A recent opening at the Asotin County Auditor's Office for a clerical position proved to be popular among job seekers. Officials said the county was flooded with 68 applications for the $12.01-per-hour job. The person who is hired as a level III office assistant will work 35 hours a week and have full medical and dental benefits. Insurance seems to be the big draw, officials surmised.

County jobs typically get a decent response, along with hospital, school and city positions. People are most interested in full-time jobs with benefits, according to a quick, non-scientific survey of some of the larger employers in Asotin County.

At the Clarkston School District, officials said some classified jobs generate up to 75 applications, depending on the position. For example, a curriculum assistant position netted 71 applications. The pay scale ranges from $15.67 to $17.26 per hour with full benefits and paid holidays. 

On the other hand, a recent Title I aide job opening at Parkway Elementary School drew 14 applications. The pay range is $12.78 to $14.54 per hour. Medical, dental and retirement benefits and 10 paid holidays are included with the union position.

Another popular place to work is Tri-State Hospital in Clarkston. A recent opening at the hospital's foundation office drew 22 applicants with a wide range of backgrounds, officials said.

Job seekers are often drawn to employment opportunities on the Washington side of the river because of the minimum wage, officials said. The state's minimum pay is slated to increase by 37 cents to $9.04 per hour as of Jan. 1. The minimum wage in Idaho is $7.25 per hour.