Some workers in demand even as unemployment climbs

Although companies have been tightening their budgets and cutting jobs, some vital positions not only remain stable, but are actually difficult for employers to staff.

According to Joe Winter, an economist with the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment, the top five job vacancies for the Denver metro area, with average 2000 hourly wage, are registered nurse, $22.38; executive secretary/administrative assistant, $16.66); wait staff, $7.42 including reported tips; retail sales staff, $10.25; and nurse’s aid, $9.48.

The entire report, which was compiled from November 2001 data, is available at www.coworkforce.com.

Jackie Osborn, president of staffing agency Boulder Staffing Inc., sees the…