Santa Cruz Launchpad 2025 Participating Companies and Organizations Announced
Santa Cruz job seekers, mark your calendars! The Santa Cruz Launchpad Job Fair is set to take place on Wednesday, May 21st, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the beautiful Cocoanut Grove. This is a fantastic opportunity to connect with some of the companies hiring right here in Santa Cruz County. Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting your career, this event offers a chance to explore diverse career paths and meet potential employers face-to-face. This is your chance to connect with a diverse range of local companies looking to hire talented individuals. Whether you're just starting your career or looking for your next big opportunity, this event is for you. Here's a sneak peek at the participating companies and the exciting roles they're looking to fill:
Here’s who’s coming…
BMO: BMO refers to the Bank of Montreal, a Canadian multinational investment bank and financial services company. It is also the trade name for BMO Financial Group (US). BMO is the 8th largest bank in North America by assets and serves 13 million customers.
California Highway Patrol: Dedicated to public safety and law enforcement, the CHP offers diverse and challenging careers. They are currently hiring for Officers, Dispatchers, Commercial Vehicle Inspection Specialists, Motor Carrier Specialists, and various support roles in areas like accounting and IT.
Capstan Medical *NEW*: We’re actively seeking talented individuals who are passionate about transforming healthcare through innovative medical device design.
CASA of Santa Cruz County: Making a difference in the lives of foster youth, CASA recruits and trains adult volunteers to serve as advocates and mentors.
Central California Alliance for Health: Providing healthcare coverage to residents across several counties, the Alliance has openings in application supervision, EDI analysis, behavioral health administration, case management, sales, data analysis, pharmacy tech roles, and more, including some remote positions.
Chef Ann Foundation: This education-focused organization works to ensure all children have access to fresh, healthy school food. They are currently seeking a Coordinator of California Workforce Programs: District Support.
Community Bridges: Every year, we meet the needs of thousands of local children, families and seniors with broad support from individuals, businesses, foundations and government. We believe that when we work together, anything is possible. Hiring 10+ positions.
County of Santa Cruz: Offering a wide array of roles in law, government, and healthcare, the County of Santa Cruz encourages bilingual (English/Spanish) candidates to apply. They are hiring for positions such as Assistant Chief of Fiscal Services, Attorneys, Deputy Sheriffs, Social Workers, Engineers, and many other crucial roles. They have over 40 positions available.
Encompass Community Services: This organization is dedicated to bringing health, dignity, and hope to the community through various programs. They are hiring for Counselors, Coordinators, Teachers, Clinicians, and administrative roles. Hiring 30+ positions.
High Rock Security: We are primarily a special event security company, and we specialize in providing customer-service focused, competent and compassionate event security for music festivals (Lightning in a Bottle, Burning Man, Hardly Strictly Bluegrass, others), special events (UC Santa Cruz Graduation Commencement Ceremonies, CSU Bakersfield Graduation Commencement Ceremonies, others), and some facilities (SF Jazz in SF, others). We provide training (for free!) to become a CA-licensed security guard. Much of our work is seasonal, with the bulk of the work in the spring and summer.
Get Virtual: Empowering small businesses online while providing real-world experience to college students. See table for more information.
Hope Services: Supporting individuals with developmental disabilities and mental health needs, Hope Services has various part-time and full-time openings, including Payroll Specialist, Speech Language Pathologist, Job Coaches, Clinicians, and Retail positions.
Jane Technologies: A product and technology company in the cannabis industry, Jane Technologies is hiring remotely for Senior Product Designers and Senior Product Managers.
Joby Aviation: Revolutionizing urban air mobility with their electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft. They have numerous openings in Santa Cruz and other locations across various fields, including Engineering (Airframe, Electrical, Software), Certification, Finance, and SEVERAL more openings locally and across the region. Hiring over 40 positions.
La Bahia Hotel and Spa: Santa Cruz's iconic coastal hotel is reopening and seeking a charismatic team. They are hiring for various hospitality roles, including Managers in Sales, Food & Beverage, Events, and Human Resources, encouraging bilingual (English/Spanish) applicants. Explore these exciting opportunities.
Oceanside Supported Living: Providing healthcare services in the community. They have part-time and full-time opportunities available. Inquire for more details at the job fair.
Our Energy: OurEnergy is a consulting, engineering and project development services company headquartered in Santa Cruz, California.
Pajaro Valley Unified School District (PVUSD): The Pajaro Valley Unified School District (PVUSD) is based in Watsonville, California, serving approximately 14,000 students. The District's boundaries span from Aptos to North Monterey County. PVUSD is one of the largest employers in Santa Cruz County and includes elementary, middle, and high schools, along with charter schools and alternative education programs.
Redwood Pipe and Drain: Specializing in whole-house repiping and plumbing services. Visit their table for more information.
Santa Cruz Seaside Company: Home of the Beach Boardwalk, this hospitality and entertainment company is hiring for various roles, including Guest Service Staff, Security, Ride Mechanics, Food & Beverage Supervisors, and Plumbers.
Santa Cruz County Office of Education: Supporting education in the region, the SCOE has openings for Teachers, Specialists, Instructors, and other support roles, with bilingual (English/Spanish) candidates encouraged to apply.
Santa Cruz Regional 911: The vital link for emergency services in the region. They are hiring for Public Safety Dispatchers and an Accounting Technician.
San Jose Police Department Recruiting: Offering careers in public service and law enforcement. They are currently recruiting Police Officers, School Crossing Guards, and Community Service Officers.
Woodstock’s Santa Cruz: A beloved local pizza restaurant with a fun and community-focused environment. They are hiring for In-House Team Members, Delivery Drivers, and Shift Managers.
Don't miss this fantastic opportunity to meet with representatives from these companies, learn about their open positions, and take the next step in your career journey! The Santa Cruz Launchpad 2025 Job Fair is your local connection to exciting employment possibilities. We look forward to seeing you there!
Additional Resources & Organizations
Access 2 Employment: This organization is dedicated to empowering individuals with disabilities to achieve their employment goals through comprehensive support and resources.
UCSC Career Center & Cabrillo College Resume Review: Need help with your resume? Want another set of eyes to take a look and give their advice? Come check out this table for assistance!
About Santa Cruz Launchpad
Santa Cruz Launchpad, previously known as “Get Hired” features an exciting combination of student business pitch competition plus a community career fair open to the public. This year’s event will take place on May 21, 2025 at the Boardwalk’s Cocoanut Grove and includes a student business pitch competition from 12-4pm and a job fair open to the public from 5-7pm. This event is designed to foster entrepreneurship, showcase innovation, and connect talent with local businesses. Its the place to be if you are looking to expand your network or grow your team!
THIS EVENT IS FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC TO ATTEND. ADVANCED REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. This year’s event is proudly hosted by Santa Cruz Works, Cabrillo College, UCSC CIED, UC Santa Cruz Innovation & Business Engagement Hub, UCSC Career Success, and UCSC QB3.