EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- Team Eglin hosted a hiring event July 24-25 at the University of Florida Research, Education, Engineering Facility.  More than 700 job seekers from the local community attended the two-day event in hopes of finding employment on the base.

The 96th Force Support Squadron publicized the event to reach people who may not have been aware of the base’s available positions, according to Faith Carroll, 96th FSS pre-employment chief.

“The positions were not limited to people with military experience or connections,” Carroll said.  “Anyone could apply for a job.”

Hiring managers from several base units and agencies accepted resumes, offered information and interviewed potential candidates.  Some job seekers were offered positions the same day.

Lindsay Pogany, 96th FSS staffing chief, said jobs were available in the science, engineering and security fields, among others.

She said having direct hiring authority, used in cases like a severe shortage of candidates or critical hiring, made it easier for applicants to apply for a government job.

“The authority gives us the ability to hire someone right off the street,” she said.  “Attendees didn’t have to go through a platform like USAJOBS to get hired.  We can interview and hire an applicant on the same day.”

Retired Army Sergeant First Class Timothy Dobbs currently works at Naval Air Station Pensacola.  He plans to relocate to the Eglin area.

“I’m hoping to find a cyber security job here,” said Dobbs, who has a signals analysis/cyber background.

Caitie Nelson, a civilian, was looking for an administrative position while working on a degree in project management.

“This event popped up on my news feed,” she said.  “I took it as a sign that I should be here.  I’m here and I’m hopeful.”

Carroll said 96th FSS’ future hiring event announcements will continue to target qualified applicants in the local community.

“We are the connection between hiring managers and people seeking employment,” she said.  “We are the bridge to get them to a job.”