DOWNEY - Walmart will open a hiring center at the Downey YMCA later this summer to fill about 65 full-time and part-time positions at its neighborhood grocery under construction on Paramount Boulevard, officials with Walmart said today.The 33,000 square foot store, expected to open this fall, will replace Alin's Party Depot at 12270 Paramount Blvd. Walmart officials said the average wage for regular, full-time hourly workers is $12.79 per hour. They also offer a benefit program to full- and part-time employees that includes health care coverage with no lifetime maximum. Walmart also offers eligible workers matching 401(k) contributions of up to 6 percent, company-paid life insurance, stock options and employee discounts. Workers may also qualify for quarterly bonuses based on the store's performance. The hiring process will be led by store manager Jamie Onibasa, who began her career at a Sam's Club in Ogden, Utah more than 15 years ago. Most recently, she worked at the Walmart store at the Long Beach Towne Center. The Walmart Neighborhood Market is designed to provide quick one-stop shopping for groceries, pharmacy items and general merchandise. The first California store opened last month in Huntington Beach. "We are proud and excited to welcome the Walmart Neighborhood Market to our city," Councilman Mario Guerra said in a statement. "This store will bring new jobs and revenues to our community. I'm pleased to see Walmart is breathing new life into this empty building."

********** Published: August 09, 2012 - Volume 11 - Issue 17