Living & Working in Great Places

Working for Xanterra in Yellowstone for 8 weeks

Hi,
I just got offered a job working for 8 weeks with Xanterra in Yellowstone National Park. I have to show up on August 20th. Originally, I was really excited about this job. I thought of it as a great adventure, a great story, and an interesting temp job. Then, I started to really think about the fact that I would be in the middle of nowhere with no access to anyone or anything I have ever known.
Then, I started to do research on the company and found all kinds of negative information. Apart from the "slavery" like work conditions, people also said a lot about how racist the company was.
I'm a smart, hard-working, quick-study kid. I'm not looking to get promotions in this job. I'm looking to work there for 8 weeks (I always work hard), enjoy the park, come back home, and look for a permanent job.
I am however, concerned about the racism allegations. I know that complainers exist in every job, and the reason that I am posting on this forum is to find out if that is really true.
I'm an Asian girl. So I don't look stereotypically American
I was just wondering what people had to say. I won't have a car with me.
Let me know what you think about the job overall.
Oh, and the job offer says that I will be a Host.
Thank you.

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Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Rob on July 30, 2009 at 12:18pm: If you look hard enough at these posts you will find anything you want to back up either your fear or excitement about going anywhere. The problem with reading too much opinion is that your eyes are then clouded before you get to see it on your own. I say you should give it a try, 8 weeks is so short even if you don't like it, it will be over before you know it. As your first experience with seasonal work, what you don't know is the best part. You will meet people from all over the world, live at one of the most beautiful places on earth and get paid for it. Enjoy this chance to get out there and mix it up and learn about other people and cultures, it will be a great experience. Don't worry about what other people say about their experience, go have your own. Enjoy!; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Coly Hope on July 30, 2009 at 12:23pm: You will be okay as long as you do your job. The people who complain about Xanterra are the ones who think that they don't have to work and can party to all hours of the night.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Shannon on July 30, 2009 at 2:33pm: This is my 4th season with Xanterra, 2nd at Yellowstone. I have never seen any problems with racism. It is harder to get around without a car, but you will usually find someone to go places with and the rec dept does some trips.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Shanika Peters on July 30, 2009 at 3:52pm: what is the dorm situation like?; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by jeff on July 30, 2009 at 4:18pm: email me,i worked there last summer
betmer12@aol.com; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by jackie morris on July 31, 2009 at 4:28pm: if you do your job ,show up on time, and dont get caught up with the party people you will not have any problems. yellowstone is beautiful and lots of fun just remember that it is a job not a vacation. the employee recreation program will offer opportunities to you on your days off,such as trips out of town and ranger hikes, whitewater rafting. have fun!!!!; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Jim on August 2, 2009 at 6:46pm: I am very curious about what type of racism has allegedly occurred in the past. Does it come from the guests? From the company? In my 5 years of experience working seasonal jobs with co-workers of various ethnicities, I've never seen anyone being treated differently because of race. What I have seen is people being treated differently because of job performance. If you are late, sloppy, drunk or surly, then you're going to get reprimanded or fired--which could be interpreted as racism by irresponsible people who need an excuse.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Keith Larson on August 3, 2009 at 11:21pm: I haven't worked for Xanterra yet. But I have worked with many people who have. The "Xanterrible-bashers" seem to exist everywhere. In my experience almost all of them jump at the chance of going back to them...even quitting jobs they supposedly like to do so. Several others would except they burned their bridges so completely that Xanterra ignores their ex-employees pleadings. I have a difficult time believing any of their supposed complaints have any merit. Now whenever I hear any of it I just roll my eyes.

I have never heard of any racist comments of the company. Most of the complaints center around the company has that big corporate feel...that usually means they have staff making sure there is no racial/sexual/religious biases. I have heard of a general myth that the park service has been trying to figure out how to combat that ALL parks have racial problems...especially believed by urban minority populations.

If it's a typical year in a large park like Yellowstone, there are many international workers. I wouldn't be surprised if you meet many Asians that are actually from Asia.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by akscootr on August 4, 2009 at 12:35pm: Xanterra is not the best company I have ever worked for (I work @ Old Faithful), but there is no racisim here.
I work with people from Equador to China and have more Chinese friends than any other (there are a LOT here). There is simply no room for that kind of close-mindedness here..... As a host you can expect to pull in 350-450 every 2 weeks; that is where you have to measure if it is worth it. If you are looking for awesome and adventurous people to hang/work with, this is the spot. If you need to make $$$ you need to be a server or bartender (they need server assistants; maybe you can ask them for that spot...you will make much more).
A ride is usually easy to find. I have no regrets for being here; Next year I will visit Singapore, China, Malaysia, and Thailand simply because of the cool people I have become friends with.
I think Rob above said it best...; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Shanika Peters on August 8, 2009 at 8:10pm: hi,
we were told to bring laundry detergent. but, laundry detergent is very heavy and i'm flying to yellowstone. do you know if i can buy laundry detergent at a general store in the park?; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Cyndi on August 11, 2009 at 6:36pm: I've seen a commercial for a new laundry detergent/dryer sheet, you could check that out. Much easier to pack.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by mike on August 15, 2009 at 9:55am: yes you can buy just about anything in the park for a slightly higher cost, and outside the park at a normal price.; ▶ Reply to This