OXFORD — An estimated crowd of 500 ventured into the rain Saturday to apply for about 50 blackjack-dealer jobs at the Oxford Casino. It was the casino’s first job fair.

Casino spokesman Scott Smith said the goal was to identify and develop a pool of about 100 individuals.

“If we can find 50 dealers, we’ll be thrilled,” he said.

Although the fair was scheduled to begin at 10 a.m., about 30 people arrived early but waited inside their vehicles due to heavy rain. At about 9:45 a.m., they headed inside in bunches.

“Are you here for the job fair?” Smith asked. He directed those who answered affirmatively into a line where they waited to be screened by three people working behind a counter.

Many of the applicants appeared middle-aged and there were more men than women. Most dressed casually, though several men wore suits.

“People are enthusiastic,” Smith said. “They’re looking for a job.”

After a short wait, participants had to take a fundamental written test that measured their math aptitude, Smith said.

“Hi, and welcome!” he said, greeting a steady stream of people. “You braved the roads.”

Those who passed the math test would become formal applicants, said Peter Martin, the government affairs adviser for Black Bear Development, the group behind the casino.

“If they don’t pass the test, there are a number of other positions that they can apply for,” he said. “The math test is one part of the series of steps to become a dealer.”

All applicants who are interviewed will have to attend an eight-week dealer school sponsored by the casino and graduate from that, Martin said.

“That’s fairly rigorous,” he said.

“There’s a certain attitude to being a dealer, you know, personality,” Smith said. “It’s in entertainment, so we have to have the right personalities.”

“Fast track!” yelled a screener, sending a female applicant directly to casino management at the application table.

Fast track indicated the person was an experienced dealer, meaning they could skip the math test. Martin said some who applied online have dealer experience.

By 11:11 a.m., Smith estimated that 300 people had circulated through the steps. Many didn’t want to talk about why they were there. Some openly worried that their employer or ex-employer would learn they were seeking work elsewhere.

But Shauna Kivus of Sabattus and Chantel Reny of Lewiston didn’t mind sharing. Both were unemployed and neither had worked as a blackjack dealer.

“We’re excited to be here,” Kivus said as both waited to take the math test. “If I get in, it will be my first casino.”

More job fairs will be held in the coming weeks to hire staff for the restaurant, facilities, security and administration, according to the company.

tkarkos@sunjournal.com

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