Employment Qualifications & Requirements

Requirements for all positions:

• Have a consistently positive, pleasant attitude.

• Be willing to maintain a neat well groomed appearance and professional composure while both on and off duty.

• Accept employment to work Saturdays, Sundays, religious holidays, and national holidays.

• Accept employment to work the number of days deemed necessary by Steens Mountain Packers.

• Be willing to occupy a room with other employees in staff housing if necessary (if you require housing on SMP property).

• You must be able to submit proof of your identity and legal right to work in the United States.

• Be at least 18 years of age and be willing to complete the season.

• Be willing to accept SMP Substance Abuse Policy including pre-employment, post-accident, and reasonable suspicion testing.

• Hold current 1st Aid and CPR card.

• Hold a high school diploma or equivalent.

• Prior to being accepted for employment with SMP, you may be required to complete an on site competency skill evaluation for your position.

Appearance Requirements

A clean and neat appearance for men and women is a must for employment with SMP.  Extremes in hairstyles, clothing, jewelry, or makeup are not permitted.  Our participants expect each of us to present a neat and clean appearance at all times.  Long hair should be kept pulled back while on the job.  Employees may not wear artificial nails while working for SMP as they are difficult to keep clean in the backcountry creating a sanitation hazard, and interfere with performing job duties.  Professional composure is a necessity on duty as well as off.  The manner in which you conduct yourself is directly associated with the trust, security, and the enjoyment of your clients and other staff members.

Housing

Housing may be provided by Steens Mountain Packers for those employees who need on site housing.  Employees are required to live in the quarters assigned to them and will likely be sharing these quarters with other staff members. Housing may be coed. Employees living in SMP supplied housing are expected to keep their quarters clean, neat and tidy.

The staff's housing areas are regulated and are subject to unannounced inspections.  Employees are required to be quiet within quarters between 10pm-7am.  No pets are allowed at staff housing, on SMP property, or trips.  Removal of SMP property from staff housing is cause for dismissal and possible criminal prosecution.

Any employee found to have unauthorized guests, pets, or firearms (including bows, ammunition) on SMP property, or trips unless previously authorized by SMP personnel manager, will be subject to termination.  SMP will not be liable for loss of personal belongings.

Hours and Wages

Steens Mountain Packers complies with the wage and hour regulations of the State of Oregon and the Federal government.  Work hours will fluctuate each week according to program occupancy levels.  Employees are expected to work such hours and days as are necessary to do their jobs.  Wages are based on a daily rate, no less than Oregon and Federal minimum wages, depending on position, experience, length of service and performance.  Twelve to sixteen hour days can be expected at times.

Substance abuse policy

Steens Mountain Packers believes it is important to promote a drug-free community and workplace.  All employees must understand and abide by SMP's Substance Abuse Policy as outlined in SMP's Personnel Manual.  Employees will be required to sign an acknowledgement and receipt of the policy.  All offers of employment are conditional upon passing a pre-employment drug test.  Any applicant who tests positive on any drug test required by SMP and who does not timely and successfully refute the test results by explanation and/or re-testing will not be hired and will not be reconsidered for employment.

Meals

Employees are provided meals only when scheduled to work overnight trips and lunches during day trips, and when room and board is part of their compensation.

The Town of Frenchglen

Frenchglen is a very small town, population 15, located at the base of the west side of Steens Mountain.  It is the closest town to our remote base of operations on Steens Mountain.  This is a rural community some 60 miles from the commerce center of Burns, Oregon, and 190 miles from Bend, Oregon.  Living in this small town can be challenging.  However, there are many things you can do if you like and appreciate the outdoors.  Steens Mountain and the southeast corner of Oregon has miles and miles of open spaces to the explorer with spectacular vistas.  You can literally see for miles here.  Your own transportation is a must.

Climate

Frenchglen is at an elevation of 4,200 feet above sea level.  Steens Mountain Packers base of operations is at 7,000 feet and our operations take place at elevations of up to approximately 9,800 feet.  Our summer days rarely get above 85 degrees and the nights can often be below freezing.  Employees will want ample clothing for layering including adequate polypropolene and rain gear (no ponchos).  Other gear may be required as per job assignment and anticipated conditions.

Getting Here

Travel to Steens Mountain Packers headquarters is at your own expense.  The town of Frenchglen is located 6 1/2 hours from Portland, Oregon, 3 hours from Bend, Oregon, 4 1/2 hours from Boise, Idaho, and 5 1/2 hours from Reno, Nevada.  Our base of operations is 45 minutes (approximately 20 miles) from Frenchglen on a gravel road.

In Closing

Steens Mountain Packers appreciates your interest in possible employment within our operation.  The jobs we offer are not necessarily easy or glamorous.  The work can be strenuous and physically demanding.  We expect a high level of energy and motivation dedicated to your duties, and for you to be a team player.

In return for your hardwork, we can offer you the opportunity to work in the outdoors, meet incredibly interesting people from around the world, build lifelong friendships, and build new, valuable skills.  In addition if you are a dedicated team player and fit well into SMP's operation, there is a great opportunity for year 'round career employment.  If you are looking for summer employment that is more like a vacation, employment with SMP is probably not for you.  If you are looking for challenging but yet rewarding hardwork that because of our success as a team makes for a tremendous amount of fun, then we welcome your employment application and look forward to the opportunity to review it.