BUCKSPORT — Paper mills outside of Maine are interested in hiring Verso Paper workers, whose jobs are expected to come to an end when the Bucksport paper mill closes its doors on Dec. 1.

Flambeau River Papers in Wisconsin and Boise Paper in Minnesota have reached out to Dave Milan, economic development director for Bucksport, to say they have openings for experienced papermakers. Milan has created a website for Verso workers, versobucksport.com, where he is posting information that could be of benefit employees, including out-of-state job opportunities.

Verso Paper in Bucksport employs about 500 people. The company announced at the beginning of October it would close by the end of the year.

“What we want to do is provide opportunities for the millworkers,” Milan said Friday. “There’s certainly no doubt in my mind that these workers are very highly skilled, productive workers. Other companies from around the country could use them.”

Cassandra Schienebeck, head of human resources for Flambeau River Papers in Park Falls, Wis., said Friday the family-owned company is open to “any of the talents that they have to offer” in Bucksport. About 320 people make paper at the Wisconsin mill.

“We’re looking at different expansion areas and are not limited to just engineers but to general laborers as well,” she said. “There have been a few resumes that I’ve received — not an abundant amount, but it’s new. And I’m sure it’s hard for individuals to move that far from their hometown. Hopefully, it gives people a little hope.”

Milan said he has received dozens and dozens of suggestions of how to help the Bucksport millworkers and how the mill could be repurposed. He has not, however, been hearing much from one party with a vested interest in the future of the mill and the millworkers — Verso Paper management.

“I’m frustrated,” he said. “They’re certainly keeping the town in the dark as to what their intentions are. It makes it hard for us to figure out our next steps.”

Efforts Friday to contact a Verso Paper spokesperson were unsuccessful.

Milan said among the many suggestions he has received were two legitimate queries from companies interested in doing something with the property. He forwarded those queries to the mill and followed up with the companies to see whether they heard anything from Verso. They haven’t, he said.

“We don’t own the mill, and we don’t control the mill. It’s up to the company to determine what the future use will be of the property. Our first choice is for them to be running a viable business out of there. Our second choice is that they would be receptive to someone else doing that. All we get for answers is, ‘We don’t know,’” Milan said. “The country is certainly dotted with old industrial buildings from bygone industries. We would prefer for that not to happen here.”

He also said he still doesn’t know how many people will be looking for work on Dec. 1. Several Bucksport workers, whose average age is 55, will choose to retire. Some will remain employed at the Verso-owned power plant in Bucksport while others might find employment at other Verso-owned mills.

“We’re trying to determine the net job loss. Once we’ve done that, it’s easier for us to try and circle the wagons to provide opportunities for people to help workers,” he said. “I’ve heard a lot of interest in helping the workers. That’s really what is great about Maine people. They’re always willing to reach out and help others.”