Job Opportunities
Glacier Guides and Montana Raft is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, or disabling condition.
We are looking for easy-going, energetic, fun loving folks who love the outdoors and like to work hard.
Our season runs from May 1 through October 15, with the busiest times being July and August. We appreciate employees not taking vacations during this busy time.
PLEASE APPLY ONLY ONCE (per season). Apply for your top pick first, and then let us know via email or your cover letter any other job interests that you have.
When should I apply? We post most all of our positions beginning in early-January. This is when we will start the interview process. We will make most hiring decisions by March.
Returning Employees: Please choose Guide/Returning Employee. In your cover letter let us know your availability time frame and if you are planning on returning in the same capacity as last summer.
**Please do not apply for a position you do not really want or are not qualified for just to get your application seen.
By submitting your application, you agree to allow us to correspond with you and to conduct background / reference / credit checks as we deem necessary.
Classification: Full Time Seasonal
Wage: $20 - $25 depending on experience.
Department: Shop
Supervisor: Operations, Assistant Operations and Office / Reservation Manager Scheduled Start Date*: April 15th *Start & end dates are weather dependent and may change accordingly.
Scheduled End Date*: October 15th
In a Nut Shell: You are responsible for our bike rental program, bike shuttles, backpacking and raft rental gear, and keeping our tour vehicles looking their best.
Job Summary: This position is responsible to help implement Glacier Guides and Montana Raft’s maintenance for operations including rafting, hiking, fishing, biking, equipment rental and lodging. The primary goal is for safely implementing spring, summer, fall, and possibly winter business for Glacier Guides and Montana Raft, Glacier Guides Lodge, and Glacier Guides Guest House. This position is based out of Glacier Guides’ main office at 11970 Highway 2 East, West Glacier, Montana.
The broad scope of this position's responsibilities requires someone with an equally broad range of skills and attributes. In order to be successful in this position, candidates will need a high energy level, a strong work ethic, excellent time/project management skills, a wide range of technical skills, strong leadership skills, flexibility, and a willingness to learn, adapt and overcome challenges. Often this position is “customer facing” which will require strong interpersonal skills and customer service experience. Some, but not necessarily all, of your responsibilities will involve scheduling shop staff, managing hours worked, maintaining and repairing equipment (bicycles, camping equipment), safety checks and vehicle detailing, managing shuttles including fishing shuttles, taking/updating inventory, general management and maintenance needs, and dealing calmly with the occasional stressful situation. Overall focus on safety and guest experience is a must. Intimate knowledge of Glacier National Park and the Flathead River System is preferred. Depending on skill set, experience, and preferences, the Shop Manager might work seasonal or super seasonal. The winter seasonal work will work closely with company leadership and will focus on maintenance of equipment, budget planning, hiring and construction projects.
While the shop is its own department, it also works very closely with all other departments to aid in their respective operations. This will include but is not limited to: fishing shuttles, company wide gear maintenance, emergency response, and ground/facilities maintenance on all company properties, preparing for events, and setting up dinner floats.
This position is based out of Glacier Guides’ main office at 11970 Highway 2 East, West Glacier, Montana.
Job Duties and Responsibilities
Primary
● Constant on site review for the safety of operations and guest satisfaction. ● Keep all facilities safe, clean and looking their best. This includes bathrooms, grounds, camping equipment, rental equipment, bicycles/ e bikes and vehicles.
● Safely rent equipment / bicycles / E bikes / watercraft to Guests
● Help plan, and manage equipment and vehicles for rafting, hiking, fishing, biking, rentals, and shuttles. Works closely with Vehicle Maintenance.
● Supervise staff for vehicle inspections.
● Supervise and implement a risk management plan.
● Help maintain a climate that attracts, retains, and motivates top quality personnel.
● Make sure that the organization’s philosophy, mission, and vision are pertinent and practiced throughout the organization.
● Able to drive program vehicles on steep, rugged roads. (15-passenger vans with trailers)
● Work on building and property maintenance.
● Oversees weekly vehicle checks, maintenance, and communication regarding necessary repairs.
● Will work on building and property maintenance.
● Will manage vehicles and vehicle shuttles.
● Will manage staff for vehicle shuttles.
● Responds to field emergencies.
This is just a general outline, and will include other duties and responsibilities.
Qualifications and Skills Required
● Minimum age – 21 years old.
● Basic Bicycle repair skills.
● Detail-oriented, Strong personal initiative, excellent organizational skills, motivation, resourcefulness and the ability to multitask.
● Ability to work in a multifunctional role and a fast-paced environment and successfully meet multiple deadlines.
● Consistently strives to openly share and receive feedback with/from co-workers and supervisors.
● Commits to professional growth, including improving technical and interpersonal skills. ● Strong creative and organizational skills.
● Ability to collaborate, work well with others, and work independently.
● Excellent communication and people skills required.
● The ability to ensure quality guest service.
● Manage challenging situations and recommend effective solutions to problems. ● Excellent knowledge of Glacier National Parks backcountry and surrounding river system is a plus.
● Valid Driver’s License held for a minimum of 5 years with a clean driving record/background check.
● College degree is preferred.
● Sense of humor is a plus
Secondary
● May help plan new trips.
● May help cover office operations as needed; particularly phones and greeting guests ● May help represent Glacier Guides and Montana Raft at local events.
● May help with seasonal staff hiring, interviews, and reference checks - including drivers, support staff, and guides.
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Compensation and Benefits:
● Eligible for pro-deal purchasing program.
● Glacier National Park pass
● $110 in logo wear
● Ability to attend professional development training for hiking, backpacking, biking and whitewater rafting at no cost as appropriate with work schedule.
● Valuable experience and understanding of the organization that can help one transition into a guide role in future years provided demonstration of professionalism and appropriate skill sets.
Safety & Wellness:
It will be the responsibility of all team members to ensure that our guests enjoy a safe and risk-free environment. All team members must be on constant alert for any unsafe conditions and work behaviors. This will involve, but not be limited to, periodic inspections of work and public areas. Follow up notification will be done to correct the condition or practice at the earliest possible opportunity.
Work Environment
● Moderate physical activity required by handling objects up to 50 pounds frequently and up to 100 pounds occasionally.
● This is an outside job and is subject to the weather conditions. Will need to dress for the weather.
● Able to be seated at a desk and computer work station for extended periods of time daily.
● Ability to walk, hike, and be a passenger on a whitewater raft for 8 hours or more at a time.
● Job will require working weekends, holidays, and evenings during peak demand times.
● Non-smoking environment.
Mission Statement: Our mission is to provide exceptional active travel vacations and experiences in and around Glacier National Park while preserving and protecting Glacier's unique ecosystem using ecologically sound practices. We join and support the National Park Service, the United States Forest Service, and the surrounding communities in efforts to preserve and conserve the Crown of the Continent Ecosystem.
We offer guided rafting, hiking, fishing, biking and equipment rentals in and around Glacier National Park. Short descriptions of basic Guide position requirements follow. Whether you are interested in guiding rafting, hiking, fishing, or biking, please use this basic description to apply for a Guide position.
If you are a returning employee: Choose "returning employee." In cover letter please indicate your availability for the summer and if you are returning in the same capacity as last summer.
RIVER GUIDE POSITION REQUIREMENTS: Need to be available from late May through Labor Day
- You must be in good physical condition with the ability:
- to lift 50 lbs on average, and up to 150 lbs occasionally often in awkward positions.
- work in variable types of weather (sometimes extreme).
- to walk on rocky, uneven terrain.
- to maintain a professional level of communication with guests and co-employees at all times especially during stressful situations.
- Completion of Glacier Guides River School or management approved equivalent. This includes but is not limited to basic knowledge of guiding, rigging, knots, river safety, swimming, and rescue.
- Certification in Wilderness First Aid, hands on CPR and Swift Water Rescue. There are opportunities to take these classes for a fee in the spring.
- Knowledge of river features, Glacier National Park and Flathead Forest Service policies, the Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex, Wild and Scenic Rivers, and Flora and fauna of the area.
- Have a personable easy going attitude with attention to safety.
- Must love working with people in the outdoor environment and have a polite and professional demeanor.
- Must have a cell phone and be able to communicate with it on a daily basis.
- Per Glacier Guides and Montana Raft Vehicle Insurance standards: must be at least 18 years of age and possess a valid driver’s license and the ability to be added to GGMR’s vehicle insurance policy.
- Subject to GGMR’s Alcohol and Controlled Substance Abuse Policy based on the nature of the position and related duties.
- Expected to be neat and clean, wear a minimum of one item of GGMR apparel when guiding.
- Non-smoking and non-vaping environment
- Job requires working weekends, holidays and extended hours during peak demand times.
- Other aspects of the job include vehicle shuttles, cleaning and maintaining equipment (especially at the end of the season), brochure distribution, food preparation, and social media.
Preferable: Wilderness First Responder (WFR) (or equivalent) certification, and a valid commercial driver's license.
Guide duties include (but are not limited to):
Pre-trip: Review of weather and river conditions; vehicle inspection; packing all food and equipment; loading boats; pre trip plan.
On Trip: Meeting guests; providing guest orientation; safety talk and route explanation; following USFS and Park Service policies; overseeing general well being of guests; keeping equipment clean; following Leave No Trace protocols; providing first aid when needed.
Post trip: Clean vehicles and equipment; make sure guests equipment is clean / dry / in working order; communicate with office and manager about trip; completion of trip evaluations.
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DAY HIKING / BACKPACK GUIDE POSITION REQUIREMENTS: Need to be available June through mid September
- You must be in good physical condition with the ability:
- to lift and carry 50 lbs often in awkward positions, and up to 80 lbs occasionally long distances.
- to hike up to 8 miles on average and up to 18 miles per day occasionally.
- to work in variable weather conditions (sometimes extreme).
- to hike on rocky uneven terrain, up elevations of up to 3,000 feet in a day.
- drive for up to 4 hours at a time.
- to maintain a professional level of communication with guests and co-employees at all times especially during stressful situations.
- Completion of Glacier Guides Hiking School or management approved equivalent. This includes but is not limited to basic knowledge of guiding, cooking, driving, hiking safety, Bear Management Training and rescue.
- Certification in Wilderness First Aid and hands on CPR. There are opportunities to take these classes for a fee in the spring.
- Excellent knowledge of Glacier National Park policies, history, trails, flora and fauna.
- Must love working with people in the outdoor environment and have a polite and professional demeanor.
- Have a personable easy going attitude with attention to safety.
- Must have a cell phone and be able to communicate with it on a daily basis.
- Per Glacier Guides and Montana Raft Vehicle Insurance standards: must be at least 18 years of age and possess a valid driver’s license and the ability to be added to GGMR’s vehicle insurance policy.
- Subject to GGMR’s Alcohol and Controlled Substance Abuse Policy based on the nature of the position and related duties.
- Expected to be neat and clean, wear a minimum of one item of GGMR apparel when guiding.
- Non-smoking and non-vaping environment
- Job requires working weekends, holidays and extended hours during peak demand times.
Preferable - Wilderness First Responder (WFR) (or equivalent) certification, and a commercial driver's license.
Guide duties include (but are not limited to):
Pre-trip: Route selection; permits; vehicle inspection; packing all food and equipment; preparing guest rental equipment; pre trip plan.
On Trip: Meeting guests; providing guest orientation; safety talk and route explanation; transportation of guests to and from trailhead; hiking and following Park Service policies; overseeing general well being of guests; cooking; cleaning; following Leave No Trace protocols; providing first aid when needed.
Post trip: Clean vans and equipment; make sure rental equipment is clean / dry / in working order; communicate with office and manager about trip; completion of trip evaluations.
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BIKING GUIDE POSITION- Beginning of May to late June only. Mainly available for returning employees.
- You must be in good physical condition with the ability:
- to lift and carry 50 lbs on average, and up to 150 lbs occasionally often in awkward positions.
- to bike up to 12 miles on average and up to 40 miles per day occasionally.
- to bike on rocky uneven terrain, up elevations of up to 3,000 feet in a day.
- bike for up to 6 hours at a time.
- perform basic maintenance and repair to bikes and e-bikes, and bike carriers/trailers.
- to work in variable weather conditions (sometimes extreme).
- drive for up to 4 hours at a time.
- to maintain a professional level of communication with guests and co-employees at all times especially during stressful situations.
- Completion of Glacier Guides Biking School or management approved equivalent. This includes but is not limited to basic knowledge of guiding, bike maintenance, driving, biking safety, Bear Management Training and rescue.
- Certification in Wilderness First Aid and hands on CPR. There are opportunities to take these classes for a fee in the spring.
- Excellent knowledge of Glacier National Park policies, history, trails, flora and fauna.
- Must love working with people in the outdoor environment and have a polite and professional demeanor.
- Have a personable easy going attitude with attention to safety.
- Must have a cell phone and be able to communicate with it on a daily basis.
- Per Glacier Guides and Montana Raft Vehicle Insurance standards: must be at least 18 years of age and possess a valid driver’s license and the ability to be added to GGMR’s vehicle insurance policy.
- Subject to GGMR’s Alcohol and Controlled Substance Abuse Policy based on the nature of the position and related duties.
- Expected to be neat and clean, wear a minimum of one item of GGMR apparel when guiding.
- Non-smoking and non-vaping environment
- Job requires working weekends, holidays and extended hours during peak demand times.
Preferable - Wilderness First Responder (WFR) (or equivalent) certification, and a commercial driver's license.
Guide duties include (but are not limited to):
Pre-trip: Route selection; permits; vehicle inspection; packing all food and equipment; preparing guest rental equipment; pre trip plan.
On Trip: Meeting guests; providing guest orientation; safety talk and route explanation; transportation of guests to and from trailhead; biking and following Park Service policies; overseeing general well being of guests; cleaning; following Leave No Trace protocols; providing first aid when needed.
Post trip: Clean vans and equipment; make sure rental equipment is clean / dry / in working order; communicate with office and manager about trip; completion of trip evaluations.
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FLY FISHING GUIDE POSITION Season is mid to late June through September
Job Summary:
A fly fishing guide for Glacier Guides and Montana Raft must love fly fishing and sharing your knowledge of it with guests. A guide must enjoy meeting new people and educating them about best catch and release fishing practices. The guide provides instruction to people who are either new to fly fishing or who want to develop their technique in the sport. You may also teach basic fishing skills to children. The job will include guiding trips to various fishing spots.
Job Relationships:
• Reports to: General Manager, Office Managers, River Managers
• Employees Supervised: None
Job Requirements:
- You must be in good physical condition with the ability:
- Lift 50 lbs on average, and up to 150 lbs occasionally often in awkward positions.
- Work in variable types of weather (sometimes extreme).
- Walk on rocky, uneven terrain.
- Maintain a professional level of communication with guests and co-employees at all times especially during stressful situations.
- Experienced angler
- Compliance with Montana requirements for guide, fishing, trailer and boat operating licenses if applicable.
- Must have knowledge of Flathead River system and local area
- 5 years of previous fishing guide experience or comparable experience preferred
- Completion of Glacier Guides River School or management approved equivalent. This includes but is not limited to basic knowledge of guiding, rigging, knots, river safety, swimming, and rescue.
- Certification in First Aid, hands on CPR and Swift Water Rescue (depending on where guiding). There are opportunities to take these classes for a fee in the spring.
- Knowledge of river features, Glacier National Park and Flathead Forest Service policies, flora and fauna of the area.
- Have a personable easy going attitude with attention to safety.
- Must love working with people in the outdoor environment and have a polite and professional demeanor.
- Must have a cell phone and be able to communicate with it on a daily basis.
- Per Glacier Guides and Montana Raft Vehicle Insurance standards: must be at least 18 years of age and possess a valid driver’s license and the ability to be added to GGMR’s vehicle insurance policy.
- Subject to GGMR’s Alcohol and Controlled Substance Abuse Policy based on the nature of the position and related duties.
- Expected to be neat and clean, wear a minimum of one item of GGMR apparel when guiding.
- Non-smoking and non-vaping environment
- Job requires working weekends, holidays and extended hours during peak demand times.
Preferable: Wilderness First Aid or Wilderness First Responder (WFR) (or equivalent) certification, and a valid commercial driver's license.
Guide duties include (but are not limited to):
Pre-trip: Review of weather and river conditions; vehicle inspection; packing all food and equipment; loading boats or trailer; pre trip plan with office.
On Trip: Meeting guests; providing guest orientation; safety talk and route explanation; following USFS and Park Service policies; overseeing general well being of guests; keeping equipment clean; following Leave No Trace protocols; providing first aid when needed.
Post trip: Clean vehicles and equipment; make sure guests equipment is clean / dry / in working order; communicate with office and manager about trip; completion of trip evaluations.
There are 4 different positions for our Support Staff:
Front Desk Reservationist, Maintenance, Kitchen Staff, Mini Van/Bus Driver and Housekeeping The Housekeeping position is for our 12 room lodge and 3 bedroom guest house.
When submitting your application let us know which one you are interested in applying for.
Benefits for full time work: End of season bonus pay. Opportunities to go on any Glacier Guides and Montana Raft trip that has availability. $110 worth of free logo'd retail. Pro deals for several outdoor gear companies. Opportunity to go through guide trainings (if it doesn't interfere with schedule).
1. Front Desk Reservationist:
Positions for Front Desk run from May to September. 1) Work 10 hour days, 4 days a week. 2) Job involves taking reservations for rafting, hiking, fishing, biking, lodging, equipment rentals, and shuttles. 3) Responsible for selling retail items, photos taken of rafting trips, greeting guests, and working on customer database. Qualifications: Need to be able to multi-task in fast paced friendly environment, work well with people, love to learn and share information. Must possess an upbeat attitude and contagious smile.
Knowledge of Glacier Park and surrounding area and being computer savvy are highly preferable.
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2. Maintenance/Bike Mechanic: May through September
This position is a little bit of everything. Position runs from mid-May to mid-September. Here is just a sample of the type of tasks that could be asked of you (but not limited to):
- bike maintenance and repairing bikes
- help load boats
- clean life jackets/ booties/ tents/ sleeping bags
- help in our kitchen
- recycling tasks
- help with providing shuttles
- mow the lawn
- pick weeds
- clean bathrooms
- clean vans/busses
- porter on select backpacking trips
No experience is necessary for this position, just a positive and hard working personality.
Valid driver's license preferred. Must be able to take direction well, be self motivated, and follow through with little supervision. Sense of humor is a plus.
Must be able to lift 25-50 lbs on a regular basis.
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3. Commercial Kitchen Staff: June through Labor Day. Through September is preferred.
- Supports rafting, hiking, fishing, and biking trips
- Work with guides on menus and preparations
- Prepares food for trips (salads, fruit/meat/cheese trays, etc)
- Stocking and refilling bins
- Cleaning kitchen
- Recycling tasks
All food handlers must make sure their work area and kitchen is clean and following health department policies and standards. Knowledge of nutrition, dietary restrictions and sustainable food options are preferred. Qualifications: Upbeat and flexible attitude, good sense of humor, and likes to cook.
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4. Glacier Guides Lodge and Glacier Guides Guest House Housekeeping: May through September.
We have a clean and comfortable 12 room eco-friendly lodge, and a 3 bedroom guest house, located in West Glacier. This position requires an upbeat attitude with an attention to detail. We have full and part time seasonal positions May through mid-October. Full time shift is 5 days a week from 9 to 2 sometimes 3 PM. Job duties include room cleaning, laundry and assist with checking in guests. Minor yard work and general building maintenance.