People who are fortunate enough to have a job during the current economic downturn must adapt their skill sets and performance to current needs, spokespersons for several of Idaho's large employers said.

Employment totals at The J.R. Simplot Co., Boise, have been consistent in the past few years, but many of the jobs themselves have changed, spokesman David Cuoio said. The company has agribusiness operations worldwide.

"It's no secret that innovations in technology have dramatically changed the business environment and job requirements in Idaho and around the globe," he said. "The Simplot Company is proud to note that its employees have stepped up to the plate when it comes to keeping pace."

Idaho Power Co.'s workforce total is very stable, but employees have had to adapt, said Human Resources Leader Angelique Keavney. Over the years, technological advances have reduced the need for some positions, increased the need for others, and changed many jobs, she said.

"The utility industry continues to change and grow," she said. As technologies and approaches become more sophisticated, even longtime employees need new sets of skills. "It has created new opportunities for employees in areas such as environmental and energy efficiency," she said. The complexity and technology-driven nature of some jobs means some of the training is more complex.

Workers in many kinds of industries and jobs are mobile thanks to advances in communication technology. At Idaho Power, "new technologies are allowing front-line employees to respond more quickly and efficiently," Keavney said. For example, field technicians use laptop computers to help diagnose and solve problems in the field, quickly.

Another example of a company and workforce adapting to change can be found at timberland owner-manager Potlatch Corp. and its manufacturing spin-off Clearwater Paper, a large employer in Lewiston. The companies have been through many changes that impact employees.

A Potlatch-supplied written history notes modernization of lumber production facilities, rebuilding and specializing plywood operations to make the product less commodity-like, boosting production of oriented strand board, and upgrading and growing private-label tissue production facilities, among other developments over the years.

Clearwater Paper's manufacturing operations remain an employer of choice in the Lewiston, Idaho - Clarkston, Wash., area, spokesman Matt Van Vleet said. "The lines of people who want to come to work for the company always have been long," he said.

Albertsons Retail West / Supervalu spokeswoman Lilia Rodriguez said recently that as the company sees higher numbers of applicants for a wide range of jobs, from entry level to management, traditional "people" skills are important. The company owns all Albertsons grocery stores in Idaho and has a regional management operation in Boise.

"First and foremost, it's important to demonstrate your customer service skills," she said. "Be friendly and attentive to customers and co-workers. Be positive, and show your desire to learn new skills and the ability to multi-task and to be a team player."

South central Idaho economic-development efforts aim to diversify the traditional agricultural economy, but ag remains a key force, Twin Falls Area Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Shawn Barigar said.

"As I look around the valley at our major employers, many are still rooted in the strong agricultural heritage of the Magic Valley," he said. "Agriculture still is the cornerstone of our economy. But over the years, companies that continue to be major employers have adapted to meet current and future needs related to agriculture. That's what makes them a staying force in the valley." Glanbia Foods, a cheese and whey producer in Gooding, is an example.

Credit: Brad Carlson

(Copyright 2009 Dolan Media Newswires)

(c) 2009 Idaho Business Review, The. Provided by ProQuest LLC. All rights Reserved.

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