REDONDO BEACH, Calif. — In protecting the rollout of the COVID-19 vaccine hundreds of security guards are being hired at large, outdoor vaccination sites in L.A.
George Green was the first job seeker in line Wednesday. He has been looking for work for more than a year. He showed up early partly because of his work ethic, but also because pandemic stress won’t let him sleep.
“So far I’ve been making it and been able to survive so we’re just struggling … just like everyone else. We’re just trying to maintain and hope that this thing goes away as soon as possible,” said Green.
Green is 60 years old. He is a father and a grandfather.
The job requires him to be outside all day on the frontlines, yet there is no guarantee he’ll get the vaccine any sooner.
“When it comes around to my age bracket I’ll be in line to get that as well, hope to be the first one in line again,” said Green.
Allied Universal is looking to fill many different positions. In terms of vaccination sites, the security services company needs outdoor traffic controllers at five locations: Magic Mountain, The Forum, California State University, Northridge, the L.A. County Office of Education, and the Pomona Fairplex.
Allied Universal’s Vice President of Recruiting Brenda Studley says these new hires are not employees who would handle protestors. That would be up to local police.
“It’s really to provide people protection and safety to make sure that there is organization,“ said Studley.
The virus has sickened several members of Green’s family. While he has been careful and avoided it, there are certain risks he has to take.
Green did snag a job offer. As long as he passes a background check, he will start next week.
Future hiring events in SoCal:
- Fairplex Pomona Gate 17 (located off Interstate 10 in Pomona) on February 4 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
- 1919 Empire Avenue in Burbank, California on February 5 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.