Local

Low unemployment leaves essential jobs vacant in St. Johns County

Workers are in high demand in St. Johns County where a low unemployment rate appears to be leaving essential jobs vacant.

Mindy Foster lives in the area.

On Tuesday, she told Action News Jax, “They have to open five schools in the next five years just to handle the influx of people moving here.”

TRENDING: 

The population just topped 250,000 according to Karen Everett with the St.Johns County Chamber of Commerce.

“The unemployment in St.Johns County is very low. In fact, the most recent stat is 2.8%, which is one of the lowest unemployment rates in the state of Florida,” she said.

Everett explained, more people at work is the reason more sings are posted for jobs.

The St.Johns County School District had a sign posted on a bus along I-95 Tuesday, announcing the need for drivers.

According to the sign, it is offering $1,000 bonuses for those who sign on with the district.

“We are seeing employers look at nontraditional workers to expand their workforce so that’s a good thing,” said Everett.

STAY UPDATED: Download the Action News Jax app for live updates on breaking stories

Download WJAX Apps

She also said garbage collection companies, manufacturers and hotels are experiencing the same employment gap.

Foster believed it was another symptom of expansion.

“That’s what makes the world go round," she said. "I mean, without them, a lot of things wouldn’t get done so absolutely that’s important."

The St. Johns County School District said it had 11 spots open for school bus drivers as of Tuesday.

Click here for more information.