ELYSBURG - Despite national trends showing the economy improving and unemployment decreasing, the human resources director for Knoebels Amusement Resort isn't sure that's playing out here.
"I'm not convinced unemployment locally is down significantly," John Jones said Saturday at the seventh annual Knoebels Amusement Resort Job Fair at the Elysburg Fire Company, where more than 1,000 people came to apply for a job at the park this year.
While there are always plenty of teens seeking employment, Jones said Knoebels has seen an increase in middle-aged applicants in the last several years since the economy sank. Halfway through the four-hour job fair Saturday, Jones said he had seen fewer non-teen applicants compared to previous years, but the crowd was still split between younger and older.
"We love to hire people seasonably, but there needs to be family sustaining, full-time employment," he said. "Look at all the jobs lost and the plants and businesses closing. No one is coming into the area to create new jobs."
Also, he fears the impact of rising oil prices on local business that were just now considering new hires.
The state Department of Labor reported unemployment at 9.2 percent in Northumberland County in December, a
drop from 9.8 in November. The county's unemployment has consistently been higher than state and national levels.
A local option
The grim job market hasn't gone unnoticed by Joe Davis, who retired from the U.S. Air Force 10 months ago and now lives with his wife in Irish Valley.
"When I got out, I was surprised that the area didn't have more jobs. It's frustrating," he said at the job fair.
Davis, 46, said he was offered a six-figure salary in Washington, D.C., but chose "family over money" when his wife wanted to move back to the area to be near relatives.
With a recently acquired bachelor's degree in business, Davis is looking for a management position with Knoebels, as well as at several other places where he applied, including Northwestern Academy. Knoebels, he said, is close to home, seems like a positive place to work and the people always seem to be happy.
"I'm keeping my options opened," he said, but acknowledged he is being selective, too.
Davis said he would prefer to use his experience in training and safety toward a new career. Also, since he is a Christian, he would like to enter a job where he can help others and change lives.
"The (job) climate around here is different for people who are entering the job market with a bachelor's degree and experience. There's plenty of entry-level jobs that would put food on the table, but not necessarily for a career," he said.
A first job
For others, it's not about finding employment after retiring, but rather experiencing it for the first time, as was the case for 14-year-old Darren Egick.
"I'm a little nervous. It's got to happen sooner or later," the Shamokin Area eighth-grader said while filling out his first application.
He may be one of 800 new and replacement seasonal workers for 2011. Knoebels will employ more than 1,600 people, which includes returning summer employees.
Egick's mother, Darlene, was present with her son to help him fill out the application.
"I'm trying to steer him in the right direction, but let him pick what he wants," she said.
Egick said he preferred placement would be among the games or the gift shop because he likes to be around other people.
Positions available
Most positions will be in the following areas: food service, ride operations, game operations, gift shops, grounds maintenance, recycling, ticket sales, pool staff and lifeguards. Participants were able to meet with representatives from each department, fill out an application and schedule an interview.
In addition to a regular paycheck, Knoebels offers a number of added benefits for employees. They can take part in employee events, such as staff swims, a block party, Sundae Sunday and a corn roast, held throughout the season. Also, school-age employees are encouraged to apply for Knoebels' scholarship program to further their educations. More than $40,000 in scholarships have been awarded since the program's beginning.
Knoebels also participates in a park exchange program that allows employees to visit HersheyPark, Dorney Park, Great Adventure and others free of charge. And, all employees receive Knoebels tickets and food coupons along with their paychecks.
Jones noted that anyone who was unable to attend Saturday's job fair can fill out an application at the human resources office in the park.