Employment Info
Learn more about working & living at Big White, how to go about gaining employment, submitting foreign applications and get all the details of the annual Job Fair held mid-late October each year.
The Job Fair was held October 26th & 27th for 2012/2013 Season at the Best Western Hotel in Kelowna. Thanks to everyone that came down to see us, and congratulations to those successful at securing employment. There are still lots of jobs at Big White with the other mountain businesses - please come see them on the hill.
Working at Big White
At Big White our success depends on many factors. The mountain is blessed with great snow, there are over 100 downhill runs, and there are wonderful facilities. But our most important asset is our fantastic staff. Big White is constantly looking for individuals who are committed to providing quality guest service with a smile and enthusiasm. If you are interested in joining our staff, we ask you to consider the Big White mission statement — "To exceed our guests’ expectations with superior service & exceptional value."
To achieve our mission, we promise our guests friendly service, careful listening, attention to detail and quick action. If you join our staff we promise you a winter season that you will never forget. Each season Big White acknowledges our staff members that truly excel in their jobs. This can take many different forms but always reflects the great effort and enthusiasm that so many staff bring to their jobs each and every day.
Living at Big White — or Perhaps Commuting from Kelowna
To begin to describe what life at Big White Ski Resort is like, you have to imagine living in a ski village that accommodates over 16,600 people with some of the world’s best skiing and riding terrain all around you. The village is a world class winter community with recreational facilities that include a skating rink, a tube park, swimming pools, and many restaurants and bars. Staff can also enjoy a variety of activities specially designed just for them. A season at Big White could be the time of your life!
Another option is to live in Kelowna, a city of 105,000 in the heart of one of Canada’s best wine and fruit growing areas. Excellent urban facilities, beautiful views of Lake Okanagan, and a great night life make Kelowna a perfect choice for those that cannot live without all of those city amenities. A staff bus is available if you choose this option. The bus departs Kelowna bright and early every morning and returns to town just after the supper hour. Staff can pay for the bus on a single ride basis, so if your plans change; there’s no left over bus pass to deal with.
To check out Kelowna, here’s a great link: www.city.kelowna.bc.ca.
Accommodation, Cost of Living and Wages
The fall and early ski season are very busy times at Big White Ski Resort. Many prospective employees are arriving for job interviews and work. Also everyone is looking for a place to stay during the winter. Big White is pleased to offer a limited number of staff accommodation beds to our staff. These Staff Accom beds are proportionally allocated based on department size, so each department only has a limited number of beds. During the hiring process, your potential manager will be able to let you know whether they still have any beds available. However, we still strongly recommend you arrive with pre-booked accommodation.
The average entry level job at Big White has a starting wage of $9.00 - $10.25 per hour and most staff work from 32 to 40 hours per week.
The average employee pays from $450 to $550 per month for shared accommodations. This ranges from several friends renting a house to two to four folks renting a one-bedroom condo. To help you in your search here is a link for hostel information at Big White.
Big White’s winter season can start as early as mid October or as late as early December. Because of this, some time can pass between your successful job interview and your employment start date. To deal with this time you should come with sufficient money to carry you for at least one month.
Foreign Applicants
To work at Big White Ski Resort, you must be a Canadian citizen or you must have a valid Canadian Visa and Work Permit. All foreign workers must present a Canadian Visa and Work Permit, a Canadian Social Insurance Number, or proof that you have already applied for your Canadian Social Insurance Number and a copy of your travel insurance.
Getting all of these items together can take some time; so start early. Here are some tips: To apply for your Canadian Visa and Work Permit, you must contact the Canadian Embassy or Consulate in your country. Please remember that the application process can take several weeks or months. To help you, here are some links:
General Canadian Visa Information
Holiday Work Visa information for Australia
Holiday Work Visa information for New Zealand
Holiday Work Visa information for the United Kingdom, Ireland and Sweden
Holiday Work Visa information for France
Holiday Work Visa information for Germany and the Netherlands
Holiday Work Visa information for Japan
Holiday Work Visa information for Belgium
*Please note that Big White Ski Resort DOES NOT give letters of offer to foreign workers.*
You should immediately apply for your Canadian Social Insurance Number upon your arrival in Canada. You can apply from your home country but it involves a lengthy process. To find the closest Human Resources Department of Canada office when you arrive in Canada and to understand the application process, go to: http://www.hrdc-drhc.gc.ca.
All foreign applicants must provide proof of valid traveler’s insurance for the duration of your employment with Big White. Medical coverage is an important consideration for all foreign travelers while in Canada.
Foreign Ski and Snowboard Instructor Applicants please refer to the Ski and Snowboard Instructors Job Description when it is listed under Current Job Postings.
Overseas Working Holiday Clubs & Agencies
There are many legitimate agencies that help overseas workers gain employment in Canada. Unfortunately there are some companies that don’t deliver on their promises. All applicants applying for our advertised positions have an equal chance for hire, regardless of the source of their application. We do require all potential employees to complete the online application.
Applicants using these types of search firms to assist them in securing employment are strongly encouraged to do their due diligence and research prior to signing agreements or paying fees. If you are dealing with a company that implies a partnership with Big White Ski Resort please feel free to contact us to confirm.
How to Apply
Follow the links at this website to Big White’s Current Job Postings. Read through the descriptions and choose the ones that look like a good match to your skills and personality. Please remember that a commitment to quality guest service and a welcoming smile are the cornerstones of every job at Big White.
When you have selected the jobs that interest you go to the online application form. Please give us all the information that you think we need to understand what a great applicant you really are!
Please note that when job descriptions ask for specific experience or qualifications you must have those requirements to be considered for that specific job.
Big White will contact all applicants who are selected to schedule an in-person job interview. If you apply early in the summer months, please be prepared for a little wait while our managers and supervisors review the many applications that come in.
All successful job applicants will be asked to sign a Criminal Record Check Consent Form.
Job Fair
Each year Big White Ski Resort hosts a job fair for applicants. This is a high energy affair where applicants can be interviewed for one, two or even three different jobs.
This year’s job fair took place at the Best Western Hotel Kelowna on Friday October 26th, and October 27th.
If you are looking into applying with us for the 2012-2013 winter season; please visit our current job postings for available positions, these will change regularly submit your application online.
If you are looking into applying with us for the 2013-2014 winter season; please submit your application online no later than mid-September to obtain an appointment at our 2 day job fair held annually mid to end of October. Visit our current job postings page for available positions, these will change regularly. If you don’t obtain an appointment, we will accept drop-ins on the Saturday (no appointment necessary). Please note that some departments may have completed their hiring and therefore will not be available for drop-in interviews.
Samesun Hostel
Samesun Hostel has a deal for Big White potential employees. Book through kelowna@samesun.com or phone 250.763.9814 and ask for the “BIG WHITE DEAL”.
