With bright blue eyes sparkling with humor, and brusque but efficient work style, Jenny Barnes has all the attributes of a perfect office administrator. A 5-year employee of Cirrus Aircraft, mother of two children, and avid horsewoman, Jenny mans the central command station at Cirrus’s Grand Forks location.

1. Culture is Everything

“They really care about their employees. It’s really more than just a place to work,” said Jenny.  Beyond the regular benefits offered by the company like medical, dental, vision, short & long-term disability, and life insurances, the company offers a 5% match to 401(k).

But it’s the extra things like the Employee Critical Issue Fund that stand out to Jenny. “The employees here contribute to the Fund at events like a company grill-out, where everyone pays a fee to eat,” said Jenny. Donations build the employee critical issue, which go back to employees in need. “One of our employee’s spouses was having health issues and we were able to financially help them out during that time. Even though we’re a big company, it doesn’t feel like you’re just a number.”

2. There are Planes

Perhaps this is an obvious perk for an aircraft manufacturer, but not only do employees get to work on parts of world-class aircraft, they also get to see the end result. Cirrus offers employees and their immediate family members the opportunity to obtain a private pilot’s license, including ground courses and aircraft rental at reduced rates. “It’s a nice incentive for employees to see Grand Forks from a different view,” said Jenny.

3. Food Trucks Anyone?

Jenny says one of the favorite parts of her job includes coordinating food trucks to come out for lunch hours. Cirrus Aircraft Grand Forks employees can nosh on frybread tacos from Hobo Tacos, samosas from Steers, burgers from Ground Round, or Tacho Man’s mouthwatering tachos. The company also goes all out for holiday parties with giveaways and an annual bash. “We’re such a high-paced facility where everyone is busy all the time, but being able to sit down and have an uninterrupted conversation really helps me get to know my coworkers,” said Jenny.

4. Upward Mobility

Cirrus believes in investing in its employees – and you don’t have to have a college degree to be on a track for success. Entry-level positions all have a clear track to build skills, earn a set number of work minutes, and move on to higher-level positions. If you do want an education, Cirrus is also willing to provide tuition reimbursement. And although Grand Forks has many options for advancement, with plants in McKinney, TX, Knoxville, TN, and Duluth, MN, employees have the ability to move from site to site through promotions.

5. Scheduling Flexibility

Want to only work three days a week? Want to work 36 hours and get paid for 40? Cirrus Aircraft Grand Forks can make that happen. There are several different shifts available, including a weekend shift (Friday-Sunday) 5 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Those who choose the weekend shift are paid for 40 hours, even with a 36-hour work schedule. The two other manufacturing floor shifts include Monday through Thursday 5 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and a second shift from 3:30 p.m. to 2 a.m. The company also offers plenty of opportunities for overtime for those who want to pad their paychecks.

6. Give Back to the Community

In addition to a bucket of paid time off accruing every pay-period, employees can get paid to volunteer. “Fostering connections with the local community is important to Cirrus,” said Cirrus HR Business Partner Jill Johnson, and that includes giving employees time to get to know the community and give back.

So now that you know how this great company can propel your career, check out their Grand Forks job openings!