Introduction
Are you tired of the gray city life? Do you want to breathe fresh air and enjoy a sunny day in a picturesque location? If yes, then consider Santa Cruz County AZ as your next career destination. The county provides a unique blend of work-life balance, endless job opportunities, and affordable living.
Discover Santa Cruz County AZ: A Hidden Gem
Santa Cruz County AZ is one of the least populated counties in Arizona, with an estimated population of 46,000 people. The county’s location is south of Tucson, and it shares a border with Mexico. Additionally, performing a quick Google search will provide you with images of the county’s stunning nature, including National Park areas such as the Coronado National Forest, Arizona Trail, and Sonoita Creek State Natural Area.
Why Santa Cruz County AZ is the Place to Be
Lower Cost of Living and Higher Quality of Life
Santa Cruz County AZ has a lower cost of living compared to other areas in Arizona. According to Numbeo, the county’s overall cost of living is 23% lower than that in Phoenix. Residents spend less on housing, groceries, transportation, and entertainment. With consideration of the sunny weather and picturesque surroundings, Santa Cruz County AZ may prove the perfect place for a better quality of life.
Pro-tip: Santa Cruz County AZ’s average rent is $799, significantly less than that of Phoenix, hence improving its affordability.
Proliferation of Agriculture-based Jobs
One significant industry in Santa Cruz County AZ is agriculture, with farming being the largest employer for many years. The county is a national producer of various crops, including cotton, wheat, and tomatoes. Therefore, working in agriculture provides ample opportunities in fields such as pesticide application, irrigation system maintenance, and livestock management.
Pro-tip: Agriculture-based jobs require dedication, patience, and attention to detail. They also require physical labor, especially for handpicking.
Countless Government Jobs and Educational Institutions
Santa Cruz County AZ is home to various government departments and administrative institutions. Examples include the Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Department, Superior Court, and County Recorder’s Office. If a career with the government is your passion, then Santa Cruz County AZ offers excellent opportunities.
The county is also home to several educational institutions, including the University of Arizona South and Cochise College. These institutions provide employment opportunities in fields such as administration, lecturing, and research.
Pro-tip: Government jobs have strict requirements, so always research, confirm the institution’s authenticity, and demonstrate adequate knowledge.
A Service-based Economy with a Wide Range of Job Opportunities
Santa Cruz County AZ enjoys a highly diversified economy with an industry portfolio that ranges from agriculture to tourism. The county hosts various stores and businesses in different sectors, including hospitality, healthcare, manufacturing, and retail. These industries provide employment opportunities on a part-time, full-time, and seasonal basis.
Pro-tip: Service-based jobs require excellent communication skills, adaptability, and the ability to multitask, hence the ability to handle minor and significant emergencies.
How to Increase Your Chance of Landing a Job in Santa Cruz County AZ
Create a Professional Resume and Online Profile
The first step to getting any job is to create a professional resume that showcases your skills and experiences. Besides, it is essential to create an online presence through social media, LinkedIn profile, and Upwork to reach a larger audience. Creating an online job board account and attending networking events can also help you gain visibility and land your dream job.
Pro-tip: Always customize your resume and cover letter to suit the job description and position requirements.
Research and Apply for Jobs Regularly
Applying for various job opportunities in Santa Cruz County AZ puts you in a better position to land your dream job. Research job openings regularly through newspapers, job posting websites, and professional organizations in the industry.
Pro-tip: Always apply within the earliest possible time after delivery of job openings. This way, you stand a better chance of getting a callback.
Utilize Professional References and Referrals
Professional references and referrals can significantly increase your chances of landing a job. Consider working with a staffing agency such as Staff Matters or Aerotek, seeking job recommendations from past employers, or have professional networks to gain professional references.
Pro-tip: Professional references are best selected from people who know you more intimately regarding your professional work and ethics.
Top 5 Jobs in Santa Cruz County AZ
Cashier (Retail)
This entry-level position offers a great way to gain experience working with customer service, maintenance of sales records and processing transactions. Cashiers have a median hourly income of $10.26, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Pro-tip: Cashier positions are highly conducive to part-time or full-time work and provide an excellent starting point for entry-level job seekers.
Administrative Clerk (Government)
Administrative Clerk positions offer administrative support to the government’s civil servants in Santa Cruz County AZ. They serve as the first point of contact for customers and perform clerical duties such as data entry, answering phone calls, and preparing correspondence. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, administrative clerks earn a median wage of $16.17 per hour.
Pro-tip: A working knowledge of the Microsoft Office suite and other administrative tools is critical towards scaling the ladder successfully.
Teller (Banking)
A bank teller’s primary role in Santa Cruz County AZ is to provide customer service, cash checks, replenish ATMs, and process deposits and withdrawals. Tellers have a median hourly income of $14.45, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Pro-tip: Tellers may become promoted to higher executive positions in banks, so this is a great place to start a career in finance.
Veterinary Assistant (Healthcare)
Veterinary assistants provide support to veterinarians by performing basic procedures such as running diagnostic tests, administering medication, and caring for patients. They earn a median annual wage of $29,090, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Pro-tip: Passion and knowledge for animals are necessary. It’s also essential to be physically fit since the job involves moving and restraining animals.
IT Support Specialist (Tech)
IT Support Specialists analyze, troubleshoot, and resolve problems with computer hardware and software. They also install and configure new computer equipment and software. IT Support Specialists earn a median annual wage of $54,760, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Pro-tip: A bachelor’s degree in computer science or information systems is required for the position, and acquiring professional certifications is also recommended.
Frequently Asked Questions about Santa Cruz County AZ Jobs
What kinds of jobs are available in Santa Cruz County AZ?
Santa Cruz County AZ offers diverse job opportunities, ranging from agriculture-based jobs to government jobs to service-based jobs.
Is it expensive to live in Santa Cruz County AZ?
No, Santa Cruz County AZ has a lower cost of living compared to many other parts of the state.
How can I apply for a job in Santa Cruz County AZ?
You can apply for Santa Cruz County AZ jobs through newspapers, job posting websites, professional organizations in the industry, staffing agencies or networking events.
What are the best-paying jobs in Santa Cruz County AZ?
The best-paying jobs in Santa Cruz County AZ include IT support specialist, veterinary assistant, administrative clerk, teller, and cashier.
Conclusion
Are you stuck in a dead-end job or tired of the hustle and bustle of city life? Head to Santa Cruz County AZ, where the sun is hot, and the jobs are plenty! This hidden gem offers an excellent opportunity to bask in nature’s beauty while exploring numerous job opportunities that suit your preferences. So, quit wasting time and apply for one of these exciting job openings today!
| Profession | Median Annual Wage |
|---|---|
| IT Support Specialist | $54,760 |
| Veterinary Assistant | $29,090 |
| Administrative Clerk | $16.17/hour |
| Teller (Banking) | $14.45/hour |
| Cashier (Retail) | $10.26/hour |
References:
- United States Census Bureau, Quick Facts: Santa Cruz County, Arizona. (2019, July). Retrieved October 30, 2021, from https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/santacruzcountyarizona/PST045219
- Numbeo. Cost of Living Comparison Between Phoenix, AZ, United States and Nogales, AZ, United States. (n.d.). Retrieved October 30, 2021, from https://www.numbeo.com/cost-of-living/compare_cities.jsp?country1=United+States&city1=Phoenix%2C+AZ&country2=United+States&city2=Nogales%2C+AZ
- Santa Cruz County, “Agriculture.” (n.d.). Retrieved October 30, 2021, from https://www.santacruzcountyaz.gov/289/Agriculture
- Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2021, April 9). Occupational Outlook Handbook. Retrieved October 30, 2021, from https://www.bls.gov/ooh/