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20,000 Job Vacancies in ND | Russell T. Rudy Energy LLC

CNN Money reports that the shortage of workers in North Dakota is so acute that Hess and the North Dakota Economic Development Foundation are joining forces to fill 20,000 jobs in the Peace Garden State.  The economic boom which has been fueled by the Bakken Shale has resulted in thousands of job seekers flocking to the state, but there are still far more jobs to be filled than applicants.  Openings range from oil field workers to truck drivers, receptionists, and food servers.

This public/private initiative has budgeted $800,000 to target potential employees in states with chronic unemployment, as well as workers with critical skills such as engineers, health care providers, skilled tradesmen, transportation workers and information technology professionals.

Over the last few years, the influx of workers to the Northwest corner of the state has caused a severe housing shortage.  Home prices in Williston, the epicenter of the oil boom, have tripled and apartment rents are the highest in the nation.

While many new comers are making six figure salaries, they are essentially homeless, living in their cars, basements, RV’s and even churches.  Crime has skyrocketed, traffic is grueling and restaurants and retailers struggle to keep up with demand.  Accordingly, prices and wait times have increased significantly.

Wind chills reaching 50 below have not helped recruiting efforts either.

To read the article in its entirety, please go to http://money.cnn.com/2014/03/18/pf/north-dakota-jobs/index.html