Tips for finding career in Tucson (Phoenix: student loans, new home, wage)

[Wyofan11]

My wife and I have decided we are moving to Tucson. We have lived in Wyoming our whole lives and the winters and isolation are just too much and love the area (plus, I have family there). I'm okay with the heat and am familiar with some issues in the area. I also have ideas for housing and am not worried about that. We are not interested in Phoenix (too far from family and too big! )

I'm mainly concerned about a job. I've noticed it's a very competitive market and would like to know good places to check away from the main job boards such as Indeed. I have a degree in journalism with a little newspaper experience but have substitute taught for two years as Wyoming is very limited in media opportunities. I'm a very dedicated employee and particularly skilled in writing, photography, and communications. I would prefer to focus on those areas but don't see many openings for those in Tucson. Even though I'd really like to write or edit, I am open to other fields. My main goal is to make a livable wage (enough to pay the bills, including student loans, and build up savings) and at least tolerate what I do. I don't really want to sub anymore, either (I'd rather have job security and get paid for 12 months instead of 9).

I would also like to secure a position before I move (my wife will follow eventually once she gets a teaching degree, but housing arrangements for her student teaching among other factors have made us decide it is best I go first). However, I feel at an automatic disadvantage as I'm 1,000 miles away when there are so many qualified candidates. I also get paid on a day-by-day basis and really can't afford to take off work to fly down for potential interviews. I have the option to go earlier and stay with family to look for a career until I get established. Would that ease finding work?

Any tips are greatly appreciated. We are very excited to eventually call the Old Pueblo our new home!