Rogue Waste connects with prospective future workers at Careers In Gear event

The Jackson County Expo was filled with activity on Thursday, April 24, 2025, as it hosted the annual Careers In Gear event. This premier youth career exploration and hiring event welcomed high school students from across the region, offering them a chance to explore the "coolest" careers in Southern Oregon. Approximately 2,000 students had the opportunity to meet with over 150 local businesses and organizations, including Rogue Waste, Inc., and to connect with training and education providers, as well as employers ready to hire.

Rogue Waste engages with students

Rogue Waste, Inc. was well-represented at the event, with a team of seven employees on hand to meet with prospective workers. The Rogue team included Josh Cole (Commercial Operations Supervisor), Jen Moses (Ops Specialist), Tess Schaan (Administrative Assistant), Brenda Olfson (Site Manager), Erin Malanche (Operations Manager), Josh Gibbs (Maintenance Manager) and Emily Zechentmayer (Recruiter). These representatives showcased the diverse career opportunities available at Rogue and answered questions from interested students.

Connecting with the community

The 2025 Careers In Gear event provided a valuable platform for Rogue Waste, Inc. to connect with the region's next wave of professionals. This year, the Rogue team was able to set up shop and meet with students inside the Expo, which contributed to higher traffic and greater interaction with potential future employees.

As you can see by the photos, this was a family affair, as Erin Malanche's daughter, Adie, was on hand to help out — and seemed right at home exploring a company truck.

Careers In Gear offered a dynamic environment where students could explore a variety of career paths, meet potential employers and even apply for jobs on the spot. For Rogue Waste, Inc., it was a successful opportunity to build relationships within the community and highlight the rewarding careers available within the company.