FARMINGTON — Lagoon — Utah's largest seasonal employer of teenagers — will hold job interviews/hirings for new employees on Saturday, March 5, at 9 a.m., at Farmington Junior High School, 150 S. 200 West.
According to Jaimie Druk, human resources manager for Lagoon, the amusement park will need a total of 2,000 seasonal employees for this spring, summer and fall. That number includes some rehires of last year's returning employees.
"I think this is a great job for kids," Druk said. "For many, this ends up being their first real job."
Besides having opportunities for advancement, she said it gives youths a chance to learn essential job skills, have a seasonal income and also make new friends.
Interviews will also be held Saturday, March 12, 9 a.m. to noon, but Druk stressed that being there early on the first hiring day offers the best chance at a job. That's because in most cases, it's not just an interview — it's hiring on the spot.
"Jobs fill quickly," Druk said.
Lifeguards will be hired on Friday, March 4, 4 p.m. at the Lagoon maintenance shop, in a separate interview process. All lifeguard applicants must be age 16 or over.
Each job applicant should bring a pen or pencil, three personal references, his or her Social Security number and should be dressed for an interview.
Candidates must also choose which department they want to work for — ride operations, food and beverage, games, ticketing, deckhands, grounds, restrooms, landscaping, warehouse, picnic services, merchandise or admissions.
Most applicants hired are 16 or over, but traditionally a limited number of 15-years-olds are also hired.
What does Lagoon look for the most?
"We want kids that are energetic and willing to work," Druk said.
What about work hours?
Applicants must be willing to work weekends and evenings. Sunday work requirements depend on individual department needs. Regarding time off for vacation plans with families, Druk said again that varies in each department, but usually there is such an option for time off — if requests are not excessive.
Benefits for season employees include park discounts for friends and family; family days at Lagoon; competitive pay; family days; a chance at college scholarships; discounts on park merchandise; ride passports; and season-end bonus.
Lagoon opens Saturday, April 9, weather permitting. Weekend operation will continue through May, with daily operations in June, July and most of August. Weekend schedules resume on September and October.
For parents who worry about transportation, route No. 70 on UTA accesses downtown Farmington. From there, a shuttle bus goes to Lagoon on many of Lagoon's regular operating days.
For more information on Lagoon jobs, call 451-8058; go online to: www.lagoonpark.com; or e-mail Dawn at dkawaguchi@lagoonpark.com.
