In this Dec. 27, 2018 file photo exercise riders work some of the 682 thoroughbreds already in the stable area at Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort preparing for the track's 2020 live meet, which begins Jan. 24. (The Sentinel-Record/Richard Rasmussen)

Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort will host a job fair Saturday through Monday, filling approximately 250-300 part-time and full-time positions that start out at $13 an hour for its 2020 racing meet season, Oaklawn Human Resources VP Mary Mantia said Thursday.

"We've already filled approximately 500 positions for the 2020 race season through some other key recruiting initiative that we did," Mantia said. "We believe there are possibly 250-300 more."

Oaklawn Media Relations Manager Jennifer Hoyt said although these positions are temporary for the season, with Oaklawn's expansion that is predicted to be completed by January 2021, there may be an opportunity for a permanent position.

"The good thing is, the positions that we are hiring for now are seasonal, but with the expansion and the hotel on the horizon, there will be a lot of opportunity for these people to move into part-time and full-time year-round positions," Hoyt said.

Mantia said upon the expansion's completion, there will be 250-300 permanent part-time and full-time positions available.

Hoyt said the upcoming job fair is for anyone who would like a job.

"On the racing side you can be 18, you don't have to be 21, and it's a great job for anyone looking for a fun, exciting position to give you a chance to enjoy the excitement of thoroughbred racing," she said.

Mantia said the fair is for "Anyone who would love to come and work at an exciting organization, have fun every day, obviously anyone who is a racing lover, who loves racing, those who want to come and work in a really rich culture and work in a family environment and just where you're appreciated and everyone works together as a wonderful team."

She said Oaklawn's goal is to be the "employer of choice."

"We've really come out of the gate strong with our $13 starting wage that we have right now," Mantia said. "We are committed to hiring the best of the best and becoming a strategic community business partner that supports the community, and we want to support individuals' career path as well and give them future growth opportunities."

The 2020 race meet season is Jan. 24 through May 2.

Departments filling positions include Food and Beverage, Guest Services, Maintenance, Mutuels, Warehouse and Operations.

The seasonal positions do not include benefits.

According to an Oaklawn media release, hiring managers will be on-site at the Human Resources Building, 166 Golf Links Road, conducting Interviews and selected candidates will be hired and on-boarded on the same day. All applicants should come prepared with two forms of ID.

Saturday's fair is noon-6 p.m., Sunday's fair is 1-5 p.m. and Monday's fair is 9 a.m-1 p.m.

Local on 01/03/2020