Job fairs slated for seasonal work at Kennywood, Sandcastle, Idlewild
Three affiliated amusement parks in Allegheny and Westmoreland counties plan to hold job fairs starting this weekend as they look to hire more than 2,000 seasonal workers for the summer.
A job fair is slated from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday at Kennywood Park in West Mifflin, for applicants interested in working at Kennywood or at Sandcastle Waterpark in West Homestead. The event was postponed a week because of a late winter storm.
Idlewild & SoakZone in Ligonier Township will host its job fair from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. March 26.
Kennywood is scheduled to open April 23 for the start of its 125th season. More than 1,000 positions are available, including ride operators, food and beverage attendants, security officers and grounds and housekeeping staff.
Kennywood has announced the return from retirement of its Kangaroo ride, a “flying coaster” that debuted in 1962 and was the inspiration for the park’s mascot, Kenny Kangaroo.
About 300 workers will be needed at Sandcastle, where the parks’ 33rd opening weekend is set for May 28-30. In addition to admissions, security and food and beverage staff, aquatics workers and lifeguards are needed.
The park is set to debut Bombs Away, a drop slide of more than 300 feet.
May 21-22 are the planned opening days for the 145th season at Idlewild & SoakZone. There are about 700 positions available there, including lifeguards for the park’s water attractions. SoakZone and Sandcastle each have a 10-day paid lifeguard training and certification process.
Ride operators and food service employees are needed at the Olde Idlewild section of the Ligonier Township park. Character performers are being sought for roles at the adjoining Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood and Story Book Forest.
Positions at the parks are available for workers as young as 14. The parks are offering starting pay of up to $15 per hour for positions requiring those who are 18 or older or high school graduates.
Visit Kennywood.com, SandcastleWaterpark.com or Idlewild.com for more information.
Jeff Himler is a TribLive reporter covering Greater Latrobe, Ligonier Valley, Mt. Pleasant Area and Derry Area school districts and their communities. He also reports on transportation issues. A journalist for more than three decades, he enjoys delving into local history. He can be reached at jhimler@triblive.com.
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