|
As The Weather Heats Up, So Does The Hunt For Summer Jobs
By Jo Ann La Russo
 | | --Photo By Jo Ann La Russo It's that time of the year; boardwalk businesses are looking for workers ready for a summer job. |
|
The summer season will bring thousands of tourists to the shore area. Seaside Heights boardwalk businesses expect to be ready.
More than 500 jobs are constantly replenished throughout the season at the Casino Pier, Arcade and Breakwater Beach at 800 Ocean Terrace, said Toni DiGuilio, manager at the Casino Pier.
Summer jobs are fun jobs, said Toni, who advises those interested, "if you are coming down to apply for one of the several jobs available at the Breakwater Beach, rides, arcade or as a food technician, you'd better come dressed for the part."
DiGuilio along with representatives of the arcade took applications and encouraged applicants to consider working on the boardwalk over the summer months.
A summer job can help you to develop skills you need in the future, teach you to work as a team member, learn customer service skills and meet friends from all over the world, said arcade workers.
 | | --Photo By Jo Ann La Russo Applications in hand, hundreds are vying for summer jobs at the Seaside Heights boardwalk. |
|
"It's an experience you will never forget," said DiGuilio. "We are looking for clean cut individuals and hard workers."
Applicants should be over the age of 18, but they will consider someone younger and have already hired a few 16-year-olds. "They're good workers," she added.
At a table in the casino, Radames Ruiz of Seaside Heights filled
out an application in anticipation of a summer job.
"This is the first time I have applied here," said Ruiz. "I will take anything. It's a good job, it's beautiful here and you meet a lot of nice people."
Michael Menne, 16, of Brick, agreed that the boardwalk is a good place to work as his mom, Sarah, laughed and said, "He needs the extra money."
Greta Keturakyte, 15, of Brick High School, and Amanda Messenger, 16, of High School North, worked on their applications together. They said that the water park would be a fun place to work.
Amanda's mom, Theresa Messenger, agreed. "They're all good kids and we'd love to see them work here in Seaside."
Seated at a booth, Erick Esposito of Seaside Heights ,with his son, Anthony, 18, had applications in hand.
"He wants the extra money," said the dad, "and we're both hoping to be ride attendants on the pier."
DiGuilio said that the job fair is a good way to bring in extra help that will be needed as the season opens. "Last year, we had about 100 applicants. We expect about the same this year. Jobs are always needed to replenish our employees who might leave early to go back to college throughout the summer, or just leave."
Mary Beth Grove of Seaside Heights was a hopeful. "I love working outdoors and I'm a people person," said Grove, who is pursuing a degree at Ocean County Community College. "I love the beach and now that I am living down here permanently, I could use the extra money. There's nothing better than the Jersey Shore."
"I am hoping for a job," said Adrian Damiano, who said that she just bought a house in Toms River. A teacher at Union High School, Damiano said she needs a summer job and would take anything available.
Out on the pier, customers were few but music blared and lone attendants manned the controls on the huge outdoor rides.
Eric, 25, who has been working a summer job on the pier for the past 11 years, called his work fun.
"I've been doing this since I was 14. It's a great way to make extra money and it's nice to work outside. Yeah, the boardwalk is a great place to work," he said as he helped the first few people of the season onto the whirlybird ride.
"This is my first summer job here," said Joshua Safran, 16, at a hot rod ride on the pier. The Barnegat High School junior said that he is looking forward to a fun summer. "I think I'm going to like it."
Inside the arcade, Dominic Petrocelli, 15, waited for customers at the Fried Frog game.
"I worked here last year, too," said Petrocelli. "I made money, the people are nice and it's a friendly job."
Christine Caraska, member of the Department of Labor of Toms River, said that the Seaside Heights Business Improvement District also has jobs available on the boardwalk.
"We are looking forward to the upcoming season," Caraska said. "We encourage applicants to dress for success. You only have one shot to make a first impression."
Summer jobs are not just for the young, however. At the Casino Pier last week, the sound of the merry-go-round in the arcade is bringing extra cash for senior citizen Mario, who said that he loves his job at the carousel.
"I love the kids and all the people," said the 79-year-old. "Everybody has a good time on the boardwalk."
| 
)
)