Even though Amazon officials started hiring for various jobs in February, the company announced Wednesday it has now started general hiring of more than 2,000 positions at its newly constructed processing facility on the West Plains.

The employees are needed for picking and packing orders, receiving and stowing products, and the loading and unloading of trucks at the 2.5 million-square-foot Amazon “fulfillment center” at 10010 W. Geiger Blvd.

“We are thrilled to announce that Amazon is joining the Spokane community and that we’ll be hiring over 2,000 new associates,” Andy Parra, director of operations for the Spokane facility, said in a news release. “We are absolutely committed to the health and well-being of our future associates and will do everything we can to ensure their safety throughout the hiring process taking COVID-19 precautions into consideration.”

Employees will be hired at a $15-an-hour minimum wage with benefits that include health coverage, the company said. Amazon has moved as much of the hiring process online as possible, it said, but some of the hiring steps must be completed in person.

Job candidates must be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or equivalent to be considered. All interested candidates can choose a shift preference and select an appointment time to attend an upcoming hiring event and orientation.

As a result of the coronavirus pandemic, the company has also taken several safety measures, including a requirement that applicants wear a mask, which Amazon will provide.

Amazon is asking any applicants to stay at home if they are living with someone who is COVID-19 positive; if they have a temperature above 100.4; if they have traveled to another country in the past 14 days; or if they are currently experiencing shortness of breath or a cough.

The company previously said it hopes to open the fulfillment center by the middle of the year and eventually employ more than 3,000 workers at the facility during the peak holiday season.

Interested candidates are encouraged to apply at search.amazondelivers.jobs or text SPOKENOW to 77088.