Dozens line up to apply for jobs at Amazon’s Johnston fulfillment center

JOHNSTON, R.I. (WJAR) — The first recruiting event at the new Amazon fulfillment center in Johnston drew quite the crowd Tuesday.

The line nearly wrapped around the massive building.

Prospective employees had the chance to talk face to face with job recruiters at Amazon.

It’s the first time the company is hosting a job fair at the 3.8 million-square-foot facility on Hartford Avenue.

More than 1,000 jobs are expected to open up at the warehouse as Amazon get things up and running, which is expected to happen in time for the holiday shopping season.

Amazon executives said warehouse workers can make up to $22 an hour with flexible hours and benefits. Amazon also offers 401(k) and paid parental leave.

It’s a job opportunity many people will wait in line for.

“Today is one hiring event. There’s a bit of a cap on how many people we can onboard every single week, but we’ll continue to hire at this facility for the rest of this holiday year and into next year,” said Jonathan Greeley, the head of economic development for Amazon New England. “We’re committed to thinking about a range of hiring opportunities.”

Tuesday’s job fair was scheduled to run until noon.