Puget Sound Naval Shipyard and Intermediate Maintenance Facility announced last week that it plans to hire 850 employees to fill entry level positions.

According to Darcy Jenne, deputy public affairs officer for the shipyard, the jobs will be posted next week at www.USAJOBS.gov.

“Puget Sound Naval Shipyard and Intermediate Maintenance Facility is hiring to accommodate a growing future workload and to maintain a highly trained and qualified staff,” said Jenne. “We are hiring based on the increasing workload (anticipated) over the next several years across the command. Hiring the workforce now allows us to have a highly trained and qualified workforce in the right place and (at) the right time.”

Although she was not specify about whether the hiring is related to the USS Nimitz coming to the shipyard for maintenance beginning in January, she said the shipyard was planning for work beyond 2015.

To help applicants prepare for the announcement, the command’s African American and Hispanic Employee Resource Groups are reaching out to the local community to provide tips on resume writing, interview skills and how to navigate USAJOBS.gov. An event will be Dec. 6 from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. at Bethlehem Baptist Church, 4818 E. Portland Ave., Tacoma. The event is free and open to the public.

WorkSource Kitsap has also scheduled sessions to help potential applicants learn how to negotiate USAJobs on Dec. 5 and 9. The sessions will begin at 1:30 p.m. at the WorkSource Kitsap office at 1300 Sylvan Way in Bremerton.

Registration is required at www.wa.gov/esd/EventCalendars/kitsap.htm.

This is the third recent recruitment for the shipyard which hired about 800 employees in March of this year. Prior to that, the shipyard hired 1,073 in September 2013. The current employment at the shipyard is close to 12,000, which it the most in years.

Helpers work full time at the shipyard and can attend classes on their own time to get ahead. About 85 percent of incoming apprentices begin at helpers. Starting pay is $15.27. Positions include many of the production trades such as electricians.

Helpers participate in a one-year development program that advances them from WG-01 class to WG-05 class.

Applicants need to be U.S. citizens, 18 years or older and able to pass a security check and a physical fitness test. Jobs include paid tuition, health and life insurance, retirement plan, vacation,sick leave and holidays.

PSNS & IMF is Washington State’s second largest industrial employer offering federal government civilian jobs.

Rep. Derek Kilmer, D-Bremerton, released the following statement on Nov. 25 after the shipyard announced it will hire 850 entry-level workers.

“A growing workforce at our shipyard boosts a growing middle-class in our community,” Kilmer said. “This announcement is a great opportunity for folks looking to learn new skills and build a career while earning a quality wage. It’s good news for veterans and service members transitioning to civilian life and looking for a job that builds on their experiences serving on our behalf too.

“A thriving shipyard also provides jobs that give workers a chance to support critical Naval missions and at the same time helps local small businesses expand. I’ll keep fighting to ensure our shipyard workforce has the support it needs to continue creating quality opportunities for our region.”