GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS AND INFORMATION
2001 SUMMER SEASON
Transportation to the Park | Addresses and Phone Numbers | Personal Appearance | Bonuses | Drug Testing | Days Off Things To Do | National Park Service | Hiking | Summit Climb | Room, Borad, RV Sites | Medical Aid | Uniforms | Detail of Housing Available | Home
The Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, requires that you show citizenship documentation before starting work. If you have any questions, please call. Following is a list of the most common acceptable documentation. See the back of the enclosed I-9 form for complete list.
If you do not have any of the above, you must bring one document from each of these groups:
The usual combination is Driver’s license or State-issued identification card plus original Social Security Card.
Another combination includes Driver’s license or state-issued identification card plus original or certified copy of Birth Certificate issued by County or State.
Anyone bringing a personal vehicle to the park must register it with Personnel Manager or Residence Supervisor upon arrival. National Park Service has set a limit on the number of parking spaces that may be occupied by employee cars at Paradise between the dates of June 15 and Labor Day. If you have an exceptional reason for needing a vehicle to be kept at Paradise, please contact the Ashford office. Parking will be available at Longmire, 13 miles from Paradise, and outside the park at our Ashford office complex by permit only between mid-June and Labor Day. RVers and those living in Ashford housing will have a parking space but should plan to ride the shuttle transportation to and from their jobs.
Transportation to the park is available from Seattle aboard Grayline Tours. The only trick to this is that the tour bus leaves only once each day at 8 a.m. sharp. If you will need this service, please notify the Ashford office for additional details and a letter will be mailed, or see our web site: www.coolworks.com and click on ( ). Grayline begins daily service to the park approximately May 1. If you are arriving prior to that date, shuttle transport will be arranged; contact the Ashford office.
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Your mail should be sent to the appropriate address below. The phone numbers below may be used in an emergency if the family needs to reach you. These are business lines and personal calls at work should be limited to urgent situations. Pay phones are available for employee use and the pay phones do receive calls back.
Paradise Inn and Jackson Memorial Visitor Center employees:
National Park Inn employees:
Sunrise employees:
CHECKING IN/ORIENTATION: You will be sent one additional letter or will be contacted by telephone to let you know exactly where and to whom to report. Plan to arrive between noon and 4 p.m. on the date specified on your Employment Agreement. The Ashford office must approve any changes, as housing may not be available if you arrive prior to that date. You will receive notification of your Orientation time and place when you check in.
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Mt. Rainier Guest Services must comply with federal health regulations and meet professional commitments to the visitor. We insist all employees maintain a clean and neatly groomed appearance on the job and off the job while in public areas. Those arriving with extreme hair color or style will be asked to make modifications. Perfumes, facial jewelry, and macramé necklaces and bracelets may not be worn while in uniform.
Male employees in public contact positions will be required to wear a neatly tapered, conventional haircut no longer than to the top of a dress shirt collar. No ponytails or "tails" of any length may be worn in public contact positions. Male employees in kitchen positions (non-public contact) may have long hair that must be contained in a ponytail, hat, or net. Male employees are not permitted to wear earrings while on duty. Well-groomed beards, goatees, and mustaches are acceptable upon approval of Operations Manager and/or Personnel Manager. Unapproved facial hair must be shaved prior to the first work shift after notification. In addition, it is understood that if you did not arrive with a beard or goatee, you will not start growing one during the summer.
Female employees with long hair must keep it restrained while working so it does not fall forward. Skirts must be knee-length and nylons must be worn. Makeup must be conservative. One pair of earrings may be worn while working.
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Summer temperatures in the mountains vary considerably. It often snows on the 4th of July! Bring both warm and cool weather clothing in addition to what you will need for your job (uniform requirements are listed last). Pack light. Dorm rooms are small with limited storage space. Do not bring multi-component stereos. Leave valuable articles at home. There is no television reception in the park but many people do bring small televisions, VCR’s and video tapes. Company assumes no liability for loss or damage of employee property.
Laundry facilities are free of charge for employees. Soap is provided for in-park dorms only.
Necessities
Other Useful Items
Do Not Bring
Candles, incense firearms. The buildings are wood structures. Candles and incense pose a fire hazard. Disciplinary action will follow if such items are found during dorm inspections. Firearms are prohibited within National Park boundaries.
FOR A LIST OF THE "20 ESSENTIALS" FOR OUTDOOR EXCURSIONS, PLEASE SEE OUR WEBSITE: www.coolworks.com/rainier.
EMPLOYEE DISCOUNTS: You may occasionally wish to eat with our guests in the Paradise Inn or National Park Inn dining rooms. With your employee identification card you will receive a 20% discount. You will also be entitled to discounts in the gift shops and at the Jackson Visitor Center food area. Some items may be excluded. Discounts are available to employees only, not to family or friends.
PAYDAYS are every-other Monday. Pay advances are not available. Due to the timing of pay periods, you should be prepared to wait up to 3 weeks for your first check.
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Guest Services awards bonuses to hourly employees who complete their Employment Agreements. The bonus program begins May 5, runs through October 5, and amounts to 25 cents per hour worked for *first year staff. Employment may start anytime between those dates, but must work through the final date on the Agreement to receive the bonus.
*Consecutive season returnees will receive a 50-cent per hour bonus for Agreement completions.
*Direct-tipped positions (Wait, Bus, Lounge, and Bell Hop staff) will not be eligible for this bonus.
In addition, for those living in park dormitories there will be a reimbursement of room deduction from August 25 until Agreement completion date or October 5 (whichever is earlier). Tipped positions are eligible for this bonus.
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DRUG TESTING: Guest Services is committed to providing a drug-free workplace in accordance with the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988 and the Department of Defense Interim Act regarding a Drug-Free Workplace. You will be tested for illegal drug use within a few days of your arrival and random tests will be performed during the course of your employment. A positive test or refusing to be tested will result in your dismissal.
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We’ll do our best to give you two consecutive days off each week. It is very possible that you will work some 6-day weeks, and/or your days off may be split depending on staffing and business needs. Couples will usually have the same days off but should expect to work different shifts.
Those who adjust best to life on The Mountain are those who take advantage of what the park itself has to offer: pristine mountain meadows, wildlife, rivers, lakes, stream fishing, etc. The possibilities for hiking, climbing, fishing, and photography are almost limitless. A satellite dish and big-screen TV have been installed in one dorm TV room; there is also a pool table, Ping-Pong table, and foos ball available. Picnics and weekly shopping trips will be planned. If you don’t like to hike, however, chances are you will be bored during your time off which means this may not be the working/living experience you would be happy with.
Mt. Rainier National Park is a wilderness area, far away from the city. Being isolated can cause one to build up steam. While it may be tempting to let off steam with noisy activities, temper enthusiasm with good sense. Those who cannot or will not fit into the pattern of life at Mt. Rainier soon eliminate themselves—with of without management help.
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The law enforcement agency within Park boundaries is the National Park Service. Mt. Rainier National Park operates under federal laws and Park Rangers are authorized to cite, fine, and arrest lawbreakers. This includes motor vehicle violations and use or possession of illegal narcotics and drugs.
Alcoholic beverages are illegal to possess if you are not 21 years of age. Park Service regulations provide for penalties and fines for possession of alcohol by minors or supplying alcohol to minors. Consumption of alcohol in company living quarters by minors will result in dismissal and prosecution.
PROBLEMS: Personnel Manager and Operations Manager will be available to assist in solving employee problems. If you have a problem on or off the job, please talk to your immediate supervisor first. Guest Services has an "open door" policy and all levels of management are available.
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Emergencies arise each year due to the public’s unfamiliarity with Mt. Rainier’s trails and weather conditions. If you are going on a hike, tell someone or leave a note as to where you plan to hike and when you plan to return. A National Park Service Back Country Permit is required for overnight stays in the backcountry.
Our Safety Officer and the National Park Service will hold several outdoor safety programs during the season and we ask that you refrain from hiking until after you have been to one of the programs.
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The guide service for Mt. Rainier is Rainier Mountaineering. You may contact them for information by calling 253 627 6242. If you are in good shape, you are encouraged to make the summit climb. The two-day climb should not be attempted without proper equipment and conditioning. Arrangements must be made with your supervisor well in advance for the necessary time off. We will do your best to give you the time off for this climb.
When hiking or climbing, be environmentally aware: stay on trails and carry your litter out with you.
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ROOM, BOARD, AND RECREATIONAL VEHICLE SPACES
All GSI housing is non-smoking
Inside the park: Rustic dorm rooms within walking distance from work sites are available at a payroll deduction of $16 per week for rooms of 3 to 6 people; $24 per week for 2-person rooms. All dorms involve two or more persons per room with shared bathrooms. Couples’ housing is not available.
Outside the park: Modern shared apartments are available outside the park at a monthly rent of $100 per person, two people per bedroom. Guest Services owns three travel trailers that sleep between 1 and 3. See the back of page 5 for details. Couples’ housing is available. Free shuttles running on a set schedule will take you to and from work.
Inspections: will be held weekly to check for cleanliness and compliance with safety rules. Quiet hours are observed from 11 p.m. to 7 a.m.; company and National Park Service has the right to inspect living quarters and control visitation.
There are no facilities for children or pets in company-provided housing.
Dorm Etiquette: By the middle of June dorms will be full and crowded, and your next door neighbor may be a night employee who needs to sleep during the day. You are advised to have headphones for your stereo. Even though quiet hours in living areas are designated between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m., stereo volumes need to be kept low even during the day. You will be expected to follow instructions given by Residence Supervisor and Night Security.
RV SPACES with full hookups are available outside the park at a monthly rent of $100. RV’s must be self-contained with showers and bathroom facilities.
EMPLOYEE MEALS are served in Employee Dining Rooms (EDRs) in operating units. Strict vegetarian diets cannot be accommodated. An automatic payroll deduction of $36 per week will be taken for those living in park dorms. For those living outside the park in GSI housing, a payroll deduction of $18 per week will be taken to cover up to 2 meals per work day. Those living in their own RV’s receive a single shift meal per workday at no charge.
LAUNDRY FACILITIES: Are provided in shared housing inside and outside the park. RV sites do not have laundry facilities but there is a Laundromat in Ashford (3 miles away).
PROMOTIONS AND TRANSFERS: You should expect to work the entire season in the position for which you are hired. Promotions and transfers are at the discretion of Management and are based on the needs of the operation. Guest Services reserves the right to transfer any employee to another position either temporarily or for the duration of the season should staffing needs warrant, or if the individual is not suited to the position for which s/he was hired.
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A Medic/Safety Officer will be on staff to see employees during posted office hours for accidents and illnesses. This is a non-fee service to our employees because we are 2 hours away from medical facilities. Employees who are unable to work due to illness or injury will be required to report to their supervisor and then to the infirmary to secure a release from work. It is recommended that if you have not had a tetnus shot within the last 10 years, get one prior to coming to the park.
All employees will be required to check in at the infirmary within 48 hours of arrival for drug testing. Employees with chronic medical conditions or are on medications please bring that information to the medical officer.
Park Rangers, well trained in first aid, are also available for emergencies. In the event of illness or injury of a more serious nature, Employee will be sent or transported to a physician or clinic depending on the nature of the problem. A doctor’s release may be required in order to return to work.
On-the-job injuries are covered by State Industrial Insurance only if reported to a supervisor and to the infirmary immediately. If you do not report an on-the-job injury immediately, you will have no proof that it happened on the job and you will be personally liable to pay the medical bills.
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UNIFORMS: Company will provide uniforms for all positions as noted below. Uniforms provided by the company must never be cut when altering for proper fit. Every employee, whether issued a uniform or not, must report to work in neat and clean clothing. You are responsible for you uniform and will be expected to reimburse Guest Services for loss or damage. You will be issued a GSI name badge and will be expected to wear it while on duty.
Kitchen employees must bring enclosed sturdy leather-type work shoes with crepe or rubber soles. Canvas shoes are not permitted for safety reasons. Your work shoes should be a different pair than your off-time shoes.
Public-contact employees will be required to bring enclosed black, soft-soled shoes. Your work shoes should be a different pair than your off-time shoes.
Kitchen Staff will receive pants, shirts, aprons, and hats. These positions include:
Public Contact staff will be provided with black slacks, shirts, and other uniform pieces. These positions include:
*Dining Room Bus and Wait Staff
*Dining Room Bus and Wait Staff, Bartenders and Cocktail Servers need to bring corkscrews and battery-powered calculators (solar-powered do not always work due to lighting).
If you wish to bring your own tailored, conventional black pants please do. Balloon and lycra/stirrup pants are not acceptable. Women may wear either slacks or skirts but skirts must be knee-length and nylons must be worn; hose or socks with pants.
Night Security and Relief Night Security will need to provide heavy-duty flashlight and heavy work shoes suitable for slush and snow.
Firewood Sales Attendant needs to bring heavy-duty leather work shoes or boots, corduroy pants, jeans (must be new, not faded and not acid-washed.) We will provide shirt.
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IN-PARK
Paradise and Longmire: Alcohol is prohibited in common areas of the dorms. Employees caught consuming alcohol in common areas will be subject to disciplinary action up to and including termination. All buildings are non-smoking.
In-park housing is rustic, dorm-style with shared bathrooms either between rooms (pass-through style), or "down the hall".
OUT-OF-PARK (Ashford)
Duplex: Non-smoking. Each duplex apartment is a furnished modern 2- or 3-bedroom unit with kitchen (some utensils), full bathroom, living room, washer, dryer, and dishwasher. Telephone hookup available at renter’s expense.
House: Non-smoking. Modern furnished 3-bedroom house with kitchen (some utensils), 2 bathrooms, living room, dining room, washer, dryer, and dishwasher. Telephone hookup available at renter’s expense.
Single-wide Mobile: Non-smoking. Each mobile is furnished, modern, and has 2 bedrooms with their own bathrooms common kitchen (some utensils), living room, washer, dryer, and dishwasher.
Travel Trailer: Modern RV’s that sleep between 1 and 3, air-conditioned, self-contained with bathroom including shower, some utensils. Gas stove and oven, refrigerator, some have microwave ovens.
Recreational Vehicle Sites
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