Bearizona Shoots for May Opening

Tuesday, February 09, 2010

Over 50 positions available

WILLIAMS -Construction continues at Bearizona despite this winter's heavy snowfall. The project's developers plan to open phase one of the drive-through animal park by the beginning of summer.

Chief Operating Officer Vanessa Stoffel said the park will likely open in May.

"We're shooting for Mother's Day," she said. "Our construction slowed down a little bit because of the weather but we've still been moving forward. We have our admissions building probably 30 percent done and we have our shop and animal care facility 75 percent complete. We've still been making some progress on the roads and exhibit fences."

Stoffel went on to say that animals should begin arriving in April but before that happens, the wildlife park will begin its employee hiring process.

Bearizona will hold a job fair at the Best Western Inn of Williams, located at 2600 West Route 66, Tuesday, Feb. 23 from 9 a.m.-6:30 p.m. Available positions include car attendants, tower patrol and gate security guards, admissions supervisor, administrative assistant, gift shop cashier, grounds maintenance and service staff.

According to Stoffel, Bearizona also has available a unique employment opportunity for a limited number of couples looking to work together.

"Our building and grounds cleaning and maintenance position can be filled by a pair of people what will work simultaneous shifts," she said.

Bearizona Owner and CEO Sean Casey said he hopes the job fair will attract Williams residents.

"There are more than 50 positions that we are hoping to fill locally," he said.

Employment information, applications and job descriptions are available at www.bearizona.com under the contact tab. Applicants are encouraged to print, complete and submit applications before Feb. 20 to schedule an interview time in advance. Job applications and information are also available at the Williams Public Library. Walk in interviews will be conducted on a first come, first available basis the day of the job fair.

Williams City Council members approved an official agreement with Bearizona officials during their regular meeting Jan. 14. The agreement gives Bearizona credit against impact fees for improvements the developers make that benefit the city of Williams. One such project is the re-alignment of Mountain Man Trail estimated to cost approximately $387,000.

According to Interim Williams City Manager Joe Duffy, impact fee credit will have a seven-year lifespan toward future development once Bearizona receives their certificate of occupancy.

Bearizona's Web site describes the attraction as a north American wildlife park that will allow visitors to drive into the wilderness and witness herd and pack life from the safety of a private vehicle.