Important Things to Know About Working At
Schlitterbahn Waterpark in New Braunfels
Who and where are we?
Who are we?
We are a 65+ acre facility that is proud to be the
hottest, coolest and wettest time in Texas. Schlitterbahn
Waterpark has been rated America's #1 Family Waterpark for
ten years. We are family owned and operated and are proud to
boast a workforce that consists of many return employees -
even some of our managers started out here as college
students.
Learn more about the history of Schlitterbahn Waterpark.
Where are we?
Schlitterbahn Waterpark is located in New Braunfels,
Texas, USA. New Braunfels is a small town of approximately
45,000 located between Austin and San Antonio, Texas in the
scenic Texas Hill Country and is a very popular tourist
destination because of Schlitterbahn, the 2
natural/recreational rivers, nearby lakes, and other area
attractions. View map.
Learn more about New
Braunfels, Texas
Here are some websites to help you learn more about
Schlitterbahn Waterpark, New Braunfels, and Texas:
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What kind of
jobs are available?
Lifeguards - Lifeguards are the first line in guest
safety and service. These staff members have a large amount
of guest interaction, and the greatest opportunity to ensure
that guests have a safe visit. Job duties include, but are
not limited to, ensuring guest safety, maintaining high
standards of safety, maintaining skills at a rescue-ready
level at all times, exceptional guest service skills,
assisting with various tasks including cleaning the park and
picking up and removing trash, tubes and assistance with
line control. This job requires physical stamina and
extended periods of time in various weather conditions and
temperatures. Lifeguards can be audited at any time to
establish their skill levels and attentiveness.
Must be able to stand for 8-10
hour shifts and work in various weather conditions (i.e.
hot, humid, rain). Work is done outdoors only. Weather
conditions can be extreme with high humidity and
temperatures up to 40 degrees Celsius. Lifeguards work in
various locations throughout the park. In some positions it
may be necessary to stand for the duration of the shift. View
uniforms.
Cashiers - Cashiers are
the first point of guest contact. Job duties include, but are
not limited to, selling tickets, merchandise or food using a
cash register/computer, giving out maps, putting on and
removing armbands for guests, searching coolers, assisting
with line control, cleaning of all work stations and areas,
and providing park information. It is possible to be
promoted to a lead or a supervisor based on excellent
performance.
Must be able to stand for
8-10 hour shifts and work in various weather conditions
(i.e. hot, humid, air conditioning, rain). Work is done
inside and at outside positions, where weather
conditions can be extreme with high humidity and
temperatures up to 40 degrees Celsius. Cashiers work in
various locations; carts, food stands and admission
locations. In some positions it will be necessary to
stand for the duration of the shift
View uniforms.
Housekeepers - The
housekeeping staff works hard behind the scenes to ensure
the cleanliness of over 250 resort rooms and facilities.
Duties include, but are not limited to, making beds, taking
out trash, cleaning windows, vacuuming floors, cleaning
bathrooms, and cleaning kitchens.
Must be able to bend, stand,
walk, and lift 11.4 kilograms continuously and work in
various weather conditions. Work is done inside and at
outside positions, where weather conditions can be extreme
with high humidity and temperatures up to 40 degrees
Celsius. View uniforms.
Food & Beverage - Job
duties include, but are not limited to, food kitchen prep,
line cooks, prep cooks, catering, food handlers, cleaning
all work stations and cart positions. Work is done inside
and outside. Weather conditions may include extreme heat and
humidity to 40 degrees Celsius. It is possible to be
promoted to a lead or a supervisor based on excellent
performance.
Must be able to stand for
8-10 hour shifts and work in various weather conditions
(i.e. hot, humid, air conditioning, rain). Food &
Beverage employees work in fast food kitchen
environments. These kitchens are hot and busy. There are
no sit-down restaurants. View
uniforms..
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How should I look at
work?
All Schlitterbahn employees
are expected to meet our grooming guidelines.
Men and Women
-
We ask that you bathe
daily to assist with body odors, to help prevent
infection and to have a pleasant appearance for our
guests. If you come to work and have not bathed or
have body odor, you may be asked to return home to
shower.
-
One 35.6 cm - 45.7 cm in
length necklace
may be worn, and up to two rings on each hand.
-
Tattoos are limited to
one small, tasteful, peaceful, uncovered tattoo.
Multiple tattoos must be covered at all times by an
approved uniform item.
-
Hair must be a natural
color; unnatural dyed hair colors such as pink and
blue are not permitted. No unusual shaving, brands,
words shaved, mohawks or extreme hairstyles are
acceptable.
-
Fingernails should be
a conservative length and color. Some departments may
not wear nail polish (i.e. food services).
-
Earrings are limited to
one earring in each ear and may be no larger than a
dime. Tongue studs, cartilage piercing, navel rings
and other body piercing ornaments are not permitted.
Men
-
Hair should be neat,
clean, moderately styled and short enough that it
does not touch a regular t-shirt collar.
-
Ponytails for men are
not allowed.
-
Sideburns may be no
longer than the bottom of the earlobe.
-
Neatly groomed mustaches
are allowed as long as they do not go beyond or
below the corners of the mouth.
-
Beards are permitted as
long as they are neatly kept and the chin hair does
not hang more than 2.5 cm below the chin line, and
the rest of the face is clean-shaven.
-
Goatees, soul patches or
other similar facial hair designs are not allowed.
-
Facial hair meeting the
above criteria must already be grown before
beginning work. If facial hair is grown during time
off, it must be full and able to be groomed upon
returning to work.
Women
-
Hair should be neat,
clean and moderately styled. Long hair should be
pulled back.
-
Hairstyle and make-up
must be worn in a neat and tasteful manner.
What will I wear to work?
What you wear while you are at work depends on the
type of job you have View
uniforms.
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What is a typical day like?
Our day begins at 10:00 a.m. and the park closes at 6:00
p.m. or 8:00 p.m. depending on the day. Staff members
usually arrive between 8:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m. to prepare
for the day.
Temperatures often reach up to
40 degrees Celsius. Staff can expect to spend the entire day
standing in the heat working with our guests. There are
shifts of varying length available. Many students like to
work doubles (open to close) every day. It is not always
guaranteed that doubles are available every day. There are
three available shifts: morning, afternoon or double shift.
A typical Saturday in July is
extremely busy. In peak season, Schlitterbahn is open from
10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. These are long busy days.
View operating calendar.
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How much will I get paid?
International staff members earn an hourly wage of $7.00/hour.
There are NO tipping positions available.
Schlitterbahn does not pay
overtime for the following positions: cashiers, food &
beverage, lifeguards, and park services. These positions are
eligible for the end-of-season bonus.
Housekeepers are eligible for
overtime, but are not eligible for the end-of-season bonus.
Bonus - International
staff members will be eligible for a bonus of $1.00 per hour
worked between specific dates (typically mid-July to
mid-September), which is determined by their attendance and
work performance. Students failing to fulfill attendance
requirements, having performance or disciplinary issues, or
failing to work until the end of the job agreement, should
not expect a bonus. The bonus will be determined on an
individual basis by the student's direct supervisor and
Staff Services. The bonus will be issued as one payment at
the end of the student's job agreement.
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Arrival information
Students should plan to arrive Tuesday through Friday.
Students arriving on those days, who notify us ahead of
time, may be met at the New Braunfels Greyhound bus station
or at the San Antonio International Airport. (Schlitterbahn
will provide transportation from these locations ONLY.)
Students arriving on other days or at other locations (i.e.
Houston) will be responsible for their own transportation to
New Braunfels.
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Before you can work
Work typically begins 3-5 days after arrival, depending
on the day of the week they arrive. All students must attend
Schlitterbahn's general orientation and departmental
training before beginning work. Orientation and training
typically occurs over Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
There is a 9-day lag before
staff members receive their first paycheck, so students are
encouraged to budget their money accordingly.
Students should also be
aware that Schlitterbahn operates on weekends only before
May 16th and after August 24th.
View operating calendar.
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Housing information
Schlitterbahn Waterpark has limited on-site housing.
Schlitterbahn will assist students in finding accommodations
off-property, but students will deal directly with housing
providers regarding payment, deposit, contracts and housing
maintenance. Types of housing available include: on-site
dormitories and off-site rental houses and apartments.
Students are required to sign a separate housing contract
for off-site rental houses and apartments.
Students are permitted to find
their own housing; however, if they sign a housing contract,
they must stay at this housing for the duration of the
contract. They will not be permitted to find alternative
housing until they have fulfilled this agreement.
Cost: $50.00 - $75.00 per week,
based on room occupancy, location, and other details.
-
Students who live on-site
will have their housing costs deducted from their
paycheck (utilities are included).
-
Housing payment for off-site
rental houses and apartments will be the responsibility of
the student. Utilities are typically not included.
-
A housing
deposit is required upon arrival and the fee will vary based
on housing type.
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Things to do
in and around New Braunfels
Play at Schlitterbahn
for FREE! Schlitterbahn staff members are encouraged to play
in the park on their day off. What could be a better way to
cool off AND learn about where you work? Bring your friends
and witness first hand why Schlitterbahn has been named the
World's Best Waterpark 10 years in a row!
Schlitterbahn Staff Events
- Schlitterbahn sponsors several events throughout the
summer for our hard-working staff.
-
Past events have
included free
bowling at the local bowling alley (a true American
experience), Fiesta and Luau parties complete with
food and music, free movie day at the local
theater, etc.
-
Also, one very special week
during the month of June is dedicated to our staff:
Staff Appreciation Week. During this week, we do
something different each day for our staff. Past events have
included free soda, ice cream, and hamburgers at the
employee cafes, and chances to win fabulous prizes in
our many raffle programs. Last year we gave out hundreds
of dollars in cash and even a few iPods®!
Schlitterbahn International
Day-Trip Program - For a small fee, you can sign up for
one (or more) day-trips throughout the summer and the best
part... Schlitterbahn provides the transportation! Last year
we visited the beach, spent a day in San Antonio and Austin,
and even went shopping at the outlet center in San Marcos.
Float one of our rivers -
Enjoy a relaxing float down one of the two rivers that flow
through New Braunfels; the Guadalupe and the Comal. A local
favorite, these rivers are sure to cool you down when
temperatures rise.
Learn more.
Shopping in nearby San Marcos
- The Tanger Outlet Center promises a profitable day trip
for bargain-hunters throughout the San Antonio area. Located
near San Marcus, roughly midway between San Antonio and
Austin, the Tanger Outlet Center is home to more than 100
factory outlet stores. Shoppers at the Tanger factory outlet
mall can expect to buy name-brand merchandise at a savings
ranging from 20% to 40% off regular retail prices... every
day.
Learn
more.
San Antonio - "Home of the
Alamo" - San Antonio captures the spirit of Texas. Now
the eighth largest city in the United States, the city has
retained its sense of history and tradition, while carefully
blending in cosmopolitan progress. The city has always been
a crossroads and a meeting place. Sounds and flavors of
Native Americans, Old Mexico, Germans, the Wild West,
African-Americans and the Deep South mingle and merge. Close
to twenty million visitors a year delight in the discovery
of San Antonio's charms. Learn more.
Austin - "The Live Music
Capital of the World" - Austin is just simply not like
the rest of Texas. From the quirky cast of characters that
populate Congress Avenue to burnt orange-clad University of
Texas students, bats to Longhorns, four-star restaurants to
down-home barbecue joints, corporate CEOs to struggling
musicians, Texas' capital city stands apart from the rest.
It's hip and trendy, yet in a vintage sort of way. It's
high-tech and laid-back. It's politically charged and
culturally rich. It's eclectic by nature and creative by
design. Most of all, it's a place where people like to have
a good time.
Learn more.
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Social Security
You will need to apply for a Social Security number
after 10 days from your arrival into the United States. You
will need a Social Security number for several reasons:to
open a bank account, to get a second job, and to be able to
get your taxes back at the end of the year.
There is not a Social Security
office in New Braunfels. The closest office is in Seguin - a
twenty mile drive from New Braunfels. Schlitterbahn provides
a free shuttle service to the Social Security Office several times a month between May and July.
More information about the free shuttle service will be
available when you arrive at Schlitterbahn.
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Getting around New Braunfels
There is minimal public transportation in New Braunfels.
There is no bus or Metro system, but there is a taxi service.
There are a limited number of sidewalks in town so students
are encouraged to be very cautious when walking or biking in
the area.
Bikes are a convenient way to
get around town. There is a limited number of gently used
bikes available for purchase from Staff Services. A $50
deposit is due at the time of purchase, but a portion of the
deposit will be refunded
if the bicycle is returned in good, working condition.
Schlitterbahn is not responsible for normal wear and
students are responsible for replacing damaged parts.
Brand new bikes can also be
purchased from Wal-Mart (a local department store) for
approximately $60.00 - $80.00.
Hitchhiking is illegal. Students
caught hitchhiking or asking guests for rides will be
released from the program.
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Weather
Summers in Texas are hot! Typically temperatures range
from 30-40 degrees Celsius; however, it can rain during the
summer. If it rains, there will be fewer hours available to
staff. As an out door attraction, we do not keep locations
open if there is inclement weather. Schlitterbahn has no
control over the weather and extra hours will not be
available during rainy weather times.
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Expectations
A life-changing event! You are about to begin an
incredible adventure; you will create memories that will
stay with you for a lifetime. We are excited that you will
have this experience at Schlitterbahn Waterpark. You will
learn so much through this great program.
However, realize that moving
across the globe to work with strangers in a dramatically
different culture will take some adjustment. You may be
confused, upset, and frustrated at times. Prepare as much as
you can and find answers to as many questions
as possible before you leave and be flexible. Travel is an
adventure. If you are willing to be flexible you never know
what new opportunity awaits you.
At Schlitterbahn Waterpark, we
are committed to a successful international student program.
After the Job Fair you will be given several ways to contact
us with questions - use these as often as you need. We will
be keep in contact with you from the Job Fair until we see
you in Texas. Expect monthly update emails, a portion of the
website dedicated to international students, and an email
address available to you that is strictly for international
student communications.
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Contact Information
At Schlitterbahn Waterpark, we are committed to a
successful international student program. The international
student program at Schlitterbahn Waterpark is coordinated by
Cerise Black. Please feel free to contact Cerise with any
questions or concerns. Cerise can be reached at
international@schlitterbahn.com or at 00.1.830.608.8526.
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