Kennywood, Sandcastle and Idlewild raise pay for employees

Kennywood, Sandcastle Waterpark and Idlewild & SoakZone announced Friday the three parks will be raising the hourly rate for most workers from $9 to $13.

Hourly pay rates at Kennywood and Sandcastle for employees at least 18 years old, or graduating high school seniors —will be $13 an hour. For similar positions at Idlewild, workers will be paid $16 an hour.

“We are in a good state right now with the limited schedule we are planning,” said Nick Paradise, Kennywood spokesman. “Based on indicators we are seeing around the country we think the demand will be to open more days and longer hours. To do that, we need lots of people. We need to boost our number of employees to deliver more of what people want.”

The hiring age is 14. At Kennywood and Sandcastle 14- and 15-year-olds start at $8 an hour. Those employees who are 16 and 17 will be paid $9. (A 17-year-old who graduated high school will receive $13).

At Idlewild, 14- and 15-year-olds will start at $7.50 an hour, and 16- and 17-year-olds will make $9. Adult workers will be paid $13, and some as much as $16 an hour based on the position.

Employees will be eligible for extra incentives such as season passes. They can receive a basic season pass season pass for themselves and up to three members of their immediate family as long as they apply and complete the hiring process by May 10. The value of one basic season pass at Kennywood is $75.99.

Workers can also receive discounts on dining and retail, advancement and bonus opportunities based on performance, scholarship opportunities, and invitations to team-building activities such as galas and movie nights, according to Paradise.

Kennywood in West Mifflin opens May 8.

Sandcastle, in Homestead and Idlewild in Ligonier plan to open on May 29.

The three parks are in need of 900 employees total, Paradise said.

“All signs point to a much better summer, so we’re stepping up our recruitment efforts to attract great candidates

and deliver great experiences for our guests,” said Kennywood/Sandcastle general manager Mark Pauls in a statement. “We can’t wait to get people back to work, and back to fun!”

Positions are available in all departments. The main need is lifeguards, ride operators and food and beverage staff.

The three parks are committed to health and safety of guests and employees.

In-person interviews and orientations will be conducted with facial coverings, social distancing, and adherence to indoor capacity limitations. Returning workers will be able to participate in online orientations.

Kennywood, founded in 1898, has seven roller coasters and a 12-ride Kiddieland. Sandcastle, open for 30 years, has 15 waterslides, various pools, and a lazy river. Founded in 1878, Idlewild is the third-longest operating amusement park in the U.S. The park has water attractions, Story Book Forest and Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood.

The parks are owned by Palace Entertainment.