A Rhode Island-based Panera Bread franchisee that operates 14 locations in Connecticut is looking to hire as many as 150 people as its restaurants begin to offer delivery.

Officials with Howley Bread Group on Tuesday said they will begin holding job fairs in March to hire the drivers needed to begin offering the delivery service at eight of its Connecticut locations.

None of Howley Bread’s Panera locations are in New Haven County. The closest location is in Newington.

“The positions for this new service present a convenient employment option for students who need flexible hours, for parents looking for part-time work and for seniors who are interested in becoming part of our Panera family,” Tom Howley, senior vice president for Howley Bread, said in a statement.

Full- and part-time delivery positions are available, according to Howley. Applicants should be 18 years or older, and have access to reliable transportation with insurance.

Food service experience is preferred, but not required, he said.

Individuals can apply for the delivery jobs online, Howley said. The job fairs will be held at Howley Bread’s Panera locations in Groton, Hartford, Wethersfield, Glastonbury, Newington, Enfield, Manchester and Farmington.

Those selected to be drivers will receive what the company calls “generous compensation” as well as tips, and health care benefits will be offered for full-time drivers, according to Howley.

Panera began testing its delivery service at select locations around the country in early 2016.