Employment
FAQ'S: About Our Employment
1. When is the best time to apply for summer positions?
The best time to submit your application for summer employment is between October and April, however as many positions fill up quickly, the earlier your application is received the more likely you are to get your 1st position choice.
2. What types of positions are available?
Most positions offered by GPI are hospitality in nature, such as Front Desk, Housekeeping, Food & Beverage, and Retail Sales; however we also have many maintenance, mechanic and warehouse positions. Descriptions of all jobs offered by GPI are available on the Jobs Available page. Please list your top three job choices on your application.
3. What are the dates of employment?
Dates of employment vary based on job location. Our seasonal facilities open as early as mid-May and as late as mid-June with closing dates sometime between Labor Day and the end of September. Candidates who are available for the entire season will be given preference when being considered for a position.
4. How will I know that my application has been received?
Once you submit your application, you will receive an automatically generated email letting you know that we have received your application. If you do not see it in your inbox, you may want to check your junk mail or spam folder.
5. How soon will I be contacted once I submit my application?
Once we receive your application, it can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks for us to get in contact with you. We will begin contacting employees who have previously worked for GPI in November & December, and then begin contacting new applicants beginning January 1. Applicants are contacted based on date applied and qualifications for a position.
6. It’s been a few weeks and I still haven’t heard anything. Does that mean that I am not being considered?
If it has been a few weeks and you have not heard from us or received a postcard or email indicating that you are ineligible or do not meet our requirements, then it is likely that we have just not been able to get to your application. Feel free to email or call (406) 892-6719 to check the status of your application. Please note that GPI receives thousands of applications every year and we do our best to get to them all in a timely manner, your patience is greatly appreciated.
7. What is the hiring process?
Once we receive your application it will be reviewed to determine your availability and qualifications for a position. You will be contacted for a phone interview based on the strength of your application. (Our first impression of you is based on your application, so please be sure to complete the entire application. Do not list friends or family members as references.) After the phone interview we will check your references and make a decision as to whether or not we will make a job offer.
8. I’m applying with a friend; will we be able to work at the same location? Room together?
We do our best to accommodate all requests. Generally, we are able place people applying together at the same location.
9. What are the wages?
Wages are varied depending on the position. However, most positions are entry level and are paid minimum wage in both the US and Canada. Some minimum wage positions are hourly + tour gratuity. ( Tour gratuities are additional monies paid through the first 40 hours of work each week. Tour gratuities are based on tour group volume for the 2012 season and will be finalized shortly before your arrival.) 2012 Minimum wage is $7.65 per hour in Montana and $9.05 / $9.40 per hour in Alberta, Canada.
10. How many hours per week will I work?
All employees must be willing to work a 40 hour work week. However, some position hours will vary based on time of season and guest traffic. Usually, hours at the beginning and end of the season will be less than 40 hours per week.
11. What is the average age of employees? Do you hire Retired applicants?
We hire people from all walks of life. Employees range in age from 18 to 85. While the majority is between 18 and 35, about 15-20% of our staff is 35 or older including many retirees.
12. Is housing provided? How much does it cost?
Every Park employee is provided with a housing package that includes dorm-style housing, 3 meals per day, on-site laundry facilities, a pass to Glacier National Park and wireless internet. The cost is $11 per day that is deducted directly from the employee’s paycheck. For each current consecutive season that an employee works with GPI, the price for housing will be decreased by 25%.
13. What is the housing like? Will I have roommates?
All GPI housing is dorm-style and may have anywhere from 2 to 4 people per room. All bathrooms are shared and most rooms will have bunk beds. Storage space is limited and may be in the form of dressers, closets, or drawers located under the beds. Most rooms have a desk and a chair or two as well. Housing is best described as rustic!
14. Are there TV’s in the housing?
There are no TV’s in Employee Dorms or Guest Rooms; however, satellite TV is available in all employee recreation rooms.
15. Does GPI offer housing for couples?
GPI does offer limited couples housing at several locations. It is recommended that you apply early if couples housing is a concern for you, as most couples housing is full by the end of March. Once our hotels have opened for the season it is virtually impossible to acquire couples housing.
16. Can I bring my RV?
There is a small RV park located on the grounds of Glacier Park Lodge. There are very few spaces and it does fill up quickly. Again, preference will be given to returning employees and candidates that can stay all season. Please inquire with Human Resources for availability.
17. What about my pet?
Pets are only permitted for those employees residing in our RV Park. Pets are not permitted in any GPI dorms.
18. Are guests permitted in company housing?
Company housing is for employees only.
19. What about food?
GPI provides 3 meals per day for employees in our Employee Dining Rooms (EDR). Each meal is served within a specific time period and employees are encouraged to make time for each meal. However, if you are unable to make it to a specified meal time, there will be fruit, cereal and bread for sandwiches, as well as coffee, tea and juice, available at all times. While we do often offer vegetarian options, we do not cater to vegetarians or those with special dietary requirements or food allergies.
20. Can I bring a vehicle?
You are encouraged to bring your vehicle, as it will allow you to explore Waterton-Glacier more easily. Employee parking is available at all locations.
21. How do I get around if I don’t have a car?
There are many modes of travel for employees without a car. The National Park Service offers a free shuttle that travels the East and West side of the Going to the Sun Road. GPI also has guest hiker shuttles that employees can catch a ride on if there is available space. Employees are also permitted to hop on one of our historic Red Busses as long as there is space available. Otherwise, many of your co-workers will have vehicles and it is likely that you will make friends with someone that has viable transportation.
22. If I’m hired, how do I get there?
Transportation to GPI is the responsibility of the individual employee. Employees may choose to arrive via plane, train, bus or personal vehicle. Glacier National Park or Grouse Mountain Lodge employees should travel through Glacier International Airport (FCA) in Kalispell, MT or Greyhound in Whitefish, MT. Those traveling via Amtrak should arrive in East Glacier Park, MT (GPK). Prince of Wales employees should travel through Calgary International Airport (YYC) and/or Greyhound to Pincher Creek, AB. A GPI shuttle will transport you to your destination; however a minimum 2 week notice is mandatory in order to arrange your pick up.
23. How far is the closest town?
Depending on your work location, it is a 1-3 hour drive to the nearest big town. GPI provides a weekly shuttle to Kalispell, MT (US employees) to shop, go to the bank, see a movie, etc.
24. Will I get Cell Phone service in the park?
Cell phone service is limited and depends on your wireless carrier. There are many locations where no service will be available from any carrier. However, there are phones for employee use located in either the dorms or employee rec rooms. These phones will require a calling card, which can be purchased in most GPI Gift Shops and Camp Stores.
25. Are there banks nearby? Do you offer Direct Deposit?
GPI offers and recommends Direct Deposit for all employees, as the closest banking opportunity may be up to 100 miles from your location. If interested, please complete the direct deposit form and submit it during your check-in.
26. What is there to do in my off time?
There are many options available for recreation in and around Waterton-Glacier Park. In addition to over 700 miles of hiking trails, there is White Water Rafting, Fishing, Horseback Riding Tours, Red Bus Tours and various other activities. We also encourage employees to organize activities on their own, such as movie night, game night, ice cream socials, etc.
27. What is the weather like in the summer?
The weather in Waterton-Glacier can be very unpredictable in the summertime. Temperatures can range anywhere from 30° F to 90°F, so clothing for all weather is recommended.
28. Are there Medical Services nearby? What if I get sick/injured?
Each of GPI’s larger locations has a nurse on staff to treat employees with minor illnesses/injuries. If it is something more serious, employees will be referred to the nearest clinic or hospital. There are clinics located in West Glacier, Columbia Falls, Kalispell and Cut Bank for non-emergencies. There are also hospitals located in Browning and Kalispell for emergencies. The National Park Service also has trained EMT’s on staff for emergencies within Glacier National Park.
29. Link to Loads of Visitor Information for Glacier Park, Inc.
1. When is the best time to apply for summer positions?
The best time to submit your application for summer employment is between October and April, however as many positions fill up quickly, the earlier your application is received the more likely you are to get your 1st position choice.
2. What types of positions are available?
Most positions offered by GPI are hospitality in nature, such as Front Desk, Housekeeping, Food & Beverage, and Retail Sales; however we also have many maintenance, mechanic and warehouse positions. Descriptions of all jobs offered by GPI are available on the Jobs Available page. Please list your top three job choices on your application.
3. What are the dates of employment?
Dates of employment vary based on job location. Our seasonal facilities open as early as mid-May and as late as mid-June with closing dates sometime between Labor Day and the end of September. Candidates who are available for the entire season will be given preference when being considered for a position.
4. How will I know that my application has been received?
Once you submit your application, you will receive an automatically generated email letting you know that we have received your application. If you do not see it in your inbox, you may want to check your junk mail or spam folder.
5. How soon will I be contacted once I submit my application?
Once we receive your application, it can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks for us to get in contact with you. We will begin contacting employees who have previously worked for GPI in November & December, and then begin contacting new applicants beginning January 1. Applicants are contacted based on date applied and qualifications for a position.
6. It’s been a few weeks and I still haven’t heard anything. Does that mean that I am not being considered?
If it has been a few weeks and you have not heard from us or received a postcard or email indicating that you are ineligible or do not meet our requirements, then it is likely that we have just not been able to get to your application. Feel free to email or call (406) 892-6719 to check the status of your application. Please note that GPI receives thousands of applications every year and we do our best to get to them all in a timely manner, your patience is greatly appreciated.
7. What is the hiring process?
Once we receive your application it will be reviewed to determine your availability and qualifications for a position. You will be contacted for a phone interview based on the strength of your application. (Our first impression of you is based on your application, so please be sure to complete the entire application. Do not list friends or family members as references.) After the phone interview we will check your references and make a decision as to whether or not we will make a job offer.
8. I’m applying with a friend; will we be able to work at the same location? Room together?
We do our best to accommodate all requests. Generally, we are able place people applying together at the same location.
9. What are the wages?
Wages are varied depending on the position. However, most positions are entry level and are paid minimum wage in both the US and Canada. Some minimum wage positions are hourly + tour gratuity. ( Tour gratuities are additional monies paid through the first 40 hours of work each week. Tour gratuities are based on tour group volume for the 2012 season and will be finalized shortly before your arrival.) 2012 Minimum wage is $7.65 per hour in Montana and $9.05 / $9.40 per hour in Alberta, Canada.
10. How many hours per week will I work?
All employees must be willing to work a 40 hour work week. However, some position hours will vary based on time of season and guest traffic. Usually, hours at the beginning and end of the season will be less than 40 hours per week.
11. What is the average age of employees? Do you hire Retired applicants?
We hire people from all walks of life. Employees range in age from 18 to 85. While the majority is between 18 and 35, about 15-20% of our staff is 35 or older including many retirees.
12. Is housing provided? How much does it cost?
Every Park employee is provided with a housing package that includes dorm-style housing, 3 meals per day, on-site laundry facilities, a pass to Glacier National Park and wireless internet. The cost is $11 per day that is deducted directly from the employee’s paycheck. For each current consecutive season that an employee works with GPI, the price for housing will be decreased by 25%.
13. What is the housing like? Will I have roommates?
All GPI housing is dorm-style and may have anywhere from 2 to 4 people per room. All bathrooms are shared and most rooms will have bunk beds. Storage space is limited and may be in the form of dressers, closets, or drawers located under the beds. Most rooms have a desk and a chair or two as well. Housing is best described as rustic!
14. Are there TV’s in the housing?
There are no TV’s in Employee Dorms or Guest Rooms; however, satellite TV is available in all employee recreation rooms.
15. Does GPI offer housing for couples?
GPI does offer limited couples housing at several locations. It is recommended that you apply early if couples housing is a concern for you, as most couples housing is full by the end of March. Once our hotels have opened for the season it is virtually impossible to acquire couples housing.
16. Can I bring my RV?
There is a small RV park located on the grounds of Glacier Park Lodge. There are very few spaces and it does fill up quickly. Again, preference will be given to returning employees and candidates that can stay all season. Please inquire with Human Resources for availability.
17. What about my pet?
Pets are only permitted for those employees residing in our RV Park. Pets are not permitted in any GPI dorms.
18. Are guests permitted in company housing?
Company housing is for employees only.
19. What about food?
GPI provides 3 meals per day for employees in our Employee Dining Rooms (EDR). Each meal is served within a specific time period and employees are encouraged to make time for each meal. However, if you are unable to make it to a specified meal time, there will be fruit, cereal and bread for sandwiches, as well as coffee, tea and juice, available at all times. While we do often offer vegetarian options, we do not cater to vegetarians or those with special dietary requirements or food allergies.
20. Can I bring a vehicle?
You are encouraged to bring your vehicle, as it will allow you to explore Waterton-Glacier more easily. Employee parking is available at all locations.
21. How do I get around if I don’t have a car?
There are many modes of travel for employees without a car. The National Park Service offers a free shuttle that travels the East and West side of the Going to the Sun Road. GPI also has guest hiker shuttles that employees can catch a ride on if there is available space. Employees are also permitted to hop on one of our historic Red Busses as long as there is space available. Otherwise, many of your co-workers will have vehicles and it is likely that you will make friends with someone that has viable transportation.
22. If I’m hired, how do I get there?
Transportation to GPI is the responsibility of the individual employee. Employees may choose to arrive via plane, train, bus or personal vehicle. Glacier National Park or Grouse Mountain Lodge employees should travel through Glacier International Airport (FCA) in Kalispell, MT or Greyhound in Whitefish, MT. Those traveling via Amtrak should arrive in East Glacier Park, MT (GPK). Prince of Wales employees should travel through Calgary International Airport (YYC) and/or Greyhound to Pincher Creek, AB. A GPI shuttle will transport you to your destination; however a minimum 2 week notice is mandatory in order to arrange your pick up.
23. How far is the closest town?
Depending on your work location, it is a 1-3 hour drive to the nearest big town. GPI provides a weekly shuttle to Kalispell, MT (US employees) to shop, go to the bank, see a movie, etc.
24. Will I get Cell Phone service in the park?
Cell phone service is limited and depends on your wireless carrier. There are many locations where no service will be available from any carrier. However, there are phones for employee use located in either the dorms or employee rec rooms. These phones will require a calling card, which can be purchased in most GPI Gift Shops and Camp Stores.
25. Are there banks nearby? Do you offer Direct Deposit?
GPI offers and recommends Direct Deposit for all employees, as the closest banking opportunity may be up to 100 miles from your location. If interested, please complete the direct deposit form and submit it during your check-in.
26. What is there to do in my off time?
There are many options available for recreation in and around Waterton-Glacier Park. In addition to over 700 miles of hiking trails, there is White Water Rafting, Fishing, Horseback Riding Tours, Red Bus Tours and various other activities. We also encourage employees to organize activities on their own, such as movie night, game night, ice cream socials, etc.
27. What is the weather like in the summer?
The weather in Waterton-Glacier can be very unpredictable in the summertime. Temperatures can range anywhere from 30° F to 90°F, so clothing for all weather is recommended.
28. Are there Medical Services nearby? What if I get sick/injured?
Each of GPI’s larger locations has a nurse on staff to treat employees with minor illnesses/injuries. If it is something more serious, employees will be referred to the nearest clinic or hospital. There are clinics located in West Glacier, Columbia Falls, Kalispell and Cut Bank for non-emergencies. There are also hospitals located in Browning and Kalispell for emergencies. The National Park Service also has trained EMT’s on staff for emergencies within Glacier National Park.
29. Link to Loads of Visitor Information for Glacier Park, Inc.
