It's the kind of job many Kansas Citians dream of: hobnobbing with the hierarchy of the Kansas City Chiefs, mingling with media covering the game, a 50-yard line view in climate-controlled comfort, and an occasional visit with the players, past and present.

Edwardsville resident Mike Picknick has such a job, but says it's not as glamorous as it might sound.

"Basically, I am kind of a big go-fer," he said.

Mike Picknick of Edwardsville has worked behind the scenes for the Kansas City Chiefs for 20 years, including the past six in the press box.

Actually there is more to the "crowd director's job" than simply running errands.

Picknick is one of seven workers who patrol the Chiefs press box area. They are responsible for running the elevators from the two levels of press box to field and seating levels, they watch the doors, help greet and escort guests to Lamar Hunt's suite, then during the game, help distribute information to the media, and following the game, help compile and distribute game packets of information and statistics to the working media.

Of course there is a great view of the game, but little time to enjoy it.

"I would say in a typical game I get to see about a quarter, but not at one time. There are bits and pieces here and there and then of course while we are on break," he said.

Picknick has been with the Chiefs for 20 years, the past six in the press area. Prior to that he worked in various areas including the parking ticket area and as a crowd director in the stands.

"They gave me a chance to go inside and I really enjoy it," Picknick said. "I like being behind the scenes and seeing how the media does its job, plus its warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer."

Picknick, whose primary job is with the Board of Public Utilities, said he is busy enough that he's never really gotten to know many of the writers.

"There are some that we see every week so we say hi, but for the most part I try not to bother them. I recognize a lot of them, but I try to leave them alone," he said.

But even with that attitude, there have been times he got some one-on-one time with recognizable figures.

"Monday night games are always exciting with the TV crews and all that. This year I was running the elevator when Dennis Miller was heading up so I got to talk with him alone for a couple minutes," he said.

During the recent Chiefs alumni game he also got to see some of Chiefs greats from the past.

"All of the players came back and they were right there, it was pretty neat," said Picknick.

A typical night begins about two hours before the game and runs an hour or two after the game.

"It is pretty busy before the game and it is very hectic at halftime and after the game, but the rest of the time it's not too bad and it is really an exciting atmosphere to be around," he said.