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WITH SUMMER NEARING, SHORE BUSINESSES START FILLING HUNDREDS OF SEASONAL JOBS
By Jo Ann La Russo
 | | --Photo By Jo Ann La Russo Seaside vendors, arcades, restaurants and more are preparing for the surge of new employees they will need to deal with another summer business boom. |
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Summer is on the way. That means business owners on the Seaside Heights Boardwalk are preparing to accommodate the thousands of tourists that will visit the area this summer season.
Since tourism is Ocean County's number one industry, employers in the seaside town are lining up workers for amusement rides and boardwalk attractions, restaurants and shops.
Hundreds of jobs were available at the Casino Pier, on the north end of the boardwalk, last week for ride attendants, game operators, counter help and guest services. More boys than girls showed up, said Shannon, who manned the games application table in a boardwalk arcade.
"We prefer 16 years and older," she said. "But if they look reliable, clean cut and are well spoken, we'll give them a try."
A large number of job hopefuls visited the boardwalk on Sunday in hopes of capturing one of the many jobs offered by local area businesses.
Christine Karaska, an employment specialist with the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development, said that early May offers people their choice of jobs in the resort community.
"I hired one boy so far, and two others are filling out applications," said Shannon as she looked over at the two youths in line.
Eighteen-year-old Toms River High School East senior Frank and his friend, Ziggy, 20, hunched over their applications in a booth behind the carousel.
"We'll take what ever shift we can," said Frank, adding that they would love to have a job working on the amusement filled boardwalk. "The girls, the people," explained Ziggy, pen in hand.
At the Casino Pier, the opportunity for choice jobs is still open for all shifts, said manager Louis Cirigliano Jr.
"So far it's going good," said Cirigliano. "We had about 70 applicants here and hired a number of people."
The majority of the applicants were under 20, said the manager, but the pier would welcome retirees. "They could work the parking lots, cashier booths or take tickets," he said.
Toni, an arcade manager said, "We hired a number of kids. We do prefer that they are over 16, clean cut, willing to work and responsible."
"We need workers for the food service, lifeguards and waterpark attendants, kiddie ride operators and inside the arcade," she said. She added that the job fair went pretty well.
Mario, a senior citizen who has manned the carousel for many years, said that he loves his job. "I work every summer," said the Seaside Heights resident. When asked if the job helps to keep him young, the 78-year-old said, "It keeps you going. I will continue doing this as long as I can." He added that he enjoys the crowds and the happy faces that ride the merry-go-round.
Retiree Irene Godfrey, of Seaside Heights, agreed and said that she looks forward each year to her job at the boardwalk. This year, she will be busy taking tickets at the Breakwater Park's hot rod ride.
"We've been busy since we opened in March," she said as she welcomed the day's visitors. "I recommend this type of job for any senior who likes the action that the rides and arcade bring and who is a people person."
Jobs were also offered at Island Beach State Park, Seaside Crab House on the boardwalk and the A& P grocery store in Ortley Beach, among many other shore locations. Neil Potash, owner of the Seaside Crab House, said he already lined up several applicants for jobs in the restaurant, which employs about 80 people. Managers at the Ortley Beach A&P supermarket said that more than 100 additional employees are needed each year to keep up with the increase in customers throughout the summer months.
Back at the Casino Pier, Toni added that the young workers should realize that they will be the face of the business - and the entire Jersey Shore - to all area visitors.
"Besides knowing how to handle money, the young people who are hired in all capacities should know how to handle themselves," she advised.
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