PANYNJ launches military recruitment effort

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (PANYNJ) last week launched a new recruitment initiative aimed at attracting military veterans.

Under the initiative, PANYNJ and the Port Authority Trans-Hudson (PATH) rail system will consider active military duty in lieu of certain education requirements when assessing qualifications for positions. In addition, the agency will waive all test application fees for veterans.

The practices were instituted earlier this year for Port Authority Police Department recruitment and now will be expanded to the entire agency, PANYNJ officials said in a press release.

By 2020, the authority aims to have veterans comprise 5 percent of its workforce. To achieve that goal, PANYNJ has hired a diversity/veteran recruiter.

PANYNJ officials plan to connect with staffing firms that specialize in referring veterans for job opportunities and with nonprofit organizations that help veterans make the transition to civilian jobs.

"It's critical that we continue to tap into the extensive pool of qualified military veteran applicants and match them with available jobs that best fit their extensive skill sets," said PANYNJ Executive Director Rick Cotton.

The agency recently updated its careers website to feature upcoming career events aimed at veterans, FAQs and testimonials from veterans working at PANYNJ.