Bonners Ferry Local Guide including all of Boundary County Idaho

Cabela's job search under way

Friday, June 1, 2007; CDAP

Outdoors retail giant Cabela's has sounded its bugle for employees at the Post Falls store. The 125,000-square-foot store -- slated to open Nov. 9 near the state line -- is advertising for managers. Hourly positions will be posted later this summer. The store, which will feature a towering mountain replica, an aquarium, indoor archery range and atrium, will employ about 230. More than half of the positions are part-time. James Stimmell, an Idaho Commerce and Labor consultant, said interest in Cabela's is building now that the walls are up. "There's getting to be more of a buzz," he said. "I've received four or five calls just this week." Pam Houser, CEO of the Post Falls Chamber of Commerce, said a similar number have inquired at that agency. Wages aren't posted on the Cabela's Web site, where the application process is done, but Stimmell said the salary for supervisor positions will range from $40,000 to $60,000 per year, depending on experience. Wages for hourly jobs haven't been determined, he said. "They're conducting a review of wages in the area and have requested information from our regional economist," he said. Stimmell said he steers those interested in employment to www.cabelas.com (under "careers") because the application process is being handled online by the retailer. However, those who don't have Internet access or have questions can use computers at the labor office in Coeur d'Alene or call Cabela's at (877) 560-4084. "Every week, they're adding more and more positions," Stimmell said. Cabela's reps recently met with labor, chamber and city officials to discuss the hiring process. The company offers health and dental benefits, retirement and product discounts. "We were told that some people work there part time mostly for the discounts, and they're OK with that," Houser said. "There's a lot of college-aged students and seniors who work there. "The love of the outdoors is just as important, if not more important, than technical experience." Floor managers are expected to be hired in early August and floor associates in early September. Training is expected to start in early to mid-October at the North Idaho College Workforce Training Center in Post Falls. Cabela's is expected to attract several surrounding businesses, including hotels, a home improvement box store, restaurants and retail stores. "There's a lot of legitimate interest," Houser said. - Full Story