Blaisdell Career Expo Today: 14 City Departments Hiring, Including Budget and Fiscal Services

The City and County of Honolulu is rolling out the red carpet for job seekers today at the Neal S. Blaisdell Center, where 14 municipal departments are actively recruiting new employees during a career expo running from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The hiring fair comes as the city works to fill critical positions across multiple departments, including Budget and Fiscal Services, Parks and Recreation, and the Honolulu Police Department. With Hawaii’s unemployment rate hovering near historic lows, the event represents a significant push by municipal leaders to attract talent in an increasingly competitive job market.

“We’re seeing tremendous interest from residents who want to serve their community while building stable careers,” said Lisa Chang, director of the city’s Department of Human Resources. “These aren’t just jobs — they’re opportunities to directly impact the quality of life for everyone who calls Oahu home.”

The Budget and Fiscal Services Department, which manages the city’s $3.2 billion operating budget, is seeking analysts and accounting specialists to help oversee everything from park maintenance funding to infrastructure investments. Starting salaries for entry-level positions range from $52,000 to $65,000 annually, with comprehensive benefits including health insurance and retirement plans.

Other departments actively hiring include the Department of Transportation Services, which oversees TheBus system and Handi-Van operations, and the Department of Environmental Services, responsible for managing waste collection and recycling programs across the island.

Public Safety and Infrastructure Focus

The Honolulu Police Department is using the expo to recruit for both sworn officer positions and civilian roles, including dispatchers and evidence technicians. HPD has faced ongoing staffing challenges, with nearly 200 officer positions currently vacant across the department’s eight patrol districts.

The Department of Facility Maintenance, tasked with keeping city buildings from Kalihi to Hawaii Kai in working order, is seeking skilled trades workers including electricians, plumbers, and HVAC technicians. These positions offer starting wages between $65,000 and $85,000, reflecting the premium the city places on specialized technical skills.

Parks and Recreation officials are highlighting opportunities for recreation coordinators and park maintenance staff, positions that have become increasingly important as Honolulu’s parks see record usage following the pandemic. The department manages more than 300 parks and facilities, from neighborhood playgrounds to premier venues like Kapiolani Park and Hanauma Bay.

Benefits Beyond the Paycheck

City employment offers advantages that private-sector jobs often can’t match, particularly in Hawaii’s high-cost environment. Municipal workers receive health insurance coverage through the Hawaii Employer-Union Health Benefits Trust Fund, along with participation in the Employees’ Retirement System that provides defined benefit pensions.

The city also offers flexible scheduling options for many positions, allowing employees to balance work responsibilities with family commitments — a particularly valuable benefit in a community where multi-generational households are common.

Job seekers attending today’s expo should bring multiple copies of their resume and be prepared for on-the-spot interviews. Several departments plan to conduct preliminary screenings during the event, potentially accelerating the typically lengthy municipal hiring process.

The Department of Information Technology is among those prepared to make conditional job offers today for qualified candidates, particularly those with cybersecurity experience or database management skills. IT positions start at $70,000 annually and include opportunities for professional development and certification training.

Community Impact Opportunities

Beyond traditional municipal roles, the expo showcases positions that directly serve Honolulu’s most vulnerable residents. The Department of Community Services is hiring social workers and program coordinators to support homeless services initiatives and senior programs across the island.

The city’s Office of Economic Development is seeking business development specialists to work with local entrepreneurs and help implement Mayor Rick Blangiardi’s economic diversification initiatives, particularly programs aimed at supporting Native Hawaiian businesses and sustainable tourism ventures.

For recent college graduates, the city offers entry-level analyst positions that provide exposure to municipal operations while building professional experience. Many current department heads started their careers in similar roles, creating clear advancement pathways within city government.

The career expo reflects broader workforce trends across Hawaii, where employers are competing intensively for qualified workers. State and federal agencies have also ramped up recruitment efforts, while private companies have increased wages and benefits to attract talent.

Today’s event at the Blaisdell represents the largest municipal hiring push in recent years, signaling the city’s commitment to maintaining service levels as Honolulu continues growing and evolving. For residents considering a career change or recent graduates entering the job market, the expo offers a unique opportunity to explore stable, meaningful work that directly impacts their community’s future.