APPLICATIONS FOR SEASONAL JOBS RETURN TO PRE-RECESSION PATTERNS AT XANTERRA PARKS & RESORTS; JOBS AVAILABLE IN YELLOWSTONE, GLACIER, GRAND CANYON AND OTHER U.S. NATIONAL PARKS
For Immediate Release
DENVER, February 7, 2014 – The annual hiring for seasonal jobs in U.S. national parks operated by concessioner Xanterra Parks & Resorts is well underway, and the company is seeing a return to pre-recession hiring patterns this year.
Xanterra is seeking 4,000 seasonal employees to fill jobs in places like Yellowstone, Glacier and Grand Canyon National Parks.
“Applications are slower to come in this year, and we think this may be an indicator that the U.S. economy is picking up steam,” said Jim McCaleb, Xanterra’s vice president of parks north. “For the past few years we have received many applications from experienced workers who we believe are now transitioning back to year-round employment.”
Xanterra offers a vast array of seasonal jobs. Examples of seasonal jobs include housekeepers, gift shop clerks, bartenders, activity coordinators, chefs and kitchen and dining room workers.
Seasonal jobs in parks are particularly appealing to workers who are adventurous at heart. “Many employees share a ‘work hard, hike hard’ attitude and take full advantage of the opportunities available to enjoy some of the most special places on the planet,” said McCaleb. “And the camaraderie is absolutely tremendous. Many employees develop lifelong friendships, and many even meet their future spouses while working seasonal jobs. In fact, we are now seeing cases of married couples who met in Yellowstone decades ago returning to work seasonal jobs here after they have retired from their careers.”
While the company needs employees who can work the traditional Memorial Day to Labor Day summer season, particularly in national parks, it is also on the look-out for seasonal workers who have the flexibility to work a longer stretch. In the Grand Canyon most lodges are open year round, but the high season stretches from spring to late October. Operations in Crater Lake, Rocky Mountain and Glacier are open only for the summer season which now lasts from May well into September or October.
“For many years, the American college student was the backbone of our seasonal workforce as the vacation season pretty much coincided with the college summer break,” said McCaleb. “In many parks the summer travel season extends before and after when college students are out of school, so employees with the flexibility to work outside the peak season are especially appealing to Xanterra.”
Living quarters consist of dormitories and a limited number of R.V. sites for the employees who bring their own recreational vehicles. Employees pay a nominal fee that covers the rooms or spaces, their meals, laundry and bedding. Internet access is often provided as well.
Xanterra operates lodges, restaurants, gift shops, tours and other activities in Yellowstone, Grand Canyon, Glacier, Zion, Petrified Forest, Rocky Mountain, Crater Lake and Death Valley National Parks, and Mount Rushmore National Memorial as well as Ohio State Park Lodges, Grand Canyon Railway, Kingsmill Resort in Williamsburg, Va., The Grand Hotel in Tusayan, Ariz.; Windstar Cruises, VBT Bicycling and Walking Vacations and Austin Adventures.
To learn more about employment opportunities or to request a job application, visit the individual park web sites and follow the employment link. Prospective employees can apply online. Some locations also host job fairs.
Xanterra Parks & Resorts is committed to maintaining a drug-free environment.