Amazon has officially commenced hiring efforts for its new data center located in Storey County, Nevada. As part of this initiative, the company recently hosted a job fair aimed at connecting local talent with career opportunities at the cutting-edge facility.
The hiring event, held on March 9 at Truckee Meadows Community College, allowed job seekers to meet Amazon recruiters and learn more about available positions. The roles currently being recruited include engineering positions, data center technicians, and installation technicians, all of which are critical to the short- and long-term operations of the data center.
The development, located at the Switch Citadel Campus in the Tahoe Reno Industrial Center, is expected to create significant economic benefits for the region. These benefits include generating local tax revenue to support schools, public safety, and infrastructure, as well as providing hundreds of high-quality construction and skilled technician positions. Additionally, suppliers, contractors, and service providers tied to the project could indirectly benefit thousands more Nevadans.
Governor Joe Lombardo praised Amazon’s investment as a testament to Nevada’s ability to attract major technology companies. "The data center will create hundreds of high-quality construction and skilled technician jobs, while thousands more Nevadans could benefit indirectly through suppliers, contractors, and service providers tied to the project", he said.
The Northern Nevada Development Authority (NNDA) emphasized the importance of Amazon’s decision to recruit locally, describing it as a vote of confidence in the region’s workforce and its long-term economic prospects. NNDA Deputy Director Tatjana Vukovic stated, "Amazon’s decision to move forward with hiring reflects confidence in Northern Nevada’s workforce and long-term economic vision." She added that the roles represent "meaningful career opportunities" designed to provide stable revenue streams for the community.
Amazon leaders have reiterated their commitment to hiring locally as the first data center buildings become operational. Kerry Person, AWS Global Vice President of Datacenter Operations and Delivery, explained, "The company is working closely with regional workforce organizations to connect Nevadans with jobs that offer competitive pay, benefits, and opportunities for advancement."
Amazon has also addressed the environmental and infrastructure aspects of the development. The Reno-area facilities will utilize direct air cooling for most of their operations to reduce water usage. When water is required, Amazon plans to use an allotment designated specifically for industrial purposes. The company is collaborating with state and local partners to support responsible water programs, aiming to ensure a positive impact on the community.
According to an Amazon spokesperson, "Amazon is focused on the immediate opportunity to connect Nevadans with quality jobs at our data center facilities in Storey County. We are conducting our due diligence and working closely with regulators and local officials to finalize long-term operating plans, and we will share updates when appropriate."
The Switch Citadel Campus, where the data center is located, was chosen for its large-scale design and power architecture, which are tailored to support cloud and AI infrastructure. Rob Roy, Founder and CEO of Switch, highlighted the significance of Amazon’s choice, noting that it reinforces Nevada’s growing role in shaping the future of digital infrastructure.
"The decision reinforces Nevada’s growing role in the future of digital infrastructure", Roy said.
Data centers like Amazon's play a crucial role in supporting essential services, including hospitals, schools, financial institutions, and government agencies. They also enable cloud computing, secure data storage, and emerging technologies that drive innovation and economic growth.
As Amazon continues its hiring efforts, both the company and the NNDA have pledged to maintain engagement with local leaders to explore future development opportunities and community partnerships. These efforts include initiatives to promote STEM education, workforce skills development, and sustainability.
With the potential to bolster Northern Nevada’s economy and provide meaningful career opportunities, Amazon’s Storey County data center project is poised to leave a lasting impact on the region.
