ELYSBURG - More than 1,000 people walked through the doors of Elysburg Fire Company Saturday seeking jobs at Pennsylvania's largest free admission amusement park.
The ninth annual Knoebels Amusement Resort Job Fair once again attracted people of all ages looking for seasonal employment. The event was held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Participants met with representatives from each department at the park, filled out an application and scheduled an interview.
"I'm very happy with the turnout and particularly pleased with the quality of job candidates," commented Joe Muscato, public relations director at the park. "People of all ages are looking for employment at Knoebels because they know it's a good place to work."
Muscato said most of the job applicants were once again from the local area and surrounding communities, although a few traveled some distance, including 18-year-old Denton Raab, of York, who was impressed by the 30 booths lining the fire hall.
Muscato said a couple new job booths were added to the fair this year, including a costume character stand for those interested in playing the roles of Kosmo the chipmunk or Dexter the raccoon who greet children and adults at the park.
John Jones, director of human resources at Knoebels, said 1,075 people attended the fair, which was a little less than the past four years when 1,100 to 1,400 applied for positions.
Knoebels, which has won numerous awards over the years in various categories, expects to hire between 600 and 800 new and replacement seasonal workers for the 2013 season. Combined with returning summer employees, this will total more than 1,600 jobs. Most positions will be in food service, ride and game operations, gift shops, grounds maintenance, recycling, ticket sales, pool staff and lifeguards.
The park is primarily seeking workers aged 16 and older, although there are a number of positions available for workers aged 14 and 15. School-aged workers are required to have working papers when hired.
In addition to a regular paycheck, Knoebels offers a number of added benefits for employees. Several special employee events like staff swims, a block party, Sundae Sunday and a corn roast are held throughout the season.
School-aged employees are encouraged to apply for Knoebels' scholarship program to further their educations. More than $70,000 in scholarships have been awarded since the program's beginning.
Knoebels also participates in a park exchange program that allows employees to visit Hersheypark, Dorney Park, Great Adventure and others free of charge. All employees receive Knoebels tickets and food coupons along with their paychecks.