Kings Island, a major generator of local tourism dollars, is taking applications now for more than 4,000 full- and part-time jobs available this upcoming season, park operators said.

The only way to apply is online at www.visitkingsisland.com. Qualified applicants will be contacted for an interview, said Don Helbig, spokesman for the Warren County amusement park and waterpark.

The 364-acre park, which features roller coasters like the Beast, Diamondback and Vortex, is preparing for an April 27 opening. Kings Island opens for daily operations Friday, May 10, Helbig said. The waterpark, Soak City, opens May 25.

Helbig urged job candidates to put in their applications as soon as possible — more than 10,000 applications were received last year.

“Anything it takes to operate the park, we’re looking to fill those positions now,” Helbig said. “The positions do fill up fast.”

Job openings exist in all areas of park operation, including admissions, call center, cash control, entertainment, food and beverage, fire and safety, games, guest services, lifeguards, merchandise, rides, security, sweeps and warehouse, Kings Island said. The park has consistently hired about 4,000 people a year for several years, Helbig said.

He advises people contacted for an interview to bring their “A-game” and a resume.

Kings Island is looking for job candidates who are customer service-oriented, enthusiastic, energetic and want to be part of the amusement park experience.

“It’s competitive and you definitely want to come to win a job,” he said. “You want to have a thorough understanding of the requirements of the job you applied for.”

Most associates will be hired in February and March, and be trained before the park opens. The 2013 season ends Oct. 27.

Kings Island, 6300 Kings Island Drive, Mason, has nearly 200 full-time employees year-round.

The popular regional destination is owned by Ohio-based Cedar Fair Entertainment Co., which also operates Cedar Point amusement park in northern Ohio.

Cedar Fair will report full-year results for 2012 on Feb. 19. The company had record attendance in 2011, with 23.4 million guests visiting one of its 11 amusement parks and five outdoor waterparks that year.