The City of Great Bend is currently hiring for a variety of positions, with Human Resources Director Randy Keesling highlighting the city’s ongoing recruitment efforts and expansive benefits package in a recent interview on KVGB’s “City Edition.”
Keesling, speaking with host Dakota Tucker, emphasized that the city is actively seeking qualified candidates for both seasonal and full-time roles. Among the current openings are part-time lifeguard positions, seasonal maintenance jobs, and full-time opportunities in the police and utilities departments.
“There’s always something going on,” Keesling said. “We’re looking for great people. Whether someone is recently retired and looking for something to stay active, or they’re ready to start a career in public service, we have a spot for them.”
Open Positions Include:
- Lifeguards – Part-time, seasonal summer roles. Applications still being accepted.
- Seasonal Maintenance – Mowing and groundskeeping roles in public works and public lands, running spring through fall.
- Police Officers – Full-time roles with training provided. Applicants must pass an extensive background check.
- Utilities Department Roles – Full-time opportunities in the city’s water division.
All positions require a valid driver’s license, and most require a high school diploma or GED.
How to Apply
Interested individuals can view job listings and apply online at greatbendks.net. Applications may also be submitted in person at City Hall. In addition, job openings are posted on the City of Great Bend Jobs Facebook page, Central Kansas Jobs, and KansasWorks.
“When someone applies online, I receive the application directly and then forward it to the appropriate department,” Keesling explained. “We also encourage walk-ins and paper applications.”
Strong Benefits and Retirement Plans
Keesling highlighted the city’s comprehensive benefits for full-time employees, including:
- Health Insurance – Offered through Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas with four coverage tiers.
- Paid Time Off – Vacation, sick leave, and 10 paid holidays annually.
- Retirement Plans – A robust 401(a) plan with 8.5% city contributions, voluntary 457(b) plans, and an additional voter-approved retirement plan for first responders.
“Our retirement benefits are strong,” said Keesling. “We’ve worked hard to enhance them over the years.”
Ongoing Recruitment and Community Investment
Recruitment is a daily effort at City Hall. In addition to advertising online, the city attends local job fairs and encourages staff to refer potential candidates.
“Every employee is a recruiter,” Keesling said. “We rely on staff to spread the word because they know the value of working here.”
Notably, about 24% of the city’s workforce commutes from outside the Great Bend area—a testament, Keesling said, to the city’s reputation as a stable and rewarding employer.
Long-Term Commitment
City employment often becomes a lifelong career. Last year, Public Lands employee Doug Burt was recognized for 50 years of service.
“We’re proud of everyone, from the employees who’ve been here 50 years to those who just started,” said Keesling. “It’s a great place to work.”
For more information about current openings or benefits, contact Human Resources at (620) 793-4111 or visit greatbendks.net.