Something for the weekend: Weeki Wachee Springs State Park is recruiting for mermaids to work flexible-working patterns at its location in Florida.
The park, which is holding interviews and auditions on 13 January, is expecting approximately 200 would-be mermaids for the sought-after position.
As well as having an unusual job title to put on their CV, Weeki Wachee Springs State Park is offering mermaids benefits such as flexible working days, health and dental insurance, tuition reimbursement and flexible paid time off.
The lucky few chosen will join the team of mermaids in the submerged 400-seat auditorium to perform feats including eating and drinking underwater, as well as swimming and interacting with the audience. The show also includes several musical numbers and storytelling with a prince coming to their rescue.
John Athanason, marketing and PR manager at Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, said “What we look for is how comfortable one looks underwater. This is the most important part. Equally important is the face-to-face interview. We look for someone articulate, composed, and engaging. Many times, our mermaids are in front of the camera, and it’s important for us they represent the park in a professional manner.”
Amy Lynn, mermaid at Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, said: “Currently, we are doing two shows daily, but increase it to four during the peak months (summer). I work three-four days a week. It really fits in nicely. I have a young son, so it allows me the opportunity to spend a lot of time with him. Plus, he loves that his mummy is a mermaid.
“I grew up in the area, and always dreamed of becoming a Weeki Wachee Mermaid. When the opportunity presented itself, I jumped at the chance of working at the park.”
Here at Employee Benefits, we are already practising holding our breath under water, just so we can be rescued by Prince Charming!