Important Things to Know About Working At Schlitterbahn Waterpark in New Braunfels

Who and where are we?
What kind of jobs are available?
How should I look at work?
What is a typical day like?
How much will I get paid?
Arrival information
Before you can work
Housing information

Things to do in and around New Braunfels
Social Security
Getting around New Braunfels
Weather
Expectations
Contact information
Frequently Asked Questions

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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