If you want to work at Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park, a top-choice employer in the Roaring Fork Valley, you’ll first want to meet Teresa Bianco, Office Administrator and a chief recruiter for the mountaintop theme park.
It seems fitting that Teresa Bianco began her career at Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park as a Guest Services Ambassador, greeting visitors as they arrived, answering their questions and doing her part to make them smile. Now, Bianco hires for that position as well as for many others at the mountaintop theme park in Glenwood Springs. In addition to working at the Adventure Park, Bianco also owns and operates a plumbing business with her husband.
“In my whole working life, this has been my most favorite job ever—don’t tell my husband,” Bianco quipped. In fact, she says her boss, Human Resources Manager Eric Brotherson, jokes that it was her “infectious personality whatever that means,” that won her the job. “I like people. Bringing people together is my forte. I still love interacting with the guests, but now that I’m in HR, I’m in a position where I get to know everyone on staff and enjoy their varied personalities.”
Taking Care of People & Business
Bianco emphasized that with COVID and the recent Grizzly Creek Fire, it’s been a challenging year for recruitment. Uncertainties have complicated the hiring process. Due to COVID concerns, the park was closed for several months and when it reopened it was with significantly reduced visitor capacity. More recently the Adventure Park was closed as firefighters battled the Grizzly Creek Fire in Glenwood Canyon and used the theme park as a base of operations.
“It’s during tough times like these that show what a great company Glenwood Caverns is,” Bianco said, pointing out that even while the Adventure Park was closed, employees were still compensated for their shifts and able to enjoy complimentary soaking at Iron Mountain Hot Springs, a sister company.
Core Values & Hiring Tips
So how does one get hired at Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park? “We’re always hiring, especially for attractions,” Bianco said, and suggested candidates check Indeed.com as well as the Glenwood Caverns website for employment opportunities.
But she goes further, explaining the ideal fit is someone who can embrace the company’s six core values. Traits that originated from employee surveys and feedback over the years, they are:
Guest Service- Enthusiastic
- Team Player
- Passionate
- Adaptable
- Dedicated
“Adaptable is our word of the year,” Bianco said, underscoring the need for qualities such as flexibility, resourcefulness, understanding and a sense of humor in a year with as much upheaval and uncertainty as 2020 has dished out. “When I hire, I look for someone who is a good communicator, can engage with others, has upbeat energy, and is friendly, warm and willing to learn.”
Staying On Message Amidst Obstacles
Glenwood Caverns’ mission is “to make people smile.” Because employees (as well as guests) are currently wearing face coverings to slow the spread of the coronavirus, the park has had to get more creative in how to address guests. “Making people smile will always be our mission and goal in every guest interaction. I tell employees that even when a visitor can’t see your whole face, they’ll know you’re smiling if your eyes light up and you’re sending out good vibes.”
For many young people, working at Glenwood Caverns is their first job; a place to get their foot in the door and build essential habits for future success. Bianco emphasized that if an employee is in good standing, they are almost guaranteed to be hired back the following year. “There’s a camaraderie that makes you feel like you belong; as an employee you’re part of the family whether you’ve been here a season or several years,” she said. “You also get to work outdoors, meet people from all over the world and interact with different cultures on a daily basis. If you’re mechanically-inclined or interested in our maintenance department, you may also have the opportunity to work on some highly specialized, unique equipment.”
Apply to Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park Today
With the Grizzly Creek Fire under control and COVID interventions becoming ever more manageable, Bianco is looking for some fresh faces to fill positions at the Adventure Park. “People are the most important and valuable part of Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park,” Bianco said. “The business itself does not serve people; it’s people serving other people. I personally love working with a variety of people. I enjoy helping an employee find where they can thrive, add value and be valued here at GCAP.” To become a part of the Glenwood Caverns family, learn more and apply at www.GlenwoodCaverns.com/jobs
