Now Hiring: Work In Loudoun this summer and beyond

Looking for a summer job? Thousands of high-paying seasonal jobs and long-term employment opportunities are currently open with Loudoun businesses, just as COVID-19 mitigation measures have been lifted across the Commonwealth.

Search the largest collection of publicly listed positions at Biz.Loudoun.gov/LoudounJobs.

Loudoun Economic Development offers a suite of services through its Work In Loudoun initiative that is designed to connect existing and prospective businesses with the region’s workforce. While the summer campaign is focusing on seasonal employment that might be best suited for students, teachers, or someone re-entering the workforce, thousands of opportunities exist for long-term employment as well.

“Behind every successful business is a staff of dedicated employees, and Loudoun businesses have positions available across all disciplines and industries right now. There has never been a better time for jobseekers to find work, with many businesses paying well above minimum wage to attract talent,” Loudoun Economic Development Executive Director Buddy Rizer said. “As we move past COVID-19, we welcome anyone who wants to be part of the #LoudounPossible economic recovery.”

One such jobseeker is Joseph Sandusky-Valverde, who recently graduated from Virginia Tech’s Blacksburg campus with an associate’s degree in Agricultural Technology. After growing up on a coffee farm in Costa Rica, he is excited to combine his real-world experience with best practices and technology that decrease costs and increase sustainability.

“Farming is one of the world’s oldest professions, but it remains ripe for innovation,” Sandusky-Valverde said. “I’m excited to find a job where I can get my hands dirty, learn from the existing farmers and pass along the latest trends they should consider.”

Early in the pandemic, many Loudoun farms actually saw a boost in sales as consumers stayed clear of grocery stores, choosing instead to buy directly from farms, roadside stands, and markets. Loudoun consumers also supported the equine industry in record numbers as a means of outdoor leisure.

Now, as farms look to carry that momentum out of the pandemic, they are limited by the amount of help that they have.

“Agriculture is a labor-intensive industry that can only be mechanized or automated to a certain point. We’re hearing from a number of Loudoun farmers that are telling us that food will go to waste in the field this year unless they can hire more help,” Loudoun Business Development Officer for Agriculture and Business Services John Magistro explained. “For anyone looking to spend the summer outdoors, farming in Loudoun is the perfect way to feel good and do good for your community.”

Elsewhere in the economy, a recent survey conducted by the Virginia Restaurant Lodging and Travel Association survey showed that 83 percent of Virginia restaurants are hiring, and 84 percent of restaurants are currently understaffed.

At a time when Virginia’s minimum wage was just raised to $9.50 and will reach $11 per hour by January, businesses like Ford’s Fish Shack are starting cooks at $17-$19 per hour. Waiters are making closer to $30 per hour with wages and tips.

“After a prolonged time apart, people are ready to spend time together in public again. That’s good news for restaurants and retail, but they can’t expand their hours to meet demand unless they have the staff to keep the lights on,” Loudoun Workforce Development Manager Nancy Evanko said. “Even if you can only commit to a part-time, evening, or weekend shift, your participation is a win for everyone as we embrace the new normal.”