Winter 2027 Winterkeeper - Yellowstone National Park

Overview

 

 

 

Discover the magic of Yellowstone's winter season!

 

Love snow, magical scenery, and fewer crowds? Join us at Yellowstone National Park this winter! Live. Work. Explore. in the serene wonderland with a tight-knit employee community, enjoy unique activities like skiing and snowshoeing, and provide warm hospitality to our guests. We're hiring Winterkeepers at Old Faithful. Experience the "secret season" of Yellowstone – an unforgettable winter adventure awaits!

 

Job Summary:

 

The Winterkeeper is a seasonal role dedicated to protecting and maintaining structures within Yellowstone National Park during harsh winter conditions. This position involves snow and ice removal, preventive maintenance, emergency repairs, and adherence to safety and sustainability standards. Winterkeepers ensure the integrity of park facilities by mitigating risks associated with heavy snow loads and extreme weather.

 

 

The Details:Position Type: SeasonalSeason Dates: December 2026 - March 2027Pay: $20.75/hour - $22.35/hourSchedule: Typical schedule is 40 hours, 5 days/per week (may include weekends, evenings, and holidays)

 

Why Yellowstone National Park?We are a welcoming community who work hard, share a real passion for the environment, and enjoy crafting memorable experiences for our guests. As part of the Xanterra Travel Collection®, we are the primary authorized concessionaire in Yellowstone, and proud stewards of the park.

 

Life in Yellowstone:

• Employee housing (dormitory-style) and on-site employee meals (cafeteria-style) provided at low cost
• Free on-site laundry facility, Wi-Fi (limited bandwidth), and utilities included
• No Wyoming state taxes deducted from your paycheck
• A fast-paced, exciting work environment with plenty of upward mobility and growth opportunities
• Meet people of all ages from all over the country and world!

Benefits:

• Employee Assistance Program
• Wellness Program
• Learning and Development Program

Perks:

• Free Yellowstone National Park pass
• Employee Recreation Program (photo contest, gear rentals, seminars, ski trips, and more)
• Access to discounted services at Yellowstone Medical Clinics operated by STGi.
• Employee discounts at local gateway communities
• 100+ miles of cross-country ski trails (both groomed and skier tracked)
• Outdoor ice skating rinks
• Retail, Lodging and Travel Discounts
• $350 Referral Bonus Program
• The adventure of a lifetime!

Responsibilities

• Perform winterkeeping duties, including snow and ice removal from structures within Xanterra’s land assignment.
• Conduct on-site inspections to assess snow removal needs and prevent structural damage.
• Safely remove snow from roofs using ladders, climbing gear, fall protection, and positioning equipment.
• Track and report corrective and preventive maintenance using the Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS).
• Execute emergency repairs to mitigate winter-related damage (e.g., shoring, bracing, temporary walls, window/door repairs, rough carpentry).
• Maintain detailed logs and records of structure conditions, work performed, and updates to the Winterkeeping Plan.
• Operate and troubleshoot snowmobiles for work-related travel and facility access.

Qualifications

Winterkeeper II

• First-year winterkeeper.
• Proficient in snow removal using shovels, saws, poles, and brooms.
• Ability to live in remote dormitory-style housing with limited resources.
• CPR and First Aid certification required.
• Knowledge of winterkeeping methods, avalanche safety, technical climbing, and winter survival.
• Understanding of building construction and terminology.
• Ability to assess and mitigate risks associated with winterkeeping tasks.
• Willingness to work holidays, weekends, and flexible shifts.

Winterkeeper I

• Mastery of Winterkeeper II skills plus:
• Ability to mentor and train less experienced Winterkeepers.
• Leadership capability to manage the team in the absence of the Winterkeeper Lead.
• Demonstrated innovation and problem-solving skills.

 

Physical Requirements include:

• Ability to work in extreme winter conditions for prolonged periods.
• Willingness to live in remote dormitory-style housing with limited access to outside resources.
• Physical strength and stamina for winterkeeping duties at high altitude.
• Ability to walk long distances, climb ladders, and lift up to 50 lbs.
• Comfortable working at heights and performing tasks requiring bending, kneeling, and crawling.
• Must be at least 21 years old with a valid driver’s license and clean driving record.
• Capable of backcountry self-rescue via hiking, snowshoeing, or skiing.
• Operate snowmobiles and perform physical recovery tasks.
• Lift objects up to 50 lbs; perform extended standing, bending, kneeling, and crawling.
• Comfortable working at heights on ladders and roofs.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status.