The Salt River Project (SRP) will provide full pay to employees called to active duty for up to two years and current employees who are members or reservists for the Arizona National Guard will be granted 22 days per year of paid leave—twice the amount previously allotted. 

Consistently striving to find better ways to recruit, employ, support and hopefully retain qualified Arizona military veterans, SRP has gone to bat with an expanded initiative designed to extend employee benefits for military-affiliated workers.

"We know how much of an impact being called up for Guard or active duty can have on their lives, and we want to make it easier for them to serve their country knowing they can still support their families," Rob Nichols, SRP senior director of Human Resources, said.

To facilitate the process for veterans re-entering the civilian workforce, SRP has initiated a page on its website  to allow interactive screening between itself and prospective job candidates in an effort to provide outreach and recognition of specific skill sets derived from military training and experience.

Through this tool, SRP hopes to gain a wider view of available candidates who otherwise might not be fully aware of potential jobs in the utility sector.

"Each of the armed services provide[s] world-class technical training to ensure that military personnel are up to any challenge," Carrie Young, a senior director at SRP who previously served 20 years in the Air Force, said. "Often, these are skills that can be easily transferred and successfully implemented in the workplace."

SRP has been recognized as an Arizona Veteran Supportive Employer by the Arizona Coalition for Military Families for its efforts through the SRP Military/Veteran Outreach and Recruiting Initiative. It also supports Employee Interest Groups, such as the SRPVETS.