CARLSBAD, Calif. – Imagine getting paid to play with toys. Are you creative, artistic and ready for the opportunity of a lifetime? On June 24 and 25, LEGOLAND® California is holding a contest to hire up to six new Model Builders. The winners’ models will be installed in Dune Raiders, the Park’s newest ride opening June 26, 2009.
The Model Builder Search is a two-day process for qualified candidates who successfully complete three challenges on the first day of competition. Those challenges include: A copy build where applicants are asked to copy an existing LEGO® model; a team build where applicants are challenged to build something together; and a creative build where each applicant is asked to build a model of a particular theme within one hour, testing their creativity and time management skills.
“Qualified candidates must be able to build complicated LEGO models for a wide variety of LEGOLAND attractions including, but not limited to, miniature scale models and life-size organic models,” said Model Shop Manager Patrick DeMaria. “We’re looking for candidates who have a flair for the use of color and ability to copy LEGO models from 3D prototypes, 2D drawings and computer files.” Qualified applicants must be at least 18 years old and will be judged on their creativity, strategy, ability to build a three-dimensional model and their calmness under pressure. “If you can build in three dimensions with an audience and under pressure, you’re the right person for the job,” said DeMaria.
The newest members of the Model Builder team will not only be helping with projects within the family theme park in Carlsbad such as Dune Raiders, but will help build the thousands of LEGO models going on display in LEGOLAND Malaysia and LEGOLAND Dubailand as well.
“LEGOLAND California is celebrating its 10th birthday this year and has doubled the amount of rides since opening in 1999,” said Julie Estrada, LEGOLAND spokesperson. “Our parent company, Merlin Entertainments, is the second largest attraction operator in the world and is expanding each year so we need Model Builders to help create the whimsical and charismatic models that continue to delight our guests! “
The current team of Park Model Builders helped build the more than 15,000 LEGO models that make LEGOLAND California a one-of-a-kind vacation destination. On Thursday, June 25, applicants who have passed the initial building stages and application process will compete in the ultimate build-off at 1:30 p.m. Finalists will be asked to fill a bin of bricks of their choice and will have two hours to build a LEGO model reflecting a Land of Adventure theme. After the competition, while judges tally their results, all finalists are getting the chance to release some stress by sliding down Dune Raiders before it officially opens to the public on June 26!
Dune Raiders is the ultimate slide experience featuring six side-by-side nearly 50-foot-long racing lanes and a pair of double-helix corkscrews that are more than 15 feet high. Dune Raiders is themed in an Egyptian bazaar motif complete with a new game space, Thunder’s Quest, and new LEGO models including a snake charmer and some monkeys. Dune Raiders will be the fifth attraction within Land of Adventure, LEGOLAND California’s newest area which includes the family theme park’s first dark ride, Lost Kingdom Adventure, plus a 16-foot-tall Pharaoh made of more than 300,000 LEGO bricks.
At the conclusion of the Model Builder Search, up to six Model Builders will be selected by four judges and offered a job at LEGOLAND California. There are a mere 24 Model Builders at all four LEGOLAND Parks. Ten of them work here at LEGOLAND California. Coming from various backgrounds and skills, they all have two things in common: They use every ounce of creativity in their daily work, and they’re passionate about it.
Adults wishing to apply for the coveted Model Builder position need an appointment to participate in the Model Builder Search being held on June 24 and June 25 and can apply online at www.LEGOLAND.com/jobs by June 19, 2009.
LEGOLAND® California Resort is the premiere California destination for families with young children and is home to both LEGOLAND® California, a 128-acre family theme park and SEA LIFE™, a two-story 36,000 square-foot interactive Aquarium. LEGOLAND California features more than 50 rides, shows and attractions geared towards children ages 2 to 12. SEA LIFE provides an educational and interactive dynamic unlike any other with play zones, fun facts and quiz trails – adults and kids alike will marvel at the majesty and creativity of this unique Aquarium experience. Both attractions are owned by Merlin Entertainments Group, the second largest attractions operator in the world. For the most current information, log on to www.LEGOLAND.com or call (760) 918-LEGO.
Submitted By;
Beth Downing
