Thread: MURRIETA, CA : HUNDREDS FLOCK TO U.S. BORDER PATROL JOB FAIR

MURRIETA, CA : Hundreds flock to U.S. Border Patrol job fair

Variety of U.S. Customs and Border Protection jobs touted

By JENNIFER KABBANY - For The Californian
Saturday, January 31, 2009 6:56 PM PST



Carley Kruse, 8, gets a chance to pet Tyson, Border Patrol Agent Tom Humphrey's dog, at the U.S. Border Patrol's career day in Murrieta on Saturday. (Photo by Don Boomer - staff photographer)


MURRIETA, CA ---- More than 750 residents from across the region flocked to a U.S. Customs and Border Protection job fair in Murrieta on Saturday, learning there that the agency is much more than "the guys in green shirts."

In conjunction with an effort to fill 11,000 jobs this year, the federal agency conducted 15 "career day" events across the nation Saturday, including the one in Murrieta, to tout its patrol jobs as well as non-law enforcement employment opportunities.

From mechanics and technology experts to scientists and maintenance crews, the agency within the U.S. Department of Homeland Security is much more diverse than people might imagine, said Border Patrol Agent Jerry Conlin.

"This shows what else there is other than the guys in the green shirts," Conlin said, waving his arm toward the dozens of booths highlighting a variety of jobs that had been set up at the Murrieta Border Patrol Station. "There is so much more."

Peter Pang, an agent who works out of the agency's San Pedro-based lab at the Port of Los Angeles, said his job often involves screening shipments to identify problems before they infiltrate the country, including testing foreign toys for lead and making sure animal furs are not from endangered species.

"If we can stop it right here at the port, it helps," he said. "Once it's out on the market, it's not too late, but it's harder to get back."

The information technology booth was one of the more popular draws at the fair.

"A lot of people think, 'Oh, the Border Patrol, those guys in green,'" said Helmut Serrano, a field technology officer. "But there is a lot more than that. There are the people who support what (the agents) do."

The job fair drew both men and women and a mix of ages. Many families and active-duty military personnel attended, as well as women dressed in slacks and blouses and middle-aged men wearing everything from shorts and shirts to suits and ties.

"During the recession, I became a single mother," said Murrieta resident Rae Johnson, who attended the job fair with her two children, age 12 and 6. "I am looking for a stable career rather than an unstable job."

The Paulin brothers, both Escondido residents, said they had been laid off recently and were looking for new careers.

"This is awesome," said Jaime Paulin. "It seems like there is a lot of opportunity here. It's been so hard to get a job."

Several agents said they expected the fair to draw a crowd considering the sagging economy, but added they were somewhat surprised to see the streets leading to the Murrieta building completely congested with cars when the event began.

By noon, about 750 people had come by, and as the event continued through the afternoon, a steady stream of residents continued to descend on the job fair.



U.S. Border Patrol Agent Troy Matthews shows Art Willemse and Art Renteria where 37 pounds of cocaine was found in this car that was on display Saturday at the Border Patrol career day in Murrieta. (Photo by Don Boomer - staff photographer)

Assistant Chief Patrol Agent Rodney Scott said it was great to see such a turnout.

"There are a lot more jobs available than what you see every day, a lot of non-law enforcement, high-skilled jobs," he said. "We couldn't carry out our jobs without them."

The Murrieta Border Patrol station was picked to hold the Southern California-based job fair because the agency wanted to illustrate that its needs are not just along the border, he said.

As for local jobs, there are dozens available, he said, adding that ever since Congress placed an emphasis on border security the agency has received more and more funding to hire people and expand its operations.

The agency is charged with screening passengers, vehicles and shipments entering the country, seizing illegal drugs and agriculture products, and preventing unauthorized entry into the country.

Those who attended the Murrieta event received a "career day checklist," a step-by-step guide on how to apply for a job with the agency. However, applying for a job is also possible by going to the agency's Web site at www.cbp.gov, agents said.

N C TIMES . COM

This is very, very good news.....a great turnout as many Americans are willing to serve to protect our nation's borders....happy to hear about this...money well spent.