The Independent Student Newspaper of Northern Kentucky University.

The Northerner

The Independent Student Newspaper of Northern Kentucky University.

The Northerner

The Independent Student Newspaper of Northern Kentucky University.

The Northerner

Local attractions create influx of job opportunities

Between the numerous grand openings of establishments in downtown Cincinnati and the approaching summer season that is sure to bring big business to some of the area’s popular attractions, job seekers are now seeing ample opportunities for local employment.

The Horseshoe Casino in Cincinnati is set to open on March 4, and although they have been doing a rush of hiring over the past few months and have already held multiple job fairs, they still have plenty of positions to fill.

Some of these include jobs as valets, servers and bartenders, attendants for the table games and workers in the facilities department.  Employment can vary from full time to part time, from seasonal to on-call and can range from day shift to graveyard shift.  Updated job listings and descriptions, as well as the online application process, can be found on the Horseshoe Casino’s website.

The Banks

Those in pursuit of employment may also find it at one of the many tenants of The Banks development in the business district of Cincinnati.  In addition to the diverse selection of restaurants and bars that have already begun doing business in this venue, three more are set to open in the spring: The Yard House, an “upscale-casual” eatery specializing in American fare and draft beers, Jefferson Social, a Mexican restaurant and bar and a Jimmy John’s sandwich shop.

According to The Yard House’s website, the Cincinnati location is set to open on March 24, and hiring began on Feb. 5.  Job-seekers can apply online, or in person, through March 1 at the business’s hiring center location in the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center, between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. on any day of the week except Sunday.  Representatives for Jefferson Social and Jimmy John’s have not yet announced when they will be doing their hiring.

Newport Aquarium

This time of year marks the annual hiring season for many previously existing attractions in the area as well. On the Kentucky side of the river, Newport Aquarium is hiring for year-round positions, both full time and part time.  These positions could include jobs in admissions or maintenance, service in the café or sales in the gift shop, just to name a few.

Linda Kraft, human resources assistant for the aquarium, said that even though their job fair was back in January, they still are looking for applicants.  “We’ll be doing most of our hiring between February and May, so anyone who’s interested should continuously check our website for updates on our job listings,” she said.

“I don’t know for sure, but we could possibly even have another job fair in the near future.  If we do decide to, then that information will definitely be posted online.”

Kraft added that all information about the application process can be found on the Newport Aquarium website.

Cincinnati Zoo

Plentiful opportunities for both temporary and year-round employment are also up for grabs at the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden.  Jarrid Vaughn, assistant manager at the zoo, said that they go through three phases of hiring each year, granting jobs to about 25 -30 applicants in March, about 50 more in May and another 50 in November when the zoo’s special event  “Festival of Lights” is approaching.

“We hire people for all different positions, like admissions, food service and security,” said Vaughn.  “All positions are part time, and we can usually be pretty flexible with college students’ schedules.  About 95 percent of our part-time employees are college students.”

Kings Island & Great American Ball Park

For anyone seeking seasonal employment for the summer, they need look no further than Kings Island in Mason, Ohio or Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati.  Kings Island is now accepting online applications to start filling about 4,000 open positions for the 2013 operating season, which will commence on April 27 and go until the beginning of September.

Don Helbrig, public relations area manager for Kings Island, said that seasonal employment encompasses various departments including rides, games, food and beverage, life-guarding and security.  “We’re very flexible, and employees can work 40 hours a week or more if they want to,” said Helbrig.  “Employment at Kings Island looks great on a resume, and workers have opportunities to move up in the ranks and even make a career out of working at our park.”

At Great American Ball Park, a multitude of positions are opening up for the Cincinnati Reds upcoming season, which goes from April until September.  Some job opportunities at the stadium are positions in security, food service, ushering and ticket-taking.  Hiring will begin in mid-February, and those interested should visit Great American Ball Park’s website, where they will be directed through the application process.

Alongside these chances for paid employment, opportunities for volunteering and internships can also be found at the Cincinnati Zoo, the Newport Aquarium and Great American Ball Park.