Looking for work in B.C.? These businesses are hiring
Some businesses are growing in spite of — or because of — the pandemic
There's no doubt that COVID-19 has decimated economies around the world, putting many people out of work as non-essential businesses continue to shut down.
While that's true, there are some business sectors that are growing.
Some industries, like e-commerce and tech, do require specialized skills. But others, like grocery and delivery services, do not.
Here is a list of some places that are hiring.
Bicycle sales and service
Shops selling bicycles and offering bicycle services have been deemed an essential service in B.C. Whether it's because of the recent spate of nice weather along the coast, people's reticence to take public transit or a need to exercise now that gyms are closed, bike shops say they're busier than ever.
Shops say they're looking for experienced sales staff and qualified bicycle mechanics who can work without supervision.
Here are a handful in Vancouver who are hiring:
- Union Street Cycles
- Denman Bike Shop
- West Point Cycles
Delivery services (including food)
All those items and lunches you've switched to ordering online have to get to your home somehow. Here's a few with active job postings on their websites:
- BEST B.C. (delivery drivers to help seniors).
- DoorDash
- SkipTheDishes
- Uber Eats
- UPS
Farming and food production
Farms around B.C. are beginning to ramp up production, and several of them are looking for labourers. The federal government has exempted temporary foreign farm workers from COVID-19 border closures, but some B.C. farmers are worried there will not be enough hands to help with this year's harvest.
The federal government has some of those jobs listed here.
There are also other jobs available in the food and supplements production sector, ranging from customer service reps to accountants and marketing co-ordinators. Here are some companies that are hiring right now:
- Bento Sushi
- Organika
- Naked Snacks
- Fine Choice Foods
- Mauser Packaging Solutions
- Nature's Path
- Pacific Salmon Industries
- Sunrise Soya Foods
Gardening stores
Gardening stores have also been declared an essential service in B.C., and many say business is booming as more people take up gardening for food or as a distraction. Here are a handful in Vancouver that are hiring:
- Garden Works
- Hunters Garden Centre
- Maple Leaf Garden Centre
Grocery and food preparation
Grocery stores have experienced an unprecedented boom in the past few weeks, and many are still hiring cashiers and delivery people. Businesses that offer food delivery and food preparation kits also say they've seen a spike in demand.
- Fresh Prep
- Food X Urban Delivery
- Hello Fresh
- Instacart
- Loblaws (includes Real Canadian Superstore, No Frills, T&T Supermarket)
- Save-on-Foods
- Spud.ca
- Walmart Canada
Housing and social services
Property management companies and non-profit housing providers say they're actively recruiting for jobs that include property services, concierge staff, front-line staff and custodial work.
Pharmacies
Pharmacies are an essential businesses in B.C., but because many of them also sell a variety of other products like food, photo printing and retail, they are busy and looking for people to staff those sections as well. Some of the pharmacies hiring for various positions in B.C. include:
- London Drugs
- Shoppers Drug Mart
Railway bunkhouse staff
Bunkhouses are a crucial component in Canada's railway system. They provide crews with the opportunity to eat, sleep and shower in remote regions of the country.
Bunkhouse managers and services like North Star Frontier say they are in need of staff including housekeepers, janitors and crew drivers.
Tech and e-commerce
Recruiters in the tech industry say they're still hiring for jobs like accountants, marketing coordinators, designers, software and game developers and customer service reps — especially as businesses and organizations shift to or augment an online presence.
Some companies that are hiring in Metro Vancouver include:
- Amazon
- Clio
- D2L
- Electronic Arts
- Finger Food Advanced Technology Group
- Frozen Mountain
- Spocket
- Shopify
- Wishpond
Do you run a business that's looking for staff right now and don't see yourself on this list? Add a comment in the section below, or contact me at [email protected].
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