The annual rite of lining up for jobs at Waldameer Park & Water World has begun.

The park, which hires about 400 seasonal employees each year, began accepting applications Saturday and expects the process to continue through the end of the month.

But the competition can be tough.

Steve Gorman, president of the family-owned amusement park, said a certain number of jobs are set aside each year for employees who are invited back from the previous season.

The heaviest competition is for jobs that can be held by teens who are 14 or 15. Gorman said he expects about 1,000 applicants for about 100 openings.

"One of the reasons so many younger people apply here is that we are one of the few (local) employers who can hire (people) of that age," he said. Child labor laws restrict younger teens from performing a wide range of jobs, but Gorman has said that the park has a sizable demand for workers who can run errands.

Gorman said he expects another 900 applicants for the remaining 200 or so jobs.

He credits the allure of summer weather for some of the applications.

"It's outdoor work, which is more appealing for anyone," he said.

What is Gorman looking for in an employee?

"Someone who is polite and friendly," he said. "We want them to be able to treat our customers with an outgoing and personal attitude."

What sort of employee does he hope to avoid? "Someone who is the opposite, or someone who is getting a job just because their mom wants them to," he said.