Life In Ottawa, Kansas
Ride, walk, or run the Prairie Spirit Trail, explore Ottawa’s historic downtown, and experience a community where outdoor recreation is part of everyday life. Known as the “Trail Crossroads of Kansas,” Ottawa sits at the intersection of the Prairie Spirit Trail and Flint Hills Trail, offering miles of scenic adventure alongside locally owned restaurants, unique shops, year-round community events, and beautiful parks. A strong economy supported by healthcare, manufacturing...
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Key Employers
Rock Creek of Ottawa
Rock Creek of Ottawa is a comprehensive senior living and healthcare campus serving Ottawa and Franklin County. The community provides post acute rehabilitation, skilled nursing, assisted living, and secured memory care, employing a team of professionals focused on enhancing the quality of life for every resident.
Career opportunities include:
- Nursing – RNs, LPNs/LVNs, and nursing leadership
- Therapy & Rehabilitation – Physical therapists, PTAs, occupational therapists, and speech-language pathologists (SLPs)
- Patient Care & Support – Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) and resident care aides
- Business & Administration – Admissions, human resources, scheduling, and facility management
- Facilities & Support Services – Culinary/dietary services, environmental services, and maintenance
Team member benefits may include:
- Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance
- PTO
- Paid holidays and flexible scheduling options (including “Weekend Warrior” shifts)
- 401(k) retirement plan with employer matching
- Tuition reimbursement and continuing education credits
- Paid training
Rock Creek of Ottawa welcomes out-of-state applicants and offers flexible virtual interviewing options.
#employers
AdventHealth Ottawa
AdventHealth Ottawa is a 44-bed, full-service hospital and outpatient care network serving Ottawa and Franklin County. The hospital employs 370+ team members and provides a range of healthcare services to the local community.
Career opportunities include:
- Nursing – RNs, nursing support and leadership
- Allied Health – Imaging, laboratory, pharmacy, rehabilitation and respiratory therapy
- Patient Care & Support – Medical assistants, technicians and patient-support roles
- Business & Administration – HR, finance, IT, management and professional roles
- Facilities & Support Services – Maintenance, environmental services, food services and security
Team member benefits may include:
- Medical, dental and vision benefits starting on day one
- Paid time off and paid parental leave
- 403(b) retirement plan with employer contributions
- Tuition assistance and career development opportunities
AdventHealth Ottawa accepts out-of-state applicants and offers virtual interviews, helping prospective team members begin the hiring process before relocating.
#employers
West Franklin USD 287
West Franklin USD 287 serves students and families in western Franklin County including the Pomona and Williamsburg, Kansas communities. The district offers opportunities for educators looking to build their careers in a close-knit school community. The school district is located just west of Ottawa, Kansas. The district has approximately 610 PreK-12 students and includes the following schools: West Franklin Elementary at Appanoose (PreK-5), West Franklin Elementary at Williamsburg (PreK-5), West Franklin Middle School (6-8) and West Franklin High School (9-12). West Franklin USD 287 is a member of the Three Lakes Educational Cooperative with 5 other districts and the 8 team Flint Hills League.
Current opportunities include:
- Teaching & Substitute Teaching
- Paraeducator/Classroom Aide positions
- Food Service & support roles
- Transportation opportunities
- Coaching positions
West Franklin USD 287 accepts out-of-state applicants and offers virtual interviews, helping prospective team members begin the hiring process before relocating. Learn more about West Franklin USD 287 and the district community here.
#employers
Penny's Concrete, Inc.
Penny’s Concrete, Inc. is a regional supplier of ready-mix concrete and construction materials with operations in Ottawa, Kansas. Founded in 1976, the company serves residential, commercial, and industrial construction projects throughout Kansas and Missouri. With a focus on quality, reliability, and customer service, Penny’s Concrete provides career opportunities in truck driving, plant operations, equipment maintenance, and construction materials production.
Note: Scroll down on the careers page to view current job openings and explore available opportunities at Penny’s Concrete, Inc.
Career Opportunities & Benefits:
- Concrete Mixer Drivers: Opportunities to deliver ready-mix concrete to residential, commercial, and industrial construction sites.
- Plant Operations & Production: Roles supporting concrete batching, equipment operation, and daily plant activities.
- Maintenance & Technical Operations: Positions involving vehicle maintenance, equipment repairs, and facility upkeep.
- Aggregate Operations & Transportation: Opportunities supporting rock and aggregate production, material handling, and hauling.
- Health & Financial Benefits: Company-paid health, dental, and life insurance, plus a 401(k) retirement plan with company matching.
- Additional Benefits: Competitive pay starting at $26/hour for advertised positions, paid holidays, paid vacation, training, and local driving routes that allow employees to return home daily.
Click here to learn more about Penny's Concrete, Inc. →
Image credit: Penny's Concrete, Inc. Facebook page
#employers
Rock Creek of Ottawa
Rock Creek of Ottawa is a comprehensive senior living and healthcare campus serving Ottawa and Franklin County. The community provides post acute rehabilitation, skilled nursing, assisted living, and secured memory care, employing a team of professionals focused on enhancing the quality of life for every resident.
Career opportunities include:
- Nursing – RNs, LPNs/LVNs, and nursing leadership
- Therapy & Rehabilitation – Physical therapists, PTAs, occupational therapists, and speech-language pathologists (SLPs)
- Patient Care & Support – Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) and resident care aides
- Business & Administration – Admissions, human resources, scheduling, and facility management
- Facilities & Support Services – Culinary/dietary services, environmental services, and maintenance
Team member benefits may include:
- Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance
- PTO
- Paid holidays and flexible scheduling options (including “Weekend Warrior” shifts)
- 401(k) retirement plan with employer matching
- Tuition reimbursement and continuing education credits
- Paid training
Rock Creek of Ottawa welcomes out-of-state applicants and offers flexible virtual interviewing options.
#employers
AdventHealth Ottawa
AdventHealth Ottawa is a 44-bed, full-service hospital and outpatient care network serving Ottawa and Franklin County. The hospital employs 370+ team members and provides a range of healthcare services to the local community.
Career opportunities include:
- Nursing – RNs, nursing support and leadership
- Allied Health – Imaging, laboratory, pharmacy, rehabilitation and respiratory therapy
- Patient Care & Support – Medical assistants, technicians and patient-support roles
- Business & Administration – HR, finance, IT, management and professional roles
- Facilities & Support Services – Maintenance, environmental services, food services and security
Team member benefits may include:
- Medical, dental and vision benefits starting on day one
- Paid time off and paid parental leave
- 403(b) retirement plan with employer contributions
- Tuition assistance and career development opportunities
AdventHealth Ottawa accepts out-of-state applicants and offers virtual interviews, helping prospective team members begin the hiring process before relocating.
#employers
West Franklin USD 287
West Franklin USD 287 serves students and families in western Franklin County including the Pomona and Williamsburg, Kansas communities. The district offers opportunities for educators looking to build their careers in a close-knit school community. The school district is located just west of Ottawa, Kansas. The district has approximately 610 PreK-12 students and includes the following schools: West Franklin Elementary at Appanoose (PreK-5), West Franklin Elementary at Williamsburg (PreK-5), West Franklin Middle School (6-8) and West Franklin High School (9-12). West Franklin USD 287 is a member of the Three Lakes Educational Cooperative with 5 other districts and the 8 team Flint Hills League.
Current opportunities include:
- Teaching & Substitute Teaching
- Paraeducator/Classroom Aide positions
- Food Service & support roles
- Transportation opportunities
- Coaching positions
West Franklin USD 287 accepts out-of-state applicants and offers virtual interviews, helping prospective team members begin the hiring process before relocating. Learn more about West Franklin USD 287 and the district community here.
#employers
Penny's Concrete, Inc.
Penny’s Concrete, Inc. is a regional supplier of ready-mix concrete and construction materials with operations in Ottawa, Kansas. Founded in 1976, the company serves residential, commercial, and industrial construction projects throughout Kansas and Missouri. With a focus on quality, reliability, and customer service, Penny’s Concrete provides career opportunities in truck driving, plant operations, equipment maintenance, and construction materials production.
Note: Scroll down on the careers page to view current job openings and explore available opportunities at Penny’s Concrete, Inc.
Career Opportunities & Benefits:
- Concrete Mixer Drivers: Opportunities to deliver ready-mix concrete to residential, commercial, and industrial construction sites.
- Plant Operations & Production: Roles supporting concrete batching, equipment operation, and daily plant activities.
- Maintenance & Technical Operations: Positions involving vehicle maintenance, equipment repairs, and facility upkeep.
- Aggregate Operations & Transportation: Opportunities supporting rock and aggregate production, material handling, and hauling.
- Health & Financial Benefits: Company-paid health, dental, and life insurance, plus a 401(k) retirement plan with company matching.
- Additional Benefits: Competitive pay starting at $26/hour for advertised positions, paid holidays, paid vacation, training, and local driving routes that allow employees to return home daily.
Click here to learn more about Penny's Concrete, Inc. →
Image credit: Penny's Concrete, Inc. Facebook page
#employers
Rock Creek of Ottawa
Rock Creek of Ottawa is a comprehensive senior living and healthcare campus serving Ottawa and Franklin County. The community provides post acute rehabilitation, skilled nursing, assisted living, and secured memory care, employing a team of professionals focused on enhancing the quality of life for every resident.
Career opportunities include:
- Nursing – RNs, LPNs/LVNs, and nursing leadership
- Therapy & Rehabilitation – Physical therapists, PTAs, occupational therapists, and speech-language pathologists (SLPs)
- Patient Care & Support – Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) and resident care aides
- Business & Administration – Admissions, human resources, scheduling, and facility management
- Facilities & Support Services – Culinary/dietary services, environmental services, and maintenance
Team member benefits may include:
- Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance
- PTO
- Paid holidays and flexible scheduling options (including “Weekend Warrior” shifts)
- 401(k) retirement plan with employer matching
- Tuition reimbursement and continuing education credits
- Paid training
Rock Creek of Ottawa welcomes out-of-state applicants and offers flexible virtual interviewing options.
#employers
AdventHealth Ottawa
AdventHealth Ottawa is a 44-bed, full-service hospital and outpatient care network serving Ottawa and Franklin County. The hospital employs 370+ team members and provides a range of healthcare services to the local community.
Career opportunities include:
- Nursing – RNs, nursing support and leadership
- Allied Health – Imaging, laboratory, pharmacy, rehabilitation and respiratory therapy
- Patient Care & Support – Medical assistants, technicians and patient-support roles
- Business & Administration – HR, finance, IT, management and professional roles
- Facilities & Support Services – Maintenance, environmental services, food services and security
Team member benefits may include:
- Medical, dental and vision benefits starting on day one
- Paid time off and paid parental leave
- 403(b) retirement plan with employer contributions
- Tuition assistance and career development opportunities
AdventHealth Ottawa accepts out-of-state applicants and offers virtual interviews, helping prospective team members begin the hiring process before relocating.
#employers
West Franklin USD 287
West Franklin USD 287 serves students and families in western Franklin County including the Pomona and Williamsburg, Kansas communities. The district offers opportunities for educators looking to build their careers in a close-knit school community. The school district is located just west of Ottawa, Kansas. The district has approximately 610 PreK-12 students and includes the following schools: West Franklin Elementary at Appanoose (PreK-5), West Franklin Elementary at Williamsburg (PreK-5), West Franklin Middle School (6-8) and West Franklin High School (9-12). West Franklin USD 287 is a member of the Three Lakes Educational Cooperative with 5 other districts and the 8 team Flint Hills League.
Current opportunities include:
- Teaching & Substitute Teaching
- Paraeducator/Classroom Aide positions
- Food Service & support roles
- Transportation opportunities
- Coaching positions
West Franklin USD 287 accepts out-of-state applicants and offers virtual interviews, helping prospective team members begin the hiring process before relocating. Learn more about West Franklin USD 287 and the district community here.
#employers
Penny's Concrete, Inc.
Penny’s Concrete, Inc. is a regional supplier of ready-mix concrete and construction materials with operations in Ottawa, Kansas. Founded in 1976, the company serves residential, commercial, and industrial construction projects throughout Kansas and Missouri. With a focus on quality, reliability, and customer service, Penny’s Concrete provides career opportunities in truck driving, plant operations, equipment maintenance, and construction materials production.
Note: Scroll down on the careers page to view current job openings and explore available opportunities at Penny’s Concrete, Inc.
Career Opportunities & Benefits:
- Concrete Mixer Drivers: Opportunities to deliver ready-mix concrete to residential, commercial, and industrial construction sites.
- Plant Operations & Production: Roles supporting concrete batching, equipment operation, and daily plant activities.
- Maintenance & Technical Operations: Positions involving vehicle maintenance, equipment repairs, and facility upkeep.
- Aggregate Operations & Transportation: Opportunities supporting rock and aggregate production, material handling, and hauling.
- Health & Financial Benefits: Company-paid health, dental, and life insurance, plus a 401(k) retirement plan with company matching.
- Additional Benefits: Competitive pay starting at $26/hour for advertised positions, paid holidays, paid vacation, training, and local driving routes that allow employees to return home daily.
Click here to learn more about Penny's Concrete, Inc. →
Image credit: Penny's Concrete, Inc. Facebook page
#employers
Awards & Press
The four must-sees of ottawa
OU Named a 2024-25 Silver Champions of Character
Environmental Stewardship Award
EXCELLENCE AWARD AT BEST OF THE MIDWEST MEDIA FEST
AAA Gold Kansas Community Traffic Safety Award for traffic safety efforts in 2020
19th Safest City in Kansas
Kansas’ Flint Hills Trail State Park Recognized as Hall of Fame Trail
Cost of Living Comparison
See how your current cost of living compares to life in Ottawa, Kansas. Sign up to save your details and auto-load results next time.
MakeMyMove sources all Cost of Living Data from COLI, published by the Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), without any modification or bias.
COLI data is recognized by the U.S. Census Bureau, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, and CNN Money. The data and methodology are described in detail and completely transparent to users, found in the COLI Manual. Both data and methodology are reviewed by an Advisory Board composed of academic researchers and government officials. The Cost of Living Index is referenced in the Census Bureau's Statistical Abstract of the U.S.
According to the COLI Manual, composite differences of <4% and categorical differences of <5% are not statistically significant and should not be treated as necessarily accurate.
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