Winter Wonderland

Colorado, like most of the west, has been suffering from drought conditions for several years now. Just a couple of weeks ago a forest fire was still active in Estes Park about an hour and a half from Denver. In conversations around the water cooler (in today's office environment known as the "filtered water dispenser") people have been saying how much they want some snow just to get some much needed moisture. Well this morning they got their wish. Denverites awakened to their second favorite pastime next to watching our beloved Broncos. Ahh, the fine art of rush hour driving on icy snowpacked roads. For the skiers and boarders used to the I-70 winter version of mountain NASCAR this morning's light snowfall will hardly give pause. For a lot of other folks though this first real taste of sliding through stopsigns and narrowly avoiding our neighbors in their SOV's (single occupant vehicles) will come as a rude shock. But as Coloradoan's like to say, if you don't like the weather wait five minutes. Today's forecast indicates we'll have to wait more like twelve hours but the storm is expected to move out quickly on its way to visit the good folks in Kansas and Nebraska. What I always look forward to is not so much the storm but the day after. Each of us has our own personal reasons for choosing to live in this great state but for me the beauty of a snowcovered landscape with the blinding-white snow glistening from the sun hanging in a Colorado cobalt-blue sky continues to take my breath away.

I'm a morning person so on stormy days I'm usually in the office by 6:30 or 7:00 a.m. I've learned that my 20 mile commute to work goes much smoother when there is less traffic on the road. This morning I was in by 6:45 and was not surprised to see our employee parking lot already filling up. The first row closest to the building was obviously the first to fill up with most of the cars sporting wiper blades pulled back like eyelashes in anticipation of the windshield cleaning to be done this afternoon. The workout room was already busy with treadmills and bikes whirring and employees watching the big screen T.V. telling us that it was actually snowing outside which I suspect most of us already knew.

It will be nice to have snow on the ground for the holidays. It always looks strange to see all the holiday lights and decorations on dry grass. My thirteen year old pup Chinook who is a suburban, --- I mean Siberian, Husky, loves this weather and for him he'll spend the day delighting in sniffing out new scents buried under the fresh snow. For all of you who have to venture out in this winter wonderland (actually it's still fall with winter not officially here until Friday), drive carefully, and I wish you all a safe and wonderful, and now snowy, holiday season!

15 Best Jobs for 2013

One of the sites I watch for job search and general career information is CBS/MoneyWatch. They recently listed a report from CareerBuilder and Economic Modeling Specialists highlighting the "Best Jobs in 2013".

The definition of "Best" revolves around the positions that saw the most job creation over the last two years (since 2010). As fast as the world seems to change anymore I'm not sure that what were the best job-creating positions over the last two years will necessarily continue to produce the most going forward but after looking at the list they are probably not too far off. What probably comes as no surprise is that computer-related fields dominate the list, and that likely won't change anytime soon. What was interesting to me was how many of these types of positions are available at Pinnacol. So here is the list:

1. Software Developer: jobs created since 2010 - 70,872
2. Accountant - 37,123
3. Market Research Analyst - 31,335
4. Computer Systems Analyst - 26,937
5. Human Resources, Training and Labor Relations Specialists - 22,773
6. Computer Systems Administrator - 18,626
7. Sales Representatives (wholesale and manufacturing) - 17,405
8. Information Security Analyst/Web Development/ Computer Network Architect - 15,715
9. Mechanical Engineer - 13,847
10. Industrial Engineer - 12,269
11. Computer Programmer - 11,540
12. Financial Analyst - 10,016
13. Public Relations Specialist - 8,541
14. Logistician - 8,522
15. Database Administrator - 7,468

Of the 15 on the list Pinnacol employs folks in 11 of the categories (not a lot of engineering jobs available with us unfortunately!). Job creation since 2010 has been somewhat problematic of course as the country has been dealing with one of the worst economic downturns in history. But given that downturn any job creation is a good thing. How will 2013 really turn out? I guess we'll have to wait and see...

Corporate Citizenship Coordinator Opportunity!

We are looking for a Corporate Citizenship Coordinator to provide coordination, communication and management of all aspects of our Pinnacol Foundation scholarship program and coordinate all Pinnacol Assurance charitable contributions. Excellent verbal and written communication skills are required as are excellent interpersonal and customer service skills. Candidates must be able to manage customer expectations and respond to issues requiring strong problem resolution skills. An ability to build strong relationships with children of parents who have been killed or seriously injured on the job is critical. Must be a self-starter, be able to work independently, and have excellent organizational skills with proven ability to manage multiple projects in order to meet deadlines. Excellent computer skills (word processing, spreadsheets, presentation software). Must be detail oriented, able to demonstrate strong empathy through their interpersonal skills, and be able to maintain confidences.

The position also requires an understanding of basic accounting and mathematics. Knowledge of college financial aid requirements desirable as is knowledge of workers' compensation insurance and claims management. Candidates must have a valid Colorado driver's license and be able to provide proof of insurance. Bilingual (Spanish) preferred. A minimum of a High School diploma or GED is required though we would prefer two or more years of college or prior experience in administering financial scholarships along with two years related experience in in customer service or administrative work with prior claims experience a plus.

For immediate consideration we are asking candidates to please apply on-line.