MAJOR NATIONAL PARK CONCESSIONER COMPANIES

Xanterra Parks & Resorts (formerly called Amfac Parks & Resorts)

Xanterra Parks & Resorts, is the country's largest park & resort management company. They emphasize ecologically sensitive tourism which has resulted in our environmental management and conservation programs at national parks having received widespread acclaim.

Xanterra is an authorized National Park Service concessioner with locations at several national and state parks. The visitor and hospitality services they provide include lodging, restaurants, recreational activities, gift shops, marinas, grocery stores, fuel service, and sightseeing tours.

Employment Opportunities

Each year, Xanterra hires thousands of people. The jobs available are similar to those found at any resort or hotel, such as kitchen and wait staff, front desk clerks, porters, housekeeping staff, and tour guides. Xanterra encourages its employees to use their time off to explore the outdoors and the facilities they offer, but expects commitment and hard work on the job.

Benefits and Accommodations

Xanterra Parks & Resorts offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits package to employees who satisfy each respective plan's eligibility requirements including service and employment classification. For more details, check out the company website at http://www.xanterra.com

National Park Concessions, Inc.

National Park Concessions, Inc., is contracted by the Department of the Interior's National Park Service to operate certain facilities for the public in designated areas including national parks in Kentucky, Washington, Michigan, North Carolina, and Texas. The main offices of National Park Concessions, Inc., are located at Mammoth Cave, Kentucky.

Employment Opportunities

National Park Concessions hires summer seasonal employees to work at its locations from May to September. Services they provide include hotels and other lodging facilities, restaurants and coffee shops, auto service centers, retail and craft shops, and outdoor activity centers. Positions include wait staff, front desk clerks, service station attendants, housekeepers, administrative help, boat pilots, and maintenance staff. Regardless of their position or location, employees are "expected to show an unfailing spirit of courtesy, hospitality, and helpfulness toward all guests."

Benefits and Accommodations

Room and board, which is deducted from employees' paychecks, is provided at approximately $195 a month. The type of housing varies depending on location, with two or more occupants per room. National Park Concessions does not provide recreational equipment or activities.

Applying to National Park Concessions, Inc.

Applicants must be at least 18 years old and must show proof of citizenship or documentation allowing them to work. Apply only once, as the company notes that "filing more than one application will be sufficient cause to disqualify you for employment." Applicants must also send a recent photograph. Employees are required to abide by strict dress and grooming requirements. No beards, mustaches, or hair "arrangements" longer than shoulder length are permitted. Applicants should be prepared to remain on duty through Labor Day if they wish to be considered for employment. For specific information on contacting National Park Concessions, turn to the Concessioner Listings following this section.

Aramark, Inc.

Aramark, Inc., is the nation's leading provider of food, transportation, health care, and distributive services. Aramark operates in all fifty states and ten foreign countries, serving 15 million people daily. They service many industries and recently began managing coffee kiosks in college libraries around the country. Aramark is one of the many authorized concessioners of the National Park Service.

Employment Opportunities

Aramark hires thousands of people nationwide to fill seasonal and year-round positions at their various locations. Positions offered are similar to those of high quality resorts, hotels, marinas, and recreation areas across the country. For example, Aramark employs bell hops, reservation clerks, marina attendants, and tour staff in addition to many other positions. Summer and seasonal jobs with Aramark are not always glamorous, but they are "rich in the satisfaction that comes from honest work well done in a magnificent setting full of recreational and social opportunities."

Benefits and Accommodations

Many of Aramark's locations provide room and board at varying costs which are deducted from each employee's paychecks. Housing facilities vary from shared dorms to houses with kitchens. Aramark employees receive a 20–30 percent discount at gift shops and restaurants and receive access to recreational facilities during off hours.

Applying to Aramark, Inc.

All applicants must be 18 years old and have a social security card and/or birth certificate, and a valid driver's license. Foreign applicants must have a J1 Visa and social security card. Applicants able to work "the majority of the season" will be given preference. For specific information on contacting one of Aramark's many employment offices, turn to the concessioner listings following this section.

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