Published: April 14, 2009 09:25 pm      

Federal prison hiring

WELCH — Hiring for the new federal prison in McDowell County will begin this month, according to U.S. Sen. Jay Rockefeller, D-W.Va.

Rockefeller said job postings for the prison can be found at www.usajobs.com starting this month. Rockefeller said residents can also contact the Region 1 Workforce West Virginia office in Princeton, which is assisting with the hiring process.

“This federal prison is a big economic boost for our region, bringing jobs and generating revenue right here in southern West Virginia,” Rockefeller said in a press release. “I fought hard to bring this prison to McDowell County, together with Senator Byrd and Congressman Rahall and many dedicated local officials, and we are all so proud to see these jobs here.”

Rockefeller said the creation of new jobs will help in tough economic times.

“Families are struggling to make ends meet in a tough economy, and this influx of job opportunities and revenues will mean a great deal,” Rockefeller said.

Rockefeller said the construction and management of the $224 million prison will require about 500 jobs, including cooks, supervisors, medical doctors, dentists, nurses, recreation specialists, teachers, accountants, secretaries, facility management positions, warehouse supervisors and correctional officers.

Workforce West Virginia will be assisting with the prison hiring, Melissa Aguilar, executive director of Region 1 Workforce West Virginia, said.

“Those won’t be small wage jobs,” Aguilar said. “Those will be good paying jobs. But there are several characteristics they have to be to get that job. They have to be drug free. Two they have to pass a good credit check. And thirdly they must be willing right now to get the training they need.”

Agulilar said the hiring process will begin later this month for the federal prison.

The prison is being constructed at the Indian Ridge Industrial Park in Welch. It is located near the mountainous borders of McDowell and Wyoming counties. Rockefeller said the construction is expected to be finished later this year.

— Contact Charles Owens at cowens@bdtonline.com