How to Get A Food Service Job in a National Park 101

Park Rats Podcast

Hey guys so here's the deal.
Right NOW, parks are hiring the next park rats for thousands of types of National Park Jobs. Today, we wanted to go in depth on how to get a job as a food service worker in the big three concession companies. A lot of sites will point you to a form on their site, but they almost always redirect to Aramark, Xanterra or Delaware North. So here is what you need to know to get a job and get in the national park that you want to visit. Remember, at the core of this experience the work comes second ;)
At the top of this episode we talked a little bit about our OK trip which was ok... not amazing. But definitely pretty memorable. Sorry to the poor saps in rural Oklahoma. We start talking about how to get a park job at 16:52
There are of 25,000 jobs open for you to be the perfect fit. These include Culinary, Grill Cooks, Food Service Workers, Bar Back and Bartender, Hostesses/ Hosts, Guest Services, Barista, Cocktail Server, Busser, and even Dinner Theatre?!?
Make sure you pick one that is hourly or seasonal and don't get trapped with a vague title or you'll be stuck washing dishes like our boi Kyle.
To find a job that fits you, go here: Aramark, Xanterra.
Do some research on the restaurant you really want to work in. Here is a good place to start.
We compiled a few tips on how to survive in the craziness of the national park job hunt.

• Apply for multiple positions at the same location
• Have a back up park in mind
• Apply in the spring (now)
• Lie on your resume
• Always say you can work the entire summer
• Prepare to be working as early as May
• If you get to the parks early you have better opportunities for a better job
• Be patient. There are a bunch of applications each year and they have to sort through them all. They may take a month to message you back
• Don’t be afraid to ask for a better position or schedule when at the park
• Expect to be busy at work (parks are more populated than ever)
• Request time off in advance
• Be prepared for dorm style living
• You will most likely have one to two roommates
• They will probably give you a recommended packing list when you get hired
• Plan on showing up early on your check in day so you can get settled
• DON'T SKIP ORIENTATION
  • It is mandatory and you may have to wait a week to start working (or maybe that’s what you want to do)
• Pack for cold weather no matter the park
• If you are under 21 be smart
• You are not working for NPS you are working for a large company (Which has its pros and cons) but if you are fired you can be kicked out of the park. As soon as you are not an employee you are a tourist and have to abide by the parks rules
• Girls, be smart and be safe. Most park employees are great people and interesting characters but there are creeps. Companies have a strict sexual harassment policy but things will slide under the radar. Don’t be afraid to call someone out. It is always smart to be in a group

All this and more will soon be on a cheat sheet accessible to you all so stay tuned!
Until next time....
PEEACEEEE!!!!!