Kansas City Area Job Lead

February 1st, 2012

Merchandising Specialist – Lawrence, KS – 1200242

Job Description:

DESCRIPTION/RESPONSIBILITIES: SUMMARY STATEMENT: The Part Time Merchandising Specialist is responsible for stocking and zoning product, maintaining account aesthetics and may involve processing product returns. Daily communication and follow-up with the Sales Representative is expected. TYPE OF SUPERVISION RECEIVED: This Part Time position is under the supervision of the District Sales Manager and is given direction from the Sales Representative. JOB REQUIREMENTS AND DUTIES: including but not limited to the following: * Maintain account aesthetics (zoning, alphabetizing, maintain modular integrity). * Responsible  for setting product to plan-o-gram, perform resets, POP placement, inventory counts, and moving product from the stock room to the Sales floor. * Maintain excellent rapport with store personnel. * Communicate to the Sales Representative on a daily basis as to all activities accomplished as well as any Sales opportunities. * Work flexible Shifts (am or pm) based on store requirements and needs. * Work a minimum of one 4-hour weekend Shift based on store requirements. * Other duties as assigned.

Specific Skill Requirements and Essential Job Functions:

REQUIRED SKILLS: PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: including, but not limited to the following: * Must be able to lift objects and product up to a maximum of 50 lbs with frequent lifting and/or carrying of objects/products up to 35 lbs. * Work could be performed while sitting, standing or walking. * Work performed will entail fine manipulation of hands and/or fingers, as well as repetitive had action. It will additionally entail bending, twisting, squatting and climbing, as well as upper and lower body mobility. * Work is based on store requirements and could include flexible Shifts (am or pm). * A minimum of one 4-hour weekend Shift as based on store requirements is expected to be worked. * Valid driver’s License is required as travel to additional locations may be necessary * Automobile liability insurance is required to be maintained. COMPETENCIES: * To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies to perform the essential functions of this position: * Problem solving – the individual identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner, gathers and analyzes information skillfully and maintains confidentiality. * Interpersonal skills – the individual maintains confidentiality, remains open to others’ ideas and exhibits willingness to try new things * Oral Communication

- the individual speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations. * Written Communication – the individual edits work for spelling and grammar, presents numerical data effectively and is able to read and interpret written information. * Quality Control – the individual demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness and monitors own work to ensure quality. * Planning/Organizing – the individual prioritizes and plans work activities and uses time efficiently. * Adaptability – the individual adapts to changes in the work environment, manages competing demands and is able to deal with frequent change, delays or unexpected events. * Dependability – the individual is consistently at work and on time, follows instructions, responds to management direction and solicits feedback to improve.

Anderson Merchandisers:

Find out why Walmart, the nation’s leading retailer, partners with Anderson Merchandisers to connect their brands to America’s shoppers. Anderson Merchandisers  delivers more than a merchandising service; it delivers the best entertainment experiences for America’s shoppers to help your product stand out from the crowd in an ever-changing marketplace. If you need a merchandising or marketing plan for distribution, marketing, and sales built on solid experience in preparation, execution, and analysis, you need Anderson Merchandisers.

Job Information Created                                 January 28, 2012

Last Updated                                 January 29, 2012

Job Order ID Number: 8624229

Job Location                                 lawrence, KS 66044

Type of Employment                               Regular, Part-time Shift                                 Rotating

Hours per Week: 10-19

Overtime Available                                 No

Overtime Mandatory                               No Available

01/28/2012

Education Required                                 No Educational Requirement

Experience Required                               No experience

CDL Required                                 Class C Endorsements                                 No Info Provided Restrictions                                 No Info Provided

Other Details

Transportation                                Not Accessible by Public Transit

Temporary Position                          No

Travel Required                                No

Relocation                                No

On Job Training                                Not Available

Other Benefits

How to Apply For This Position

To apply for this job, contact KANSASWORKS.com, your local One-Stop or Workforce Center.

Kansas City Area Job Leads (January 2012)

January 31st, 2012

As a service to all Kansas City area job seekers, I will post any job leads I receive from local Human Resources, recruiters, and other reputable sources. Please send contributions to info@kansascitycareerservices.com. Let’s get everyone back to work!

Meg Montford, Executive Career Coach

City of Olathe – 1-30-2012

Police Officers (Job ID:  201200013) – Police – The City of Olathe, Kansas is seeking qualified individuals for employment to enforce local, state and federal laws, to aid citizens, investigate crimes, and enforce traffic regulations.  Qualified candidates must have above average written and verbal communication skills; a High Diploma/GED; be at least 21 years of age; correctable vision to 20/20; and have no commissions/convictions of any felony.  Must pass a written test, physical agility test, oral board interview, polygraph, in depth background investigation, Chief of Police interview, a psychological evaluation, and a pre-employment physical and drug screen. Applicants must reside within a 45 mile radius of the Olathe Police Department within one year of employment date.  Starting Salary:  No previous experience: $38,417; Lateral Officer Starting range: $39,956 – $45,822 based on years of patrol experience.  Top out salary:  $65,228.   Please visit our website at for additional information regarding the hiring process.  Apply online at www.olatheks.org or in Human Resources, City of Olathe, 100 East Santa Fe, Olathe, KS  66061. Application Deadline: 2-24-2012

Aquatic Facility Maintenance Technician (Job ID:  201200012) – Parks & Recreations – Perform scheduled maintenance, installation and repair of complex aquatic electrical, pump/motor and plumbing systems.  Maintain, repair Parks & Recreation infrastructure, support city’s snow removal plan.  Requires four years experience in the maintenance of equipment associated with aquatic systems or similar field.  High school diploma or GED.  Aquatic Facility Operator Certification, or the ability to obtain one within six months of employment. Basic knowledge test will be administered.  Must have a valid driver’s license with a favorable driving record.  Successfully pass a background investigation, pre-employment physical and drug screen.  Salary:  $35,412/yr – $45,400/yr DOQ.  Apply online at www.olatheks.org or in Human Resources, City of Olathe, 100 East Santa Fe, Olathe, Kansas, 66061.  Application Deadline:  2-3-2012

Maintenance Worker II (Job ID:  201200008) – Parks & Recreation – Perform construction, operation, repair and preventative maintenance on park infrastructure.  Ability to operate a variety of equipment and tools such as:  trucks, snowplows, salt spreader, hand tools, power tools, lawn equipment, electronic test meters, pumps, and various other vehicles and equipment.  Requires one year maintenance worker experience, high school diploma or GED.  Basic knowledge test will be administered.  Must have a valid commercial driver’s (CDL) license, class B within six months of employment and able to pass a background investigation, pre-employment physical and drug screen.  Salary:  $30,264/yr – $38,800/yr DOQ.  Apply online at www.olatheks.org or in Human Resources, City of Olathe, 100 East Santa Fe, Olathe, Kansas, 66061.  Application Deadline:  2-3-2012

Division Manager (Job ID:  201100137)  – Fire (Building Codes) – To plan, direct, manage, supervise and oversee the activities and operations of the Building Codes Division of the Fire Department and act as the Chief Building Official for the City of Olathe.  Manage the Codes Administration functions of the City of Olathe, including development of policies and procedures and budget management.  Monitor and evaluate efficiency and effectiveness of the Codes Division’s work plan including assigned projects and programmatic areas.  Requires 8 – 10 yrs of progressive experience in the design, construction and inspection of public, commercial, industrial, and residential buildings, 3 – 5 yrs administrative and supervisory responsibility.  Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.  Major course work in engineering, architecture, construction management, business administration, public administration, or related field.  Possession of Internal Code Council certification as a Certified Building Official.  Master Code Professional, or the ability to obtain this designation once hired.  Salary Range:  $62,556/yr – $80,200/yr DOQ.  Must have a valid driver’s license and able to successfully pass a background investigation, pre-employment physical and drug screen.  Apply online at www.olatheks.org or in Human Resources, City of Olathe, 100 East Santa Fe, Olathe, Kansas, 66061.  Application Deadline:  2-3-2012

Process Engineer (Wastewater) (Job ID:  201100131) – Public Works – Responsible for understanding the cause and effect of wastewater treatment processes and providing engineering expertise and technical guidance to staff. Utilize knowledge of treatment operations and maintenance, process optimization and control, regulatory compliance, and systems to evaluate and develop standard operating procedures and process controls for both water and wastewater treatment facilities. Oversee wastewater treatment processes to ensure federal, state, and local regulatory compliance. Communicate effectively with all levels of staff.  Six or more years of progressive experience in process analyses, operational troubleshooting, and design of water and wastewater treatment processes.  Strong understanding of treatment operations and maintenance, process optimization and control, and regulatory compliance. Hands-on experience with BNR Wastewater Treatment Plant Facilities preferred.  Bachelor of Science degree with major course work in Civil, Mechanical, Chemical, or Environmental Engineering; Master of Science degree preferred.  Possession of a Kansas Professional Engineer Registration.  Salary:  DOQ.  Must have a valid driver’s license and able to pass a background investigation, pre-employment physical, and drug screen.  Apply online at www.olatheks.org or in Human Resources, City of Olathe, 100 East Santa Fe, Olathe, Kansas, 66061.  Application Deadline: Open until filled

Process Engineer (Water Production) (Job ID:  201100133) – Public Works – Responsible for understanding the cause and effect of water treatment processes and providing engineering expertise and technical guidance to staff.  Utilize knowledge of treatment operations and maintenance, process optimization and control, regulatory compliance, and systems to evaluate and develop standard operating procedures and process controls for both water and wastewater treatment facilities. Oversee water treatment processes to ensure federal, state, and local regulatory compliance.  Communicate effectively with all levels of staff.  Six or more years of progressive experience in process analyses, operational troubleshooting, and design of water and wastewater treatment processes.  Strong understanding of treatment operations and maintenance, process optimization and control, and regulatory compliance. Hands-on experience with Membrane Filtration Water Plant Facilities and conventional filtration facilities preferred.  Bachelor of Science degree with major course work in Civil, Mechanical, Chemical, or Environmental Engineering; Master of Science degree preferred. Possession of a Kansas Professional Engineer Registration.  Salary:  DOQ.  Must have a valid driver’s license and able to pass a background investigation, pre-employment physical, and drug screen.  Apply online at www.olatheks.org or in Human Resources, City of Olathe, 100 East Santa Fe, Olathe, Kansas, 66061.  Application Deadline: Open until filled

Change Is Bittersweet – Farewell to Kansas City! Career accolades to all!

January 30th, 2012

Dear Former Clients, Prospects and Friends,

A person’s career path can take one in many directions. It may zig-zag; it may be windy. And it may not be that naturally ascending move-up, as some may desire.

Susan Ashley

With our troubling economy and this recession that has gripped us longer than we wanted, many of us found ourselves in a transition that we did not feel equipped to handle. Some of us remained employed and yet were able to move into another position in another company whether it was a step-up or a lateral move. Some of us landed in a new industry. Some took a few part-time jobs; some took a position lower on the totem pole, until they could find one that was more suited. Some of us were unemployed for months. Some of us moved to another state.

So many stories. All of them extremely important. Thank you to everyone who shared them with me in the last three years. Coaching is a very helpful component in the job search. Looking for the right job can be one of the hardest jobs there is.  Having the support, coaching and mentoring from one or many persons can be instrumental to success. There are no failures; if you experienced some setbacks, then it is a benchmark to your next success.

My husband has been working in Iowa for almost two years, and now it is time for me to join him. I will miss Kansas City; this is my home. Yet I will be back many times -  just a five hour drive from Iowa City to Kansas City.

Career services are services that I personally think are very helpful at every level of one’s career journey. So it is with that belief that I am transferring my business to a well established Executive Career Coach, Meg Montford. Meg offers coaching services and so much more! She will weave Kansas City Career Services into her own brand. Don’t be shy; continue with your inquiries. Please read her intro below.

Most of all: be proactive, keep taking that next positive step after the last, push yourselves, and live the life you want! Thank You, Good Luck and a Happy & Prosperous 2012 to all of you!

Sincerely, Susan Ashley

Meet Meg Montford

Hello Everyone!

With great enthusiasm I introduce myself to you. As a professional career coach and resume writer, I have offered career services to Kansas City area professionals since 1999 when I launched my business, Abilities Enhanced® – an online career services boutique. Over the years I’ve earned several career coaching and resume writing credentials to help me better help you. My “story” is on my main website waiting for you to read.Meg Montford

My hope is to get to know you better over the next few weeks through email messages, telephone conversations, and a get-acquainted complimentary teleconference. But don’t wait for me to contact you! If you currently have career needs, please reach out to me now. My office phone is 816.767.1196 and my direct email address is mailto:meg@abilitiesenhanced.com. Let’s chat!

Change is never easy, whether it’s changing jobs, relocating, or doing a complete career reinvention. Job seekers know that, as I’m sure Susan does, too, as she starts her new life with a new job in a new city. I wish her all the best, as I know you do, too.

Some housekeeping notes: the phone number has been changed to 816.767.1196 at kansascitycareerservices.com and there are a few other changes coming to the website in the near future, so please bear with us as information is updated.

As you and I move forward with this transition, please take a moment to “approve” my email address in your email system. It’s no fun if you miss important emails due to over-zealous junk filters.

I look forward to connecting with you very soon.

Wishing you career success in 2012!

Meg Montford, Executive Career Coach

Break Time

September 27th, 2010

“The time to relax is when you don’t have time for it.”  ~Attributed to both Jim Goodwin and Sydney J. Harris

Careful what we wish for, right? Every entrepreneur longs for success, for their concept to skyrocket and become something to be proud of. We’ve talked about how we all define success differently, and that’s certainly the case, but we still crave success as opposed to failure.

I’m thinking about success again, now, as I scramble to fit all the tasks that need to be done into the day. These past few months have been a blur of activity. Fabulous, productive, positive activity. Still, it sometimes prompts this little voice inside that says ‘now is the time to breathe.’

Because when we’re successful, sometimes we forget to breathe. We get so caught up in the doing that we forget the why behind the activity. So I’ve made a very entrepreneurial decision: I’m taking October off.

Now before you think I’m jetting off to work on my tan on a white sand beach, let me  clarify. I’m still working, organizing and most of all breathing. Just not doing it as publicly through the GUMP It Daily blog as I have been. I need to step back, reassess, and make sure that I am bringing you my A game. So I am giving myself permission to use October to refuel, rebalance and reflect.

As I do this, I’d love to read your feedback. Do you like getting thoughts from me each week, or is monthly more your cup of tea? Are there topics you’d like to explore or have I provided thoughts that have been helpful to you? Email and tell me.

See you in November!

Busy vs Productive

September 20th, 2010

Do you ever stop to notice the words we choose during the day? I’m thinking now about time, and how so many of us say something like “I spend my time…” or “I wasted so much time….”; but I don’t believe I’ve ever heard anyone say “Today I invested my time wisely”.  Why is that?

There is no shortage of advice about leveraging the time we have, and we all know that regardless of our level of success we all start with the same 24 hours each and every day. So why is that some of us get so much  more done than others? I’m going to be bold and say that it’s because productivity is not an accident. It is a conscious, ongoing decision to invest whatever time we have wisely. All too often, we mistake activity for achievement when, in reality, the two could not be more different.

Where does it start? With that decision to stop wasting or spending time and instead deciding where our investment of time will bring the greatest return.  Step one: Prioritize. You can’t do everything at once. Step two: Re-tool your to-do list. Because it’s impossible to map out every single minute of every single day, interruptions and surprises included, consider a weekly to-do list rather than a daily checklist. Constantly review and update, so you can see everything at a glance and choose what you can do that will fit the time you have available.

Try it for a week. Then reassess and see if you’ve gone from running in place to moving forward.

Can you do it alone?

September 13th, 2010

Can you do it alone?

It doesn’t even really matter what “it” is, if it’s important the answer is probably no. Not that we are incapable of action on our own. Rather, acknowledging that we need partners in the journey is a key step to increasing productivity, results and success.

Think about some of the greatest athletes of our time….Michael Jordan, Tiger Woods, Wayne Gretzky.  Crazy talented, skilled and blessed with a discipline that many of us would kill for yet still they all had coaches (coaches–plural). Why? Because even with the most amazing skills we all need a little prodding, encouragement and tough love along the way.

Having a partner who holds you accountable is a key factor in continuing to conquer our greatest goals, both professionally and personally. Think about losing weight; we’re much more likely to trek to the gym at 5 a.m. if we know our workout partner is there waiting. Professionally, we’ll work harder and smarter so as to not disappoint our project partner. There’s something about disappointing ourselves that’s easy; but to disappoint someone else? Unthinkable for most of us.

So why wait for a special project to find a partner in crime? Choose someone you respect, who will have no qualms about being brutally honest when necessary and who isn’t too much of a friend to hurt your feelings. Schedule a 30 minute accountability call once a week to discuss wins, losses and goals and challenge each other for better results the following week. What do you have to lose?

Are you ready to rock?

September 6th, 2010

Rock and roll is commitment. Rock and roll is passion and spirit. ~ Mick Fleetwood

Are you a rock star? The question has nothing to do with whether you can carry a tune or dazzle with a guitar riff. In real life, the question has everything to do with passion and execution.

Don’t we all want to be friends with the rock star? As employers we strive to pack our ranks with rock stars in various capacities and in networking we are smart if we can hang with the rock star. How often, though, do we do what we need to do to be the rock star? Let’s break it down…a rock star has superior talent, can harmonize with the band, has adoring fans, is a leader, and has that certain swagger that sets them apart from the crowd.

Regardless of discipline, becoming a rock star can be boiled down to three key elements: passion for what you do, never-ending hunger for knowledge and improvement and confidence in yourself and your abilities.  Concentrating on what you are really passionate about, being a life-long learner (whether that is through formal sources or simply the school of life) and cultivating belief in yourself will get you one step closer to that spotlight. But there’s one more aspect: execution. Rock stars have to take consistent action and continually execute their vision to retain rock star status.

So, tell me: are you ready to rock?

Time is free, but priceless…

August 30th, 2010

“Time is free, but it’s priceless. You can’t own it, but you can use it. You can’t keep it, but you can spend it. Once you’ve lost it, you can never get it back.” -Harvey Mackay

How often do you find yourself wishing for just a few more hours in the day? Telling yourself that if you just had ‘a little more time’ you’d be able to be more efficient, more accomplished, more successful?

Is it time, though, or direction that you are lacking? If there’s one thing that is certain in life (besides taxes!) it’s that time is finite. We cannot create any more time. What we can do is make sure time is working for us rather than letting it run over us.

One of the most common time wasters is confusing activity with accomplishment. Surely you’ve had days–like I have–where you were incredibly busy but you accomplished nothing of substance. That’s because you confused activity with accomplishment.

Big question becomes, then, how do you accomplish more and give in to activity less? This is where our good friend the list comes in handy. I’m not talking just about your normal ‘to do’ list, but a list of what you want to accomplish today. Do you have one? If not, you should. Write them down, the big things as well as the small ones, and take it with you. The more you can cross off the list, the more you stoke your motivation to keep going!

What’s on your accomplishment list? I’d love to hear about it–shoot me an email and tell me!

Defining Success

August 23rd, 2010

“Success doesn’t come to you; you go to it.”  – Marva Collins

Do you ever feel like you read something and it was written so vaguely that it’s trying to appeal to every single person who might run across it? Think of all the articles and posts you read about success and being ‘successful’. How can someone write about what it takes for me to be successful when they aren’t in my shoes? Do they have any clue what it actually means to me, to be successful? I realize we’re all looking for the same things: happiness, financial stability, love, acceptance. So how can our journeys be so different when we’re working toward the same goals?

It’s because we’re not working towards the same goals. What I define as happiness might be vastly different than what makes you happy. So how do we start on the same level, and speak in a language where we actually understand each other? We start at the beginning and ask ourselves a few questions to define what we really mean.

Question 1: What would I need to be perfectly happy? Write it all down, every little detail, of a life that would make you happy. Think about your family, your finances, your health, your recreation, your love life, your spiritual self, your appearance….write it all down.

Question 2: Where in my life, right now, am I NOT perfectly happy? A little tougher, because this forces you to look at the reality of your life and admit what isn’t working. Start from the time you open your eyes in the morning until your head hits the pillow again at night….write it all down.

Question 3: When I look back over my life, when and where was I the most happy? Write down the circumstances, why you felt happy, who you were with, what you were doing and everything else you can think of about that time. Be honest, look for themes or common threads…..write it all down.

That’s a good start and gives you the knowledge you need to be able to start crafting a life that fits your personal, unique definitions of successful.

Defining Mid-Year Goals

August 16th, 2010

Last week we talked about reassessing those goals that we set at the beginning of the year. While it is important to revisit those goals and see where we stand, I think it’s equally important to dig a bit deeper and consider why we set those goals in the first place.

Take a look at them. Are they wants or shoulds? There is a huge difference, especially when it comes to motivation. Consider the vast difference between these two statements:

“I should lose 30 pounds this year” and “I want to lose 30 pounds this year”.

Which one do you think has a head start? Of course, when you WANT to do something you work at it more diligently than if you feel like you should do something. Let’s take that a step further and define the motivation a bit more clearly:

“I want to lose 30 pounds this year because I will feel more energetic, sleep better and fit into my skinny jeans.”

Listing the specific reasons why you are setting a goal allows you to see the final picture in your head; it transforms your goal from a wish to something you can *almost* touch and motivates you to keep going.

So go ahead, pull that list out again. This time, though, make sure it lists goals you WANT to accomplish and that they are clearly defined. Only then will you really, truly, be on your way to success.