The newly appointed general manager, Australian tourism veteran Marlene Poynder, said the positions ranged from senior management posts to high-level hospitality and housekeeping jobs.
She said it was likely some jobs would be filled from within the Hilton group, but all positions were open to external applicants as well as those within the global franchise.
Hilton Worldwide's twin hotel management deal comprises a 178-room, five-star hotel to be named Hilton Queenstown and a four-star hotel, featuring 98 one-bedroom apartment-style rooms, to be known as the Kawarau Hotel and managed by Hilton.
The hotels would need at least 150 full-time, part-time and casual staff, she said.
Although construction was not yet complete, and there was no fixed opening date, she said the hotels were slated to open in late March - and would "definitely" be open before the start of the ski season.
Given the forecast gradual lifting of the global recession, it was "really a great year to open because of what New Zealand has in store - the Rugby World Cup will certainly be a draw".
A more buoyant economy was "important for New Zealand and ... also important for the markets in Australia, Asia, and we hope that North America and Europe continue to recover", she said.
"I know a few operators in North America who operate in this market and they had a better year down here this year than last year.
Based on my feedback there's no reason that shouldn't continue," Ms Poynder said.
The Hilton's brand impact would have a positive trickle-down effect on other businesses in Queenstown, which was "small but international and a very important destination", she said.
"It's positive when a new business opens in a market - and it's a market that can take a bit of growth. With the Hilton brand behind us, with the marketing and advertising, it'll help sell the destination. It lifts the profile of Queenstown."
She said a marketing strategy was already in place for when the hotels were staffed and ready to take reservations.
"We understand this project has been five years in the making and that Queenstown people are wanting to know as much information as possible and ... we're cognisant of that fact, which is why we and the owners are working very hard to get it right for the opening."
