A new Temporary Staffing Pool program will help the City of Garland save money, while continuing to be a source of short-term employment opportunities: two important actions in the midst of a nationwide economic downturn.
 
The City has created two temporary staffing pools—one which consists of former/retired City of Garland employees and another for the general citizenry.  These temporary staffing pools will help various City Departments fulfill their goals to deliver both cost effective and efficient services to citizens while maintaining timely and responsive operations.  The work performed by temporary employees may be seasonal, part-time, or intermittent.  Work assignments may range from general labor to technical to administrative to professional, depending on the various needs identified by the department.
 
City Manager Bill Dollar says, “This program is a win-win for City government efficiency and citizens in need of employment opportunities.  We will see an immediate cost savings by minimizing fees paid to temporary employment agencies.”
 
“The Retiree Temporary Staffing Pool is beneficial in that it reduces the transition time from initial hire to work productivity as training time is minimized.  We have heard from many of our recent retirees that they are interested in part-time employment opportunities,” says Priscilla Wilson, Senior Managing Director Human Resources. 
 
Temporary employees may receive benefits ranging from competitive pay based on their skills and experience, payment at time and a half when working on a scheduled City holiday and priority consideration when full-time positions become available.
 
Retired City employees who return in a temporary capacity may receive benefits that include competitive compensation, up to 4 hours of holiday pay for standard holidays that occur during a scheduled work week and the ability to earn “flex dollars” toward payment of retiree health insurance premiums.  Retirees will enjoy these benefits without having an adverse impact on their pension payments.
 
“I think it’s beneficial for everyone involved,” says Loren Smith, who retired from the City’s IT department in 2007 after 26 years of service.  “Retirees bring with them valuable knowledge and experience and at the same time benefit from the opportunity to earn extra income.  That can make a tremendous difference in a tough economy.”
 
To apply, candidates may go to the City of Garland website www.ci.garland.tx.us  and complete an on-line application for either the retiree temp pool or the general temp pool found in the job opportunities/job listing.  Approved applications will be added to the pool and candidates may be contacted as City departments have needs. 
 
For more information, email hrrecruitment@ci.garland.tx.us or call 972-205-2475.