DOWNEY - Walmart has opened a hiring center at the Downey YMCA in anticipation of the Neighborhood Market grocery store it's opening in Downey late this year.Walmart leased office space at the YMCA where it has a limited number of computer kiosks where residents can apply for one of 65 positions. Applicants can also apply online at careers.walmart.com. The hiring center opened Monday and is open weekdays 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. "We are hiring full- and part-time associates," said store manager Jaime Onibasa. "I can tell you from firsthand experience that Walmart provides great jobs with opportunities for career growth and good benefits. I'm glad we can be part of the solution for Downey residents who want a better job or to start working again." Onibasa said associates are needed to work in all areas of the new store, including supervisory positions. The majority of the workers hired will begin work in September to help prepare the store its late fall grand opening. In California, Walmart's average wage for regular, full-time hourly workers as of April 2012 is $12.79 per hour, store officials said. Employees are also eligible for healthcare coverage, matching 401(k) contributions, company-paid life insurance, stock purchase programs and a quarterly bonus incentive program. The Walmart grocery store will be located at the former Alin Party Depot on Paramount Boulevard. Occupying 33,000 square feet, the market will offer fresh produce, meats and dairy products, frozen foods, a pharmacy, deli foods, bakery items, canned and packaged goods, pet supplies, household supplies and more. There are about 200 Walmart Neighborhood Markets nationwide, each employing up to 95 workers. The first California market opened this summer in Huntington Beach and additional stores are planned in South Gate and Paramount.

********** Published: August 30, 2012 - Volume 11 - Issue 20