April 16--Operators of a Las Vegas-size casino/resort scheduled to open late this year in Sonoma County expect to fill about 2,000 positions with job seekers living throughout Northern California.

Graton Resort & Casino, an $800 million complex under construction in Rohnert Park, began accepting applications on Sunday.

The "staggered" interview process begins with online applications for jobs in slot marketing, casino marketing, guest services, dealers and security.

Applicants can apply at www.gratonresortcasino.com via the "careers" link.

"We do what we call staggered interviewing and hiring for a reason," said Valerie Murzl, senior vice president of human resources for Summerlin, Nev.-based Station Casinos, management company for the resort. "We try to avoid the long lines of people waiting for hours for an interview.

"We post jobs over two-week increments. So, once people do get an appointment, we try to make it so that they do not wait more than an hour for an interview."

At the online application site, prospective job holders also can attach a resume.

"It's a fabulous opportunity, and we're excited about being able to offer 2,000 jobs in Sonoma County," Murzl said. "We'll be offering competitive wages and benefits."

In subsequent weeks, applications will be accepted for other areas, including food/beverage, maintenance and accounting.

Officials stressed that it will take several months to interview and select candidates. Training will begin just prior to the resort's opening.

Murzl said training typically occurs "four to six weeks out from opening," which is expected to come in this year's fourth quarter.

The casino, owned by the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria, aims to become the largest employer, outside of health care, in Sonoma County.

Beyond the resort staff jobs, officials said another 750 construction jobs have been created.

The resort is decidedly Vegas-like in size, covering nearly 70 acres, with a 300,000-square-foot-plus main casino building, more than 3,000 slot machines and a parking garage capable of holding more than 5,000 vehicles.

Call The Bee's Mark Glover, (916) 321-1184.

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