Kansas City looking to hire former federal employees

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) - On Tuesday, Kansas City held an information and resource fair for former federal employees and displaced workers. Several city departments, from KC Water to KC Aviation, had set up booths, with representatives able to discuss open positions and inquiries.

“It was really important for us to have this event, simply because these are our federal friends, right?” said LaToya Black, a talent acquisition manager for Kansas City. “They are right down the street, part of our community, they are part of our city. We want to be able to help them in any way that we can.”

Black added those who attended were able to create s and apply for jobs on computers the city set up at the fair as well.

“If they want to peruse the jobs later and apply, they can,” said Black. “We have recruiters here reviewing their resumes to let them know how their skills can translate over to city.”

With resumes in hand, several former federal employees, like Bret McSpadden, were able to go booth to booth, asking questions.

“I am interested in what’s going on in Kansas City and the job opportunities here,” said McSpadden. “I say Mayor Lucas had put a call out to federal employees that they are looking to hire them.”

McSpadden was a subcontractor with USAID, a position he held for 15 years before the agency was dismantled.

“I was on a project working on water, sanitation, and hygiene finance,” said McSpadden. “I think it’s been really disheartening to see my whole career dissolve in front of my eyes. To see a city welcoming federal employees and opportunities to grow here in Kansas City, where I’m originally from, is a really positive thing.”

Black says this gives former federal employees a chance to continue serving their community.

“Public sector transfers great to public sector,” said Black. “Pay is ok compared to the private sector, but it’s more so about the people. State employees are in it for their state, federal employees are in it for their country, and we are specialized in Kansas City. Kansas City is such a special place. We’re growing like crazy if you hadn’t noticed, which means us as a municipal government is growing like crazy. We have so many different initiatives, so many things coming about, it’s very important. This is the same ideology coming over, and this time you get to see the impact exactly where you live.”

After working on a variety of projects with USAID, McSpadden says he brings a lot to the table and is excited to see what positions Kansas City has to offer.

“I’ve done finance, operations, communications, knowledge management, learning in a variety of roles, and I’ve worked in challenging context,” said McSpadden. “I’ve worked in East Africa, Southern Africa mainly, with a lot of experience in Asia, Latin America, and with Oceana. I think in those areas, things sometimes don’t work as expected, but we find ways to get things done. I hope to bring that experience to my next opportunity.”

For those who weren’t able to come to the fair on Tuesday, Black says all their open positions are on the city’s website. She says Kansas City will also be holding a hiring fair July 19.

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