. Three years ago a technology-sales vacancy—a typical Preference assignment to fill—would have had a maximum base salary of about $50,000; now that position will top out at $65,000, Mr. Dietz says.

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703803904576152630710927512.html?mod=WSJ_article_LatestHeadlines

[rfranklin]

1. They always highlight the horseshit exception...

I can guarantee that most of the jobs available do not pay anywhere near $65,000.

[bbinacan]

3. I don't know but these

seem like good paying jobs.

"Most acutely needed: doctors, nurses and other health-care workers, as well as salespeople, from retail clerks to insurance agents. The western part of North Dakota, in the midst of an oil boom, is desperate for welders and engineers. Even truck drivers, who posted nearly 11% unemployment in 2010 nationally, are hard to find."


:shrug:

[eilen]

6. You need your Bachelor's degree to get a nursing license in

North Dakota. nt

[bbinacan]

9. So? n/t

[eilen]

14. It is the only state to require a BSN for RN license

That may be a factor in their RN shortage as other states also have an RN shortage. BSN RN's in other states have a higher range of options as they are directed towards management and administration rather than floor or staff nursing.

There is higher barrier to entry there.

[mascarax]

2. Thought I read months ago housing is a problem in ND

That ND had jobs, especially lower paying, but no housing. Trailer parks were full, and people who got jobs were shacking up with others, renting motel rooms, or leaving.

Maybe the situation has changed or not as bad in Fargo?

[mainer]

4. That's what I read, too.

They're scrambling to build housing for needed workers.

[Drahthaardogs]

7. Yes, typical of a boom state

ND is in a huge oil and gas boom. I have lived through a few of them. Housing costs will double or even triple overnight. Cities made to hold 1000 people will soon be tasked to accomodate 3000. You would think that services would follow, but they don't. All new businesses are those related to oil and gas with very little infrastructure. It is crazy.

[bbinacan]

10. I guess it's kind of

like the gold and silver mining camps of the 1800s.

[glinda]

5. Fracking jobs.

[Ikonoklast]

8. Ever been to Fargo in the dead of winter?

Money ain't everything, lemme tell ya.

[bbinacan]

11. Money isn't everything

but surviving is. No job and on the streets vs. a good job in a warm home in cold ass Fargo? Plus, if the job in Fargo allows you to save for retirement and get off the gov't tab, all the better. I'd take Fargo in a minute.

[taught_me_patience]

12. Life is way too short to live somewhere

for the sake of work.

[bbinacan]

13. I tend to agree

as long as you make it work where you are. I couldn't and left my beloved North Carolina. In 3 years, I've made a $150,000 turn around. My CC debts are gone, am saving money, and accelerating my mortgage payments. Even though SW PA. wouldn't be my first choice, there are nice reasons to live here. If you can't make it there, then move. I don't want to subsidize you.