Students find dream job, despite low pay
Every person has a dream job.
Whether the dream is to be a pilot, a firefighter or a doctor, many aspire to be able to look forward to work every day, doing something they love.
For some Utah State University students, that dream job is at Beaver Mountain ski resort in the various positions the resort offers.
“This time of the year I’m wagering that we’ve probably got 40 [student employees] with the kitchen and lift and everything,” said Ted Seeholzer, co-owner of Beaver Mountain.
With approximately 100 employees overall, Seeholzer said students make up a major part of the Beaver Mountain team.
“The thing that is good for some of these young people is that they come and get hired when they’re freshmen,” he said.
An added incentive for employment at Beaver Mountain for students is the possibility for being re-hired during the next winter season, Seeholzer said.
“We like return employees, so they have the opportunity for the most part of coming back,” he said. “I can’t ever remember rejecting anyone.”
Seeholzer said the working relationship between the ski resort and students is good for the most part, but there are sometimes problems with employees.
“On occasion we have problems with scheduling, but we try to work around that,” Seeholzer said.
One aspect of employment at Beaver Mountain that presents problems for students is the lack of sleep students receive and long hours on top of classes.
“You end up sleeping on the drive,” said third-year employee Lee Darley. “Hopefully you aren’t the one carpooling when you fall asleep.”
Seeholzer said, “A lot of our part-time employees work 40 hours a week.”
Darley said any negatives of the job are outweighed by the positives.
“I like the atmosphere — being able to get a free season pass — it’s a fun atmosphere to work in,” he said.
Students who have little experience working on skis and snowboards are still welcome to apply for employment as on-the-job training is available, Darley said.
While students are able to work plenty of hours during the winter, naturally the snow eventually melts.
“The thing is that once spring comes they know they’re through,” Seeholzer said.
If any students are interested in applying to work at Beaver Mountain this season, there may still be some openings with the debut of the new Marge’s Triple chairlift, Seeholzer said.
“We could [hire more students] depending on when we get the new lift going, we’ll need four or five more people,” he said.
Seeholzer said students interested in applying for work at Beaver Mountain now or for next season are encouraged to go to the ski office at 1351 E. 700 North.
Darley said students won’t get rich working at Beaver Mountain, but the experience is worth much more than the pay.
“It doesn’t pay well,” he said. “But the perks outweigh that.”
–str@ cc.usu.edu