Need work? Zoo has jobs
Temporary workers sought for Boo at the Zoo, Wildlights events
Monday, October 13, 2008 2:53 AM
By Kathy Lynn Gray
THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH
Industry experts say the holiday job market could be slim, but the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is having trouble filling temporary jobs this fall.
"We're getting applications, but when we're calling people for interviews, they're not following through," said Stephanie Mizer, human resources director.
The zoo needs 120 more workers to staff its annual Boo at the Zoo celebration in October and Wildlights light show in November and December. Workers are needed to run rides, sell food, take tickets and be costumed characters.
The pay is $7.25 to $8.50 an hour, depending on experience and the position, Mizer said.
Hours are flexible but are mostly weekdays and weekend days in October, as well as evenings during Wildlights.
"If someone wants two days a week, that's fine," she said. "If they want 40 hours a week, we can do that, too."
Transportation could be a problem for some; there's no bus service to the zoo, which is in Powell in Delaware County.
"But if they can get here, we can work 'em," Mizer said.
She ticks off the perks: 40 percent off food; 20 percent off merchandise. Employees who work at least 30 days also get six free zoo tickets and two Zoombezi Bay water-park tickets to use next summer.
"And you can watch elephants on your lunch break."
Bill LaFayette, vice president for economic analysis for the Columbus Chamber, said this past week that he expects less hiring this holiday season if the region's jobless rate continues to climb.
A check of online job ads reveals that some central Ohio companies are looking for seasonal employees. Abercrombie & Fitch is seeking temporary fraud investigators, and Alliance Data is hiring in its collections department.
United Parcel Service will be looking for "tens of thousands" of people nationwide beginning about Thanksgiving to work as drivers' helpers and package-sorters, said Kristen Petrella, UPS spokeswoman from Atlanta. She said the company hired 60,000 temps last year, but she doesn't know whether it will hire more or fewer this year.
