Organizers say nearly 300 seasonal positions are up for grabs this year. But recruiters are now seeing more experienced candidates applying for the same jobs traditionally held by teenagers.
Ana Sanchez, 18, is struggling to find a job. On Saturday she lined up with about 400 other hopefuls at Sierra Vista Mall. "It's been really hard, I have applied many places, I have a lot of experience, great experience, I was assistant manager at a clothing store, and I still can't find anything," said Sanchez.
Job fair organizers say they're seeing an increase in the number of teen applicants this year. "Nowadays parents are having their kids pay for their own gas and their own extra spending money so we are getting a lot more applications now than 6 or 7 years ago," said Kathy Siggers with Wild Water Adventure Park.
Staff at the water park are looking to hire 150 lifeguards, 45 food service workers, and more than 100 other positions for the summer. But with Fresno County's unemployment rate at 17 percent, more experienced workers are competing for the positions.
We have seen some people working on that second job and they're willing to work on weekends for that extra paycheck," said Siggers.
Sarah's Flores hopes to take on a second job for extra cash. "It's been real tough, real tough, we struggle a lot but I mean I do what I have to do," said Flores.
Flores works full-time at the Tower District's Chicken Pie Shop. "I lost my husband about 16 months ago so to support her it will help out a lot."
But applicants worry her experience will hurt their chances. "When people have more experience than someone that hasn't, they usually get the edge than younger people," said Eric Olguin of Fresno.
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The job fair will be held Sunday at Sierra Vista Mall starting at noon until 4 in the evening. The average pay is $8-dollars an hour.
If you are interested in applying, they are looking for friendly people who excel in customer service positions.
Wild Water Adventure Park will be holding a Job Fair this weekend at Sierra Vista Mall inside, just east of Kohl's.
Saturday 3/24 from 11am-4pm
Sunday 3/25 from Noon-4pm.
The following positions will be filled for this summer's season:
- 150 Lifeguards
- 45 Food Services personnel
- 100 miscellaneous park positions along with a few office support positions
Most positions will be entry level at minimum wage.
Start dates begin after May 27, 2012.
Applications can be obtained on line at www.wildwater.net or at the event. Have them completed and ready to turn in at the Job Fair.
For more information contact Wild Water Adventure Park at 559-299-WILD (9453).
