BEND, OR -- With near record-low unemployment, Bend-La Pine Schools - like nearly every other company in town - is struggling to fill job openings for the upcoming school year.

The district’s Executive Director of Operations Terry Cashman says a series of job fairs is focusing on positions like full and part-time custodial staff. "We also have great opportunities for those people who want to work in our Nutrition Services department," Cashman tells KBND News, "These ones are part time jobs that are fantastic jobs for those parents who want to work while their kids are in school, seniors who want to work a few hours, students." He adds, "There’s career growth in both of those, but that’s what we’re looking for right now. Not only is it really fun, rewarding work, but the impact you make is so huge. A lot of times, people have jobs. But this is a career where you will be making a difference every day."

Job fairs are every Thursday through August 18th at Bend High, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Cashman says attendees can drive a giant floor scrubber around an obstacle course, tour the district’s production kitchen, and take home fresh produce from the local farmers market, pizza and drinks are also provided.