‘I just want to be part of it.’ Over 550 people show up for 160 positions during Orioles’ job fair. – The Denver Post

The job application bluntly said employees might need to “stand in a small area for 4-6 hours,” repeatedly climb stairs, or work “in all types of weather including heat, cold, rain” for extended periods.

No matter. In this memorable Orioles season, more than 550 people heeded the Birds’ call and lined up at a Camden Yards job fair on Tuesday to become ticket takers, ushers and greeters.

While some industries have struggled with labor shortages in the post-pandemic economy, the Orioles quickly knew they had the easiest of sells in a season that has defied lofty expectations and has fans dreaming of a lengthy postseason run.

The Orioles, currently in first place in the American League East and eyeing the playoffs, invited people last month on social media to “come join us and be a part of the team” by attending an event during which applicants sat at tables near an upper concourse and filled out employment applications.

The team, which normally attracts 100 to 300 people to periodic job fairs, received more than 550 applicants for 160 positions. They were interviewed on the spot.

A line in the concourse to drop off applications for usher, ticket taker, greeter and other positions stretched longer than the 90 feet between bases on a big league field.

“Who can miss this opportunity?” said devout fan Edward Rowley, 52, of Baltimore, who heard about the job fair on Instagram and would like to be a greeter welcoming fans to the ballpark. ”I just love this atmosphere. Just to be able to say, ‘I work these games every night.’ I just want to be part of it.”

So did Mike Petro, a Baltimore middle school teacher.

“Congratulations! We are happy to announce that you have stepped up to the plate by joining the Baltimore Orioles Gameday Staff Team,” began a printed message handed to Petro, 58.

“I just want to enjoy the energy, enthusiasm and excitement,” said Petro, who was told on the sheet that, assuming he clears background checks, he will make $13.25 per hour (Maryland’s minimum wage) and be expected to work at least 20 of the 23 remaining regular season home games.

Petro said he could be assigned as a greeter, usher or ticket taker. The Orioles have other open positions such as “guest experience” members who offer assistance to fans. A breakdown of salaries was unavailable from the club.

The team typically holds two or three such fairs to replenish staff during the long season.

The club declined to say how its staffing needs compared to prior years other than to say that this job fair was tied to staffing up for the postseason push and the playoffs.

“We’re preparing for the postseason. We certainly have our eye on that,” said Jennifer Grondahl, the club’s senior vice president for communications and community development.

Concessions jobs were not included in the event and are handled separately. The Orioles this season partnered with Levy, a Chicago-based hospitality company, to manage concessions after the club’s contract with Delaware North was not renewed.

Some of Tuesday’s job applicants, such as Cherri Sparenberg, 60, wore Orioles colors. Sparenberg, a program leader for the Baltimore County Parks and Recreation Department, sported an orange and black Orioles wrist band and an Orioles cap and earrings.

“I’ve been a really longtime Orioles fan. I couldn’t think of a more fun job,” said Sparenberg, who could be assigned to any one of several posts.

She acknowledged she would be making a sacrifice by working inside the stadium because that means she couldn’t watch the games as a fan.

But it’s a trade-off she is willing to make.

“I can always record them,” she said.

()