See About Jasper

Major Industries/Employers

Jasper is a seasonal town. The tourism/service industry is the main industry in Jasper capturing almost half of the employed population. The major employers in Jasper include hotels, tour companies, CN Rail and Parks Canada. Transportation, government, and retail are the other major industries. Tours , Rafting Adventures, Skihill Operators, Outfitters (of various sorts) etc. provide recreational services and these are on a seasonal basis usually.

Employment Patterns

Jasper has traditionally had a seasonal labour market. The peak season for employment is from mid May to the end of October. Estimates are that an additional 1,000 - 2,000 people are working in Jasper during the peak season compared to the off season.

Many businesses such as restaurants, tour companies, and those in accommodation close during the off season and workers traditionally leave. However, more workers have been staying in recent years. Employment opportunities during the off season (November to April) include jobs at Marmot Basin Ski Hill and at the few stores and restaurants that stay open year round. Jobs during the off season are very limited.

Employment Opportunities and Skill Requirements

Jobs are available primarily in the hospitality and tourism industries. Cook/Chef occupations are in high demand in Jasper. There is a large Japanese tourist market in Jasper therefore some employers require some of their employees to be fluent in Japanese and familiar with Japanese culture to serve this Japanese tourist market.

Hospitality jobs include food and beverage servers, cooks, kitchen help, hotel/motel front desk clerks, and room cleaners. Wages in these occupations are in the $6.00 - $7.00 range.

With some occupations the employee is supplemented with gratuities and tips.

Retail sales clerk wages are in the $6.00 - $7.00 range.

Tourism jobs include tour guides, trail guides and rafting guides. Wages in these occupations are in the $7.00 to $10.00 range.

Many employers hire students during the summer months as this is the peak season. As staff are often needed from May to October, there are more incentive bonuses being offered if employees stay until Labour Day or Thanksgiving.

CN Rail and Parks Canada have a stable workforce and do not require many new employees.

Job Search

The peak times to find employment in Jasper are from May to October. Job seekers should begin their job search in mid March to determine if the seasonal hiring has started. Generally winter season has very few jobs ot offer. A successful job search requires a resume and a willingness to knock on doors.

Job seekers travelling to Jasper before they have secured a job should be aware that it often takes a couple of weeks to secure a job and another couple of weeks before they will receive their first pay cheque. It is recommended that prospective employees come to Jasper with sufficient funds to cover expenses for up to at least a month, as you may not find a job immediately upon arrival.

Accommodation

There is very little accommodation in Jasper and it is both rare and costly after March. The vacancy rate in June 1995 was at an extremely low rate of 0.6%.

June 1995 rental rates (approximate):

• Bachelor $430
• 1 Bedroom $500
• 2 Bedroom $600
• 3 Bedroom $700
• 4+ Bedroom $800

Many employers offer staff accommodation. The staff accommodation is often shared accommodation and a fee is deducted from the employee's wages. Rental accommodation is extremely difficult to find during the tourist season.

Community Resources

Jasper Employment Services
• P.O. Box 1090
• 631 Patricia Street
• Jasper, Alberta, T0E 1E0
• Ph# +(780) 852-5982
• Fax# +(780) 852-4185
• Email:
  Jaspremp@incentre.net
  
  
  If you are planning to come to Jasper without an offer of employment, contact the Jasper Employment Services office for current information on the job market prior to your departure.
  Most of the jobs listed with this office are in the service industry. The available occupations generally include cleaners, cooks, servers, bartenders, dishwashers, clerks and cashiers.

Jasper Tourism and Commerce

• P.O. Box 392
  
• 632 Connaught Drive
  
• Jasper, Alberta, T0E 1E0
• Monday - Friday (9 am - 5 pm)
• +(780) 852-3858

Family and Community Support Services
• +(780) 852-2100
• +(780) 852-2101

Service Delivery Agent for Human Resources Development Canada
• +(780) 852-4418

The Jasper Booster (Local Newspaper)
• +(780) 852-3620

Related Links

Human Resources Development Canada Jasper & Area Listing (Last 48 Hours)