An Open Discussion About Available Job Vacancies with City of Ft Walton Beach

Welcome back to the Let’s Talk Podcast, where we keep Northwest Floridians connected with local leaders! In our latest episode, hosts Schuyler Black and Bobby Dewrell engaged with Chief Jeremy Morgan from the Fort Walton Beach Fire Department and Tarey Franxman and Craig Vinson from the City of Fort Walton Beach HR department. They discussed the city’s current job vacancies, recruitment challenges, and the importance of community support.

A Heartfelt Thank You to Local Heroes

Bobby opened the podcast with a personal shout-out to Chief Morgan and the Fort Walton Beach Fire Department. After his mother experienced a slip and fall, Chief Morgan ensured that the fire department promptly assisted her, showcasing the dedication of local first responders. This kind of community support is invaluable and highlights the importance of having reliable emergency services.

Job Vacancies in Fort Walton Beach

Current Openings

Terry Franksman shared that the City of Fort Walton Beach faces challenges in filling various positions across multiple departments. With approximately 20 open positions, the city is looking for qualified candidates in areas such as:

• Public Works and Utilities: Positions include engineers, service workers, meter readers, and heavy equipment mechanics.
• Finance Department: Openings for a purchasing manager and staff accounting roles.
• Recreation Department: Opportunities at the golf course, including maintenance foreman and service worker positions.

The Recruitment Challenge

Craig Vinson discussed the ongoing struggle to find qualified applicants. The HR team has noticed a trend of candidates not showing up for scheduled interviews, which is a growing concern across various sectors. This issue is not unique to Fort Walton Beach, as many agencies nationwide are experiencing similar recruitment challenges.

Benefits of Working for the City

Despite these challenges, the City of Fort Walton Beach offers competitive benefits that make it an attractive place to work, including:

• Comprehensive insurance packages
• Paid holidays and leave
• Employee appreciation events, such as field days

Terry emphasized the city’s commitment to valuing its employees and contributing to a positive work environment.

Opportunities in Public Safety

Chief Morgan highlighted the need for recruits in the fire department. With many firefighters nearing retirement, trainee positions are available for those interested in pursuing a career in public safety. Key points include:

• Paid training for candidates who are accepted into the fire academy.
• Competitive shifts: 48 hours on, followed by 96 hours off.
• Opportunities for ongoing education and advancement within the department.

Conclusion: Join the Fort Walton Beach Team

If you’re interested in making a difference in your community, consider applying for one of the many available positions with the City of Fort Walton Beach. Whether you’re looking for a blue-collar job or an office role, everyone has opportunities.

For more information on job openings, benefits, and the application process, visit the City of Fort Walton Beach’s official website at fwb.org.

Thank you for tuning in to the Let’s Talk Podcast! Stay connected with us for more insights and discussions about our local community.

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