Seasonal Hiring Begins at One Fayetteville Store

FAYETTEVILLE, N.Y. (NCC NEWS) – With the holidays approaching, so does the time to hire seasonal workers. Four Seasons Golf and Ski Center is dependent on part-time employees during the winter months.

The staff of five in the summer grows to between 45 and 50 for the winter.

The full-time employees hire mostly high school students ages 16 to 18. Outside of teaching them the basics of their business, they started teaching a very simple skill.

“You’ve got to go over basic etiquette,” Operations Manager Bill Hane said. “Know how to conduct yourself around people.”

Hane has worked at Four Seasons for over 30 years. While the work remains the same, the teaching methods have changed.

“Sometimes the kids are quiet and shy,” Hane said. “They are more reserved, that is the problem with most kids.”

According to the Labor Bureau of New York, the three most common seasonal hiring jobs this time of year are in retail, food and ski resorts.

Owner John Goodfellow has been at the helm of Four Seasons for 50 years. Over the years, he has seen a decrease in people wanting to work part-time.

“20 years ago, between 50 and 60 percent of the younger population was looking for work,” Goodfellow said. “That is down to 30 to 35 percent now.”

December through February is the busiest time of year for Goodfellow and Four Seasons.

Goodfellow says that he does see a lot of familiar faces coming back year after year to help out. He also is grateful for those former workers recommending potential workers.

While he has seen a majority of hard-working employees, there have been instances of bad behavior.

“I’ve had a few situations where I’ve said we don’t want you,” Goodfellow said. “Some people don’t understand that they have to show up on time, sober and free of drugs. I had one a year or two ago and said goodbye.”

Goodfellow is expecting to be ready for business after Thanksgiving.

If you are interested in working at Four Seasons, some positions are instructors, rental shop attendants and lift workers.

You can check out the full list of jobs on their website.