Tampa, St. Pete-Clearwater airports to hire hundreds at job fairs this week

Ever wanted a job at an airport? This week, you have a chance. Plenty of them, actually.

Tampa International Airport and St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport are both hosting job fairs this week, with at least 380 positions available.

Tampa International Airport’s fair on Tuesday will be one of its largest ever, offering positions at shops, restaurants, rental car companies and the Hillsborough County Aviation Authority.

A number of these companies laid off or furloughed hundreds of workers last year at Tampa International, as the travel industry crashed due to the coronavirus pandemic. Now that business is picking back up for what’s expected to be a busier summer travel season, the companies need to fill out their workforces, and are offering perks like signing bonuses to get people in.

“We’re still very understaffed,” said airport spokesperson Emily Nipps.

Available jobs include cooks, baristas, supervisors, maintenance and dispatch workers. A full list is available at tampaairport.com/employment-opportunities.

The fair will take place from 9 a.m. to noon in level 3 of the main terminal, between the Hard Rock Cafe and P.F. Changs. Two forms of identification are necessary. There’s also a virtual hiring day event from 1 to 4 p.m. the same day. For information, see tpahiring.timetap.com.

It’s the second major job fair hosted at Tampa International this spring. In February, a two-day hiring event resulted in about 100 interviews for 185 job openings, with nearly 40 employees hired on the spot.

Across the bay, St. Pete-Clearwater is holding a job fair from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. today for their largest carrier, Allegiant Airlines. Airport spokesperson Michele Routh said the airline is looking to hire 80 new staffers as it heads into what is expected to be a busier travel season than last year. In March, St. Pete-Clearwater held a job fair for concessionaires and airlines that brought out 150 applicants.

Routh said both full-time and part-time positions are available, increasing wages to $15 to $16 per hour as a “summer incentive.” some positions, including customer service and ground operations agents, will be hired on the spot.

To apply, bring two forms of identification to the airport, 14700 Terminal Blvd., Clearwater. Interviews are at the airport receptionist on the second floor. A high school diploma and valid driver’s license are required. For information, see allegiantair.com/careers/airportoperations.