LEGOLAND California is Hiring New Model Builders

Think you’ve got what it takes to be a Master Model Builder?

This was the last group shot I was in while working in the Model Shop as a Master Model Designer for LEGOLAND California. If you look closely you can see me, I’m the short one in the front. Also you can see my little brother Matthew on the right side of the picture at the very end. Matthew is also a very qualified artist in many fields including LEGO (in fact he’s as good as I am). He helped out on my last project at LEGOLAND, Miniland Las Vegas.

Once again LEGOLAND is looking for a few good Model Builders.

CARLSBAD, Calif. (June 16, 2009) – 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!

Gary McIntire was one of the finalists from the last Master Model Builder Search three years ago. He didn’t end up wining the contest, but he got hired later on.

Although I never went through the “Model Builder Search” process (I got hired before they started doing them), I was involved in the past two searches.   It is an intensive hiring application, but it needs to be.  Many times when we (Model Builders) are working we have to build very good and very fast.

I loved working at LEGOLAND, in fact I was there for five years. I still have many, many friends there both in and out of the Model Shop. I have to admit the pay is not the greatest, but it truly is an amazing experience. To be part of the team that basically creates LEGOLAND and to have my models (still to this day) on display at three of the the LEGOLAND parks (as far as I know) is truly awesome. Good luck to all those applying! 🙂

Tags: LEGO, LEGO bricks, LEGOLAND, Master Model Builder, Miniland Las Vegas, Model Shop