Some businesses offered competitive wages and benefits packages. Others sweetened the offer with a cash bonus and flexible schedules. But all 18 Midcoast businesses at a June 15 Boothbay Harbor job fair searched for the same commodity: Labor. This spring’s labor shortage has left many businesses in desperate need of workers. Boothbay Harbor Region Chamber of Commerce sponsored the job fair at Boothbay Region YMCA in an attempt to match employers with prospective employees. 

In the first 90 minutes, job seekers numbered in the low single digits. Murray Pearce of Newcastle is already employed, but was one of the few seeking a new job. “I can do a number of things, and I’m looking for a job I might enjoy more. This is a good market for workers so that’s why I came,” he said. And Pearce is right. Many of the businesses offered an attractive package of incentives to entice more workers. Vacassa is an international vacation rental management company based in Portland, Oregon and manages properties in 34 states. In Midcoast Maine, Vacassa has 14 housekeeping jobs available. Vacassa pays $25 an hour along with a $500 hiring bonus. “You can work as many hours as you want,” said Local Field Operations Manager Shawn Cusumano. “You start out around 8:30 a.m. gathering your cleaning supplies and begin housekeeping an hour later. When you finish one home, you can do another.” 

The fair had a variety of professional, skilled and labor-related jobs. Lincoln County Sheriff’s Department lacks four full-time deputies. Sgt. Jared Mitkus was one of two department representatives manning a booth. Mitkus has over 18 years’ experience in law enforcement. For him, law enforcement isn’t a job, it’s a career. “It’s the most rewarding job you could ask for,” he said. “Every single day is different, and you have no idea what the day brings.”

Det. Ryan Chubbuck has worked for the department for seven years. Like Mitkus, he studied law enforcement in college. He also believes law enforcement is a rewarding career. The department offers $46,654 starting pay and up to $16,000 bonus for experienced law enforcement officers. Despite offering a professional career with competitive pay and benefits, the sheriff’s department hasn’t had a full roster for a couple years. “It’s a great career. It’s tougher now to attract more deputies because of the negative stuff in the media, but I love coming to work every day,” he said. 

Maine Health has over 100 jobs available in its Midcoast facilities. Janine Garceau is Maine Health’s talent acquisition partner. She attended the fair to describe the open jobs. They ranged from housekeeping to nursing. Lincoln Health is also offering a $1,000 hiring bonus after a worker completes six months of service. “There are many positions locally at Saint Andrews Village, urgent care and Lincoln Health. We need full-time, part-time, per diem, you name it,” she said. 

Reny’s is looking to fill 10 vacant Midcoast jobs. Regional Supervisor Sabrina Ivory attended the fair recruiting for an open manager trainee position, warehouse worker, content creator and marketing director. She reported the labor shortage predated the pandemic. “It’s always a struggle to find the right person who wants to work,” she said. Reny’s doesn't offer a hiring bonus, but a $100 gift card is available to a vaccinated new employee. 

Reed & Reed Construction of Woolwich is completing work on the Barters Island Bridge which is one of 60 current Maine projects. Recruiter Todd Gilley said his job is especially challenging due to the need for highly skilled workers. “We have several entry level positions available, too. This is a great way to get your foot in the door,” he said. “We also offer apprenticeship programs and a partnership with Kennebec Valley Community College’s welding program.”

Washburn & Doughty also needs highly skilled workers. Director of Human Services Sara Morin represented the business at the fair. She reported the ship builder especially needs welders and electricians. “This has been one of the hardest years ever. Our pay is up and competitive. In recent years, we have hired a couple of community school graduates and we would love to see more high schools focus on these programs,” Morin said. 

In Boothbay Harbor, Fuller Marine Service and Harbor Bait both have the help wanted sign out. Jeanne Fuller represented both businesses at the fair. As the maritime season enters full swing, she reported business is picking up. Both businesses have received several applicants, but still have openings. “The problem is when we call them back, there is no response,” Fuller said. 

Hannaford is seeking seasonal, part-time and full-time employees. Evening Operations Manager Chuck Cunningham reports the supermarket has added several seasonal employees, but still needs 30 more workers. He represented Hannaford along with Associate Relations Manager Beth Hardwick at the fair. When asked about the fair’s low turnout, he responded, “Even if we leave here with one more employee, then it was worth it.”