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Employment Data for Buffalo
Allison Considine — Sep 1, 2014
The types of jobs available in Buffalo have changed post-recession, with midlevel skilled jobs disappearing and high and low skill jobs growing. The loss of jobs in fields such as teaching, office administration, factory work and construction work during the recession is exacerbated by the fact that many midlevel jobs, such as manufacturing, are being automated or sent to cheaper markets. Growth has occurred on the high and low skill ends of the spectrum, however, with increases in …
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Unionization of Low Wage Workers
Brian Hartmann — Apr 22, 2010
The unionization of workers, particularly those engaged in occupations which pay low wages, has often been criticized by business leaders as stifling economic development. This brief explores unionization of low wage work in both national and local terms and discusses its effects on economic development and on the lives of workers. It asserts that in spite of the recent decline in union participation, the organizing of low wage labor significantly increases workers’ quality of …
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An Educational Gift: Teacher Aides in New York State
Alexa Rissoff — Apr 20, 2010
Teacher Aides, also referred to as teacher assistants, instructional aides, paraprofessionals or paraeducators, generally provide non-instructional and clerical support for classroom teachers. While this fact sheet focuses on teacher aides, it is important to briefly note the major differences between teacher aides and teaching assistants in New York.
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Dishwashers: Workers in a Low-Wage Occupation
Robert Strassel — Apr 20, 2010
There are no educational or licensing requirements to become a dishwasher. Typically, dishwashers are trained on the job by experienced co-workers. Some employers require employees to complete educational materials addressing issues including safety guidelines, equipment maintenance, and cleansing procedures.
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Landscapers and Grounds Keepers
Ryan Parisi — Apr 20, 2010
The tasks of a landscaper or groundskeeper in the Buffalo region vary by the time of year and even the day. The jobs include mowing lawns, “edging” driveways and sidewalks, trimming bushes, trees and other vegetation, planting vegetation, removing old or dead vegetation, fall and spring “clean ups” which involve cleaning a property and preparing it for the next season, watering vegetation, maintaining overall appearance of property, mulching, weeding, and pruning …
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The Job of a UB Janitor
Michael Raleigh — Apr 20, 2010
It varies. You can do carpet shampoo, floor work, taking care of trash, recycling, clean up spills of blood or chemicals, snow removal. It depends on the building. I work in some of the medical buildings where there are different labs and experiments. Other people who work in residence halls do not deal with these different conditions. Yeah, you bet it can be dangerous. Some of the areas where people work have nuclear materials. There is a nuclear …
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Working as an EMT
Robert Mietlicki — Apr 20, 2010
The work of Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) is often the difference between life and death for a patient. EMTs respond to various medical emergencies including car accidents, heart attacks, slips and falls of the elderly, childbirth, and gunshot wounds. In responding to emergencies, EMTs assess a patient’s condition, determine pre-existing medical conditions, and provide emergency care while transporting patients to an emergency room. EMTs often work with police …
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Exploring Low Wage Work in the Farming Industry
Stuart Frame — Apr 19, 2010
Farm work encompasses a variety of different jobs. When I worked for a farmer and farm market owner in Rochester, my tasks ranged from picking corn and berries to sell in the market, hoeing weeds in the pumpkin patch, and irrigating and helping plow the fields and maintaining the orchards. I very much enjoyed, as did my interview contact, certain aspects of farm work. It is very fulfilling to spend the day working outside with one’s hands. The variety of tasks that …
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Food Service Workers in Buffalo Public Schools
Rachel Jones — Apr 19, 2010
Generally, employees are expected to assist the cook in the preparation and serving of the food. These workers are also required to clean all areas, as well as dishes and cooking utensils. They must maintain clean spaces in the kitchen and in the rest rooms. The food service worker could also be required to serve as a cashier or checker. There are other possible employment conditions.
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Food Service Workers in Restaurants: Short Order Cooks, First-Line Supervisors, and Managers
Lisa Diaz-Ordaz — Apr 19, 2010
Short order cooks are restaurant workers who prepare food as it is ordered by customers. First-line supervisors also have to prepare food, but at the same time they must supervise the other workers who are cooking and preparing food. In contrast, food service managers are responsible for the daily operations of a restaurant including all administrative and human resource functions of the restaurant. In Erie County in 2008, the average weekly wage for a cook at a limited …
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Home Health Aides
Chenoa Maye — Apr 19, 2010
Home health aides typically work for certified home health or hospice agencies that receive government funding and therefore must comply with extensive regulations. This means that home health aides must work under the direct supervision of a medical professional, usually a nurse. The aides keep records of services performed and of clients' condition and progress. They report changes in the client's condition to the supervisor or case manager. Aides also work with …
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Retail Sales: Selling to make a Living
Neil Diegelman — Apr 19, 2010
Interview with retail salesperson conducted March 16, 2010. James Silver is a 28-year old white male working at Sears. His work week consists of between 35 and 40 hours, and he has been employed with Sears for over five years. James has a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from the University at Buffalo.
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Sanitation Workers in the City of Buffalo
Dannine Consoli — Apr 19, 2010
Sanitation workers, also referred to as refuse collectors, collect trash from homes and businesses. They either lift the garbage cans themselves or use a hydraulic lift for dumpsters. The work is physically demanding and repetitive. Sometimes they have to lift large heavy objects, such as furniture or large kitchen appliances. They normally work an 8 hour shift that often begins between 5 a.m. and 6 a.m. They usually work regardless of the weather.
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School Bus Monitors in Western New York
Brian Hartmann — Apr 19, 2010
The New York State Department of Education defines a “bus monitor” (also commonly referred to as a “bus aide”) as any person employed for the purpose of assisting children to safely embark and disembark from a school bus which is owned, leased or contracted for by a public school district or board of cooperative educational services, and for the purpose of assisting the school bus driver with maintaining proper student behavior on such school bus.
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Working as a Security Guard in Western New York
Owen Field — Apr 19, 2010
Being a security guard is something to be proud of. A security guard protects people, and the job can be challenging and even dangerous. Guards have to be licensed, and there are certain safety measures and skills that they have to learn. Security guards can save lives, stop terrorism, and make entire neighborhoods feel more comfortable. Under the right circumstances, security can make a good career. There can be opportunities for increased rankings and advancements, and …
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Working as a Receptionist
Kasia McDonald — Mar 25, 2010
According to the New York Department of Labor, the job prospects for receptionists from 2006-2016 are very favorable. Currently, the median wage for receptionists in western New York is $24,500, with, on an annual basis, 170 new openings and a projected 6% annual job growth. In 2006, there were 5,670 employed as a receptionist in this region; in 2016, there are expected to be 6,010. Nationally, receptionist held 1.1 million jobs in 2008, with the largest numbers working in …
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Childcare Workers
Leah Hardy — Apr 19, 2009
Childcare workers monitor infants and children to ensure their well-being and safety. They provide primary care for infants (change diapers, prepare bottles, put them down for naps, etc.) and provide activities to keep older children occupied and help them to “develop self-esteem, curiosity, imagination, physical skills, and speech.”