By Joe Anuta
A job fair open exclusively to Queens residents last week drew hundreds hoping to score a slot at the upcoming US Open.
The United States Tennis Association held its first fair for the borough, along with a separate session open to all job-seekers, at the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, which will host the premier two-week tournament in August.
“Attending the US Open is a unique experience as a spectator, but it can be even more exciting when you’re part of the team that puts on the greatest sporting event in the world,” said Danny Zausner, chief operating officer of the center. “We’re delighted to once again host the job fair at which job seekers will get an opportunity to learn about and interview for some of the most sought-after positions at the Open. And we’re as equally excited to open this opportunity for one day to our neighbors out here in Queens.”
In total, more than 1,000 attended the two-day event.
The USTA is offering spots as cooks, drivers, maintenance workers, security personnel, cashiers and customer service representatives for the event, which attracts the top tennis players in the world to Flushing Meadows Corona Park.
Many seasonal employees at the Open are actually seasoned veterans.
Glen Rebackoff has returned multiple years as a guest services worker, and Friday was handing out applications during the fair.
“You get a good group of people who come back every year,” he said.
Repeat applicants return to revisit friendships forged in years’ past and be part of the energy surrounding the tournament, according to the Poughkeepsie resident.
“A lot of people come here from their other jobs to get away,” he said. “It’s like a mini-vacation.”
For those who missed the fair, the USTA will be accepting applications through August.
For more information visit teamusopentennis.com.
Reach reporter Joe Anuta by e-mail at januta@cnglocal.com or by phone at 718-260-4566.
