JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- With thousands of applicants and only 250 positions, the Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) should have a pick of qualified engineers, architects and tradesmen to pick from.

Lines stretched out the door of the conference center at the University of North Florida on Monday at a job fair.

A NAVFAC spokeswoman said their applicant pool has dropped in recent years.

"We have had a hard time finding qualified candidates in those areas for a while, but I don't think it's because of a shortage, it's getting the word out that we need people," said NAVFAC public information officer Sue Brink.

Some of those attending have years of experience, but recently lost jobs.

"A lot of my work was in private development -- residential and commercial development," said Bill Leyton, an engineer with 37 years of experience. "When the banks stopped lending money, that kind of work just stopped happening."

"It's a hard situation for everybody," said a woman with an engineering degree who is currently teaching math part time. "I wish everyone luck -- including me."

Applicants went through two screenings and some interviews. A select few were offered tentative positions on site. Others will be contacted later.

Those hired may have to move. The NAVFAC is hiring for positions through the southeastern region, which could take people as far away as Texas or Guantanamo Bay.

"People may not have been willing to relocate earlier, whereas the job market now may be bringing them to us," Brink said.

With construction and engineering being among the industries hardest hit by the credit crunch, those in line Monday said it couldn't come at a better time.

Anyone interested in a position that did not attend the job fair can apply online by visiting www.donhr.Navy.mil. (Because it is a secure site, you may have to accept a certificate in your browser.)