FREDERICK, Md. -

The National Auto Auction Association has launched a new website that it says will help job seekers connect with member auto auctions that have jobs to fill.

The association said in a news release that AutoAuctionJobs.com is a free resource that provides information about careers in the industry and links to auction job listings. It also provides the ability to complete a general application or submit a resume.

Talent Acquisition Specialist Samantha Parks, contracted by NAAA from CARS Recon recruitment services, is staffing the site full-time to answer questions, review applications, screen for qualified candidates, match them to appropriate available positions and refer them to auction employers. Parks is available weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. central time by phone, email or the online chat instant messaging feature.

The site was initially developed in response to an NAAA-commissioned study, “Solving the Technician Shortage.” NAAA expanded the concept to make the website a useful research tool for hiring any position a member auction may have open. That could include mechanics, vehicle inspectors, condition report writers, lot managers, clerks, detailers, and drivers. NAAA auctions are invited to share their employment site links by sending them to jobs@naaa.com.

“It's my pleasure to announce the launching of AutoAuctionJobs.com because I think vehicle remarketing is the greatest industry in the world to work in,” NAAA president Chad Bailey said in a news release. “I'm proud of NAAA’s proactive role in promoting careers in auto auctions and in recruiting candidates to fulfill our membership’s employment needs.”

Bailey also said, “Our members face the rising retirement of veteran technicians just as vehicles have become increasingly sophisticated and the younger generation is unaware of the rewarding opportunities auto auctions offer them. I'd tell anyone who's considering the auto repair and service field that AutoAuctionJobs.com is where a great career can begin.”

Parks said a major focus of her position is to showcase auto auction occupations to vocational students and instructors and assist interested job hunters in exploring their employment options.

“In addition to my other duties, I'm here to bridge the gap between auctions and potential recruitment pools, such as trade and vo-tech schools and community colleges,” Parks said. “Making those connections, building relationships and communications are key elements in raising awareness of auction jobs and getting people to view them as a great career move that offers a team environment, opportunity for rapid advancement and a good work/life balance.”

Parks worked as a client services manager for Centria Healthcare and as the marketing and communications coordinator for the Clarkston [Michigan] Area Chamber of Commerce before joining CARS Recon.

“AutoAuctionJobs.com is an excellent platform for reaching a lot of people,” Parks said. “I’m excited to help them find a good livelihood with an auto auction career while serving NAAA's members who need skilled employees.”