LOCH SHELDRAKE — How can locals position themselves to land one of 1,400 jobs estimated to be available when the Montreign Resort Casino opens in March 2018?

That was the focus of two identical info meetings Tuesday at SUNY Sullivan in Loch Sheldrake.

“This [is an] opportunity for the growth of Sullivan County the likes of which we haven't seen in a very, very long time,” the college's dean of community outreach, Cindy Kashan, told a crowd of 220 (between the two sessions). “I hope you leave here ... with your mind filled with possibilities.”

Various college officials and Montreign's new vice president of human resources, Fran Kneisc, explained a parade of positions that will be needed at the 1.5 million-square-foot casino and associated resort - most of them requiring either a college degree or professional certification.

“We're looking for team members who are committed to success and are looking to grow with us,” she explained.

And that's where SUNY Sullivan comes in, with a range of degree and certificate programs, some specifically geared toward preparing a workforce that will have to deliver five-star services. Some will even be offered online.

“We want to foster the development of exceptional employees,” noted Professor Diane Riegal, who teaches a variety of business, culinary and social sciences classes. “We want to be known as a county that has more than raised the bar.”

A pilot program of the coming Catskills Hospitality Institute will begin in August, she said, offering courses on hospitality, guest services, appearance/etiquette and more.

Montreign is, after all, a resort that will attempt to attract high-rollers through features like a 24-hour restaurant, 600-square-foot suites and even private gaming salons, said Empire Resorts Executive Vice President Charlie Degliomini.

An exact salary range was not disclosed, though Kneisc said all jobs will be above minimum-wage, and workers must be at least 18 years of age.

“Most of our team members will come on board about two months prior to opening,” she explained, projecting a ramp-up in hiring in the latter months of 2017.

That gives employees-to-be a good year to prepare. And they can start even before taking a single class, said Center for Workforce Development Director Laura Quigley.

“Having job skills alone will not get you hired,” she noted. “You need to be at your best ... and you have 583 days to become an awesome employee, starting tomorrow.”

Her county agency (794-3340) and the college (434-5750) stand ready to help.

“Quite frankly, if you're not yet sure what you really want to do,” added SUNY Sullivan Liberal Arts & Humanities Division Chair Paul Reifenheiser, “come see us.”