With summer quickly approaching, Erie’s seasonal businesses are shifting into preparation mode.

Whether it’s a trip on the bay or some thrilling fun, most places are staffing up to get ready for thousands of expected visitors. Like Rodger Dobry, who is the entertainment director for Scallywags.

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“Yes, we do hire, usually like in late March, early April. We’re very fortunate this season, where all of our crew from last year is returning this year. So, if we do end up hiring, it’s only going to be for one or two positions,” Dobry said.

Brian Gorman is the Chief Operating Officer for Waldameer Park and Water World. He said they need around 700 employees to operate comfortably for a full season.

“Yeah, our seasonal jobs include ride operator, game attendants, food attendants, lifeguards, retail. Anything we have, we have grounds positions, security, so the whole gambit. There is probably something for everybody,” Gorman said.

For most people, summer jobs are their first experience in the employment world, so it’s important for these businesses to give them the right tools to work with.

“We have the great opportunity of instilling a good work ethic and teaching them the ropes of what a job is. There’s always a great opportunity for that relationship for us. We really pride ourselves in being able to have that position,” Gorman said.

Both Scallywags and Waldameer said they’re actively hiring now, encouraging anyone interested to apply ahead of the summer rush.

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