True North Hostelling Association
 
Banff, AB
CHOP WOOD, CARRY WATER, LIGHT CAMPFIRES, GET PAID!

OK, maybe you won’t get rich – but if you’re looking for a true Canadian Wilderness experience, this job is for you.

Hostelling International is looking to fill the position of Relief Wilderness Hostel Manager for the 2023 Summer/Fall season. This person travels between several of the Banff and Jasper Wilderness hostels, small 20-30 bed hostels located off the beaten path in Banff National Park, Jasper National Park and Yoho National Park, covering the days off of the regular managers at each facility.

These hostels – Edith Cavel, Beauty Creek, Maligne Canyon, Mosquito Creek and Rampart Creek primarily – are what we call “rustic”. Either they have no electricity or running water, or just no telephone or internet. For what they lack in modern facilities and connectivity, they more than make up for in other ways; waking up to the peaceful quiet of the Wilderness, being able to count the millions of stars so far away from the city, or simply being surrounded by the vastness and indescribable beauty of rugged mountains, deep canyons, hanging glaciers and 400-metre-tall waterfalls.

As relief manager you would spend your evenings welcoming guests into the facility, answering questions about local flora, fauna, history and hikes/activities they might be interested in. Then you would get to enjoy the company of these backcountry enthusiast and international backpackers around a communal campfire. In the morning, it's saying goodbye to them, doing a bit of housekeeping then it's time to go exploring, hiking, biking, climbing or any other activities that you might enjoy in the surrounding mighty Rocky Mountains. There is never a dull day in the wilderness. On your off-weeks, you can go further afield to explore the beauty of the Canadian west. While working with us, you can stay at any of our 12 hostels in the Parks for free... or any of our hostels elsewhere in Canada, for that matter!

Scheduling is either one week on followed by one week off or 10 days on followed by 4 days off. It all depends on the property, your goals for this summer and how much exploring you would like to do.

If you have your own transportation, think you’d like to be a host to our guests staying in these little backcountry cabins, please apply today!

This position may be available immediately depending on staffing needs, ideal start is late April. The position includes a 6% vacation entitlement and on-site staff accommodation is provided at no cost at each hostel. Accommodation can be provided in between shifts with reasonable notice.

Not sure what to expect? Check out this page for more info on the position : https://hihostels.ca/careers/work-at-a-wilderness-hostel