MASON, Oh. (WLWT) – Thousands of smiling candidates waited their turn to be a part of the thrills, chills, and excitement of Kings Island. Fourteen-year-old applicant James White says Kings Island is the perfect first job. “I want to work up here because it looks fun,” James said.
Cameryn Anderson agrees. “I want a job that seems like it will be exciting for me.”
Chad Showalter says the Kings Island human resources staff will be busy before the park opens to guest in two months.
“Every season we hire about 5,000 positions at Kings Island. We start early in the year because we open on April 20 and we have to be ready to go on day one,” Showalter said.
From food and beverages to security, games and ride operations, candidates put their best foot forward — shaking hands with recruiters focused on meeting every guest with a smile.
That energy and enthusiasm for many is more than just a sign of the summer season, but a passion and a profession that is life long, says Showalter, a 20-year Kings Island veteran.
“I remember when I was in this position 20 years ago, first working at Kings Island and the excitement of coming into the park for the first time. Filling out that application,” Showalter said.
Showalter says he remembers his own nervous butterflies and recognizes that enthusiasm in these potential new hires.
“It was my first ever interview to get a job, and that’s exciting for these college age and high school age kids, and even teachers that are looking to fill some to their time in the summer, as well,” Showalter said.
Anderson hopes to join her friends who have already worked at the Mason amusement park.
“I always see the employees in the ride operations and they always seem like they are having fun. I want to be a part of that fun,” Anderson said.
Kings Island opens for weekends on April 20. The amusement park will debut employee housing in newly constructed dormitories this year.
