Yellowstone Jobs

Does the company provide transportation from Bozeman to Gardiner?

Yes, if arrangements are made in advance, a bus will take you from the Greyhound station in Bozeman to Gardiner on check-in day.  Following check in, the bus will take you to your location.

Will Xanterra pay for my transportation?

The company does not pay for costs of transportation. You must arrange and pay for your own transportation to Yellowstone and when leaving at the end of your employment with us. 

When should I book my flight home after my season ends?

You must be available for work on the final day of your work agreement.  It is always recommended that any flights home at the end of your season be booked for two days after the last day of your work agreement.

How often will I get paid?

Every two weeks. You will receive your first paycheck approximately three weeks after you start working. (It may be a little sooner if you begin work in the middle of a pay period.) It is important that you bring enough money to get you through these first few weeks without a paycheck. Your room and board costs are deducted from your paycheck and will not be a monetary concern for you.

Where is the nearest bank?

There is a credit union in the park at Mammoth Hot Springs. Full-service banks are located in Gardiner, MT and West Yellowstone, MT. You may want to consider banking by mail with your home town bank or opt for direct deposit. Money orders can be purchased at any post office. There are ATMs available at each of the larger locations.  

How do I get mail?

At your specific village post office. Job offers include location information sheet for with details, as well as for information on sending/receiving packages with UPS. The General Delivery Address for US Postal Service is:

(Your Name)
General Delivery - (Your location here)
Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190 

Do I need a car?

It is convenient for getting to other areas, but many employees get by without one. Employees can ride the YNP Lodges guest tour buses for free on a space available basis, however, keep in mind that these are tour buses, not shuttle buses.

Linx Transportation systems will offer passenger routes around Yellowstone and to gateway towns during the 2012 summer season.  Information about bus routes and fees can be found on the Village Life page.

Who chooses my roommate?

Your Personnel Manager and you! Room assignments are made the day you arrive. If you’re arriving with a friend, we will do our best to house you together. Spouses are placed together.

Do I have a phone in my room?

No, but there are pay phones located in public areas. It is not possible to have a phone line installed. You may want to bring a prepaid phone card for convenience when making long distance calls from the payphone.  

What about cell phone service?

There are only a few areas inside Yellowstone with reliable cell phone service at this time.  Those with Verizon and AT&T have the best service ranges to date.  

Can I bring my bike?

Yes, make sure you bring a helmet (required for riding during working hours) and a lock. Keep in mind that many of the roads in the park do not have much of a shoulder. Also, the majority of YNP’s hiking trails do not permit bike traffic. Check out the “Play Here” section at www.yellowstonejobs.com for information about biking in the areas just outside Yellowstone. You can also visit a NPS Visitor Center when you arrive to learn about bike-friendly areas.

Will I work 40 hours a week?

Work schedules, including number of hours worked and days off, will vary based on staffing needs and business levels. Actual hours worked in a week may vary from 32-48 hours. Employees may be asked to take more than two days off and/or may be required to work a six-day week, again, depending on staffing needs. Hours are not guaranteed.  

What is the weather like in Yellowstone?

Be prepared for everything! You may experience snow and rain while you are here. Pack clothing that can be worn in layers. Bring a good jacket and a sweatshirt or fleece. For more information go to this weather.com and see the weather for Yellowstone National Park. (As you review this link, keep in mind that the park is very large and the weather varies throughout. Therefore, the forecast provided may not be entirely accurate for the area where you will be living.)

Where will I live?

For most, home is a dormitory room with one or more roommates. Bathroom facilities may be attached to your room or located down the hall. Each room is furnished with a twin bed (there are a limited number of double beds for couples), small dresser, and a small closet. Storage is limited! Each employee is responsible for the cleanliness of his or her room. There is no single housing available, even at extra charge. There are no cooking facilities in employee housing. All employees eat in a central employee dining room.

Can I bring my family?

Each person living in employee housing must work for Xanterra Parks & Resorts in Yellowstone. Employees must be 18 years of age to live in housing. While the company is able to hire and provide rooms for a number of couples, we do not provide family housing.
 

If you wish to bring your Recreational Vehicle to use as housing during your season, you must request it during the application process. There are a very limited number of RV sites for employees in the park, and preference is given to returning employees and to those who are able to commit to the longest seasons.

Can I bring my pet?

Sorry, pets are not allowed in employee dormitories. You may bring your pet if you have your own RV. Pets in the park are not allowed to be taken out of common areas, such as parking lots. Pets are not allowed on trails, boardwalks or in any backcountry area and must always be on a leash.

Are there appearance guidelines?

Your appearance at work is a part of the impression we make on our guests and so it is important to us. Our standards include, but are not limited to, maintaining a neat and well-groomed hairstyle and reporting to work with a clean, wrinkle-free uniform. Extreme hairstyles and extreme tattoos will not be allowed for employees in guest contact positions. While on duty one pair of earrings is allowed, and can be worn in the ear only, not in the nose, eyebrow, tongue or any other visible location.

Will the company provide uniforms?

Xanterra provides uniforms for most job positions. You may be asked to bring clothing that will become part of the uniform including specific shoes, belt or slacks.
You can find information about your uniform on the job description page of your agreement packet.

Can I bring my laptop?

You may bring your personal laptop computer to the park. Please remember that the company is not responsible for any valuable items that are lost or stolen. Internet access is available for personal computer hookup in most locations. If you do not bring a laptop, you may access the internet for free through kiosks in many dormitories.

What about internet access?

Most employee residences are equipped with wireless internet access, which is included in the cost of your housing.

What can I do for fun? 

Yellowstone offers many great options for adventure! You might choose a day hike, camping, or traveling the park to find great photo and wildlife viewing opportunities. Local gateway towns have dining, shopping and other attractions.

Or, join one of many ongoing Co-op Recreation Department events or trips at each location. You can get a preview of the Co-op Recreation Department by visiting the website at www.ycerp.org. Also, check out the “Play Here” section of www.yellowstonejobs.com.

Are there religious services available?

Yellowstone has one formal chapel, located in Mammoth Hot Springs, which offers Christian-based non-denominational services. Other services are provided throughout the park during the summer season. More information about services can be obtained at your summer location.

Is there television reception in Yellowstone?

Yellowstone locations do not have television reception, and we do not have cable service. There are a very limited number of dormitory buildings that can accommodate satellite dish technology. If you choose to bring or obtain a dish, you may not be able to set up and use the equipment per National Park Service regulations.

What about radio reception? 

Radio reception in Yellowstone is not consistent and is weak in most areas. Many employees bring their own music for quiet enjoyment during their off time.