Kennywood, Sandcastle and Idlewild looking for 2,700 summer workers

The dead of winter is upon us, but here’s a reason to think about sun, swimming and roller coasters.

Kennywood, Sandcastle Waterpark and Idlewild & SoakZone, family fun attractions in Western Pennsylvania, are accepting applications for the summer operating season.

They’re looking to fill 2,700 jobs.

The new employees could be among the first to operate Kennywood’s newest ride – the Steel Curtain, a Pittsburgh-Steelers themed coaster.

Kennywood in West Mifflin is the largest youth employer in the tri-state area, and plans to hire about 1,500 people to work in its rides, games, food and beverage, grounds and public safety departments. Idlewild in Ligonier Township will hire about 800 employees and Sandcastle in Homestead about 400 people for the same departments. Idlewild and Sandcastle are recruiting lifeguards and offering free lifeguard training.

In an effort to strengthen the workforce, all new and returning seasonal employees will see an increase in hourly wages from previous years. Pay rates will be $9 per hour, with Sandcastle lifeguards making $11 per hour. New Idlewild team members will make $8.30 - $9 per hour to start.

“A day of fun at our parks wouldn’t be possible for any of us without the team members on the front lines who run rides, serve food and sell tickets,” Joe Barron, human resources director for Kennywood and Sandcastle, said in a news release. “A job at Kennywood is more than a paycheck over the summer – it’s a learning experience on how to work with the public and have fun on the job.”

The three parks offer employees flexible scheduling, free admission at a number of other regional amusement parks, discounted tickets for friends and family, team-building activities such as movie nights, intramural sports competitions and discounts on park food and merchandise.

Retirees, adults and teenagers interested in seasonal work are encouraged to apply. Most Kennywood, Sandcastle and Idlewild seasonal positions are available to applicants age 16 and older. Some job opportunities are available to those age 14 and 15 (salary for these positions begins at $8 an hour, $7.30 an hour at Idlewild).

“We are glad we are able to give the increase and additional resources for training and optimistic it will make us more competitive in the current landscape, especially given preferences for internships, summer classes, and sports programs that compete for the time and attention of many of the young men and women who we recruit to work at the parks,” said Nick Paradise, director of public relations and social media for Kennywood.

Details: kennywood.com or sandcastlewaterpark.com or idlewild.com