Among the coronavirus concerns for Bucks County’s tourism industry was a visitor drought. The concern now is an employee shortage, reports Damon C. Williams in the Bucks County Courier Times. 

A recent Sesame Place job fair sought to fill more than 800 openings. Public relations manager Dana Ryan called the event successful, even though positions continued outnumbering candidates. 

One ongoing challenge for employers is overcoming applicants’ workplace COVID-19 comfort levels. 

Ryan characterized the official safety standards as confusing. “It’s hard for people to feel like it’s safe to work in a theme park when they’re being told it’s not safe to go to school in-person or live on a college campus,” she said. 

“We feel we will continue to see more applicants coming through the door the closer we get to feeling a sense of normalcy with less COVID restrictions.” 

One of the draws at Sesame Place is the unique experience of working in a theme park. 

“Most team members will tell you the reason they keep coming back season after season is for the people; your coworkers become your family,” Ryan said. 

“The perks of the job are great. Free tickets, exclusive employee events, internship and scholarship opportunities and great in-park discounts.  

“Plus, we now have increased rates and $1,000 summer bonus all ambassadors are eligible for.” 

More on the general employment situation across Bucks County’s hospitality industry is at the Bucks County Courier Times.