We are looking to fill the housekeeping position, five days per week, for the Summer 2022 tourist season.
A typical day has three people working, myself (Chelsey), the housekeeper and Dustin in the kitchen. Dustin and I typically start early in the mornings with the housekeeping shift starting 9am-5pm (30-minute lunch).
Generally, the housekeeping shift is five days a week, with two days off, not necessarily consecutive. Schedules will vary weekly, based on reservations. A weekly work and on-call schedule will be posted in advance. The position is typically 32-40 hours per week, but hours are not guaranteed. There is little to no overtime. During the month of May, hours are lighter because business is typically slower. All positions are staffed from early/mid May into late September.
At the White House Inn has nine guest rooms, a parlor area, a lobby, a semi-commercial kitchen, and a staff restroom. Seven rooms are upstairs and there is no elevator. One must be comfortable trekking up and down stairs several times a day, often with guest luggage or a load of laundry. The ability to carry 50# up and down stairs is a job requirement.
Due to Covid-19, at this time we are only servicing rooms upon check-out. There are up to 15 beds and 10 bathrooms that need to be cleaned almost daily, if not every day. It is a very labor-intensive position and just because you keep a clean house does not equate to the physical requirements of servicing 9 bedrooms/bathrooms daily.
The Inn isn’t fancy or luxurious. Our primary goal is to provide our guests a place to sleep that is comfortable, welcoming and very clean. The expectation, after a reasonable period of training, would be for the housekeeper to be able to service all 9 rooms with little or no in-room assistance, in 5-6 hours or less. During this time, laundry should be rotated and delivered to where it needs to be. The remainder of the shift tasks include finishing laundry, servicing the public areas, routine and deep cleaning chores when needed, some light kitchen work (light kitchen work may include baking cookies, doing dishes, helping with packaging, etc. – employee will need an Alaska Food Handlers Permit which is paid for by the Inn)and other duties as assigned. During my lunchtime, and periodically when I am called away from the house, the housekeeper will also answer the phone while working. In my absence, phone coverage responsibilities include, but are certainly not limited to taking reservations, check-ins, check-outs, assisting with luggage storage, and assisting guests with questions or concerns.
- Covid-19 Policy: Masks are required (regardless of vaccination status) when interacting with guests and while in indoor, public areas of the Inn. We require all employees to remain up to date on COVID-19 vaccinations and boosters. We will ask to see your vaccination records before the first day of work. Also, because our town is small, remote and has no doctor, we suggest that you either test negative upon arrival or complete a brief quarantine before mixing with the general populous.
- Wages: Hourly wage paid every other week, starting at $15, plus an end-of-season bonus of $2 per every hour worked, paid upon successful completion of the summer season (end date will be agreed upon prior to start of employment). Hourly bonus is nullified if employee quits or is terminated before the predetermined end-date.
- Housing There is an old Army barracks on site that has been converted into a duplex. The owners use one end, and the other has a one-bedroom apartment that is available in exchange for providing on-call coverage three nights a week from 5p-10p. Housing is for employees only. Roommates and/or extended stay overnight guests (more than a long weekend), Couchsurfing or subletting of the apartment, in any capacity, is strictly prohibited. No pets allowed. Smoking indoors is prohibited. Smoking outside is allowed only in very limited, designated outside areas. Ask about this if you are a smoker.
- On-call:On-call coverage responsibilities include but are certainly not limited to answering the phone, taking reservations, evening check-ins, assisting with luggage, as well as guests’ questions or concerns, etc. three nights a week from 5p-10p.
- Insurance: Medical insurance is not provided by the employer. However, the employer does provide for a six-month policy for emergency medevac transportation.
- Start/End Dates: Positions are staffed from early – mid May (earlier is optional, but work is light). End date is also somewhat flexible. But the week of September 25th would be ideal. Start/end dates can typically be adjusted around college schedules, if needed.
If this position sounds like something you are qualified for and are interested in, I invite you to complete the attached application and return it to me at your earliest convenience. Applicant must be at least 18 years old. Applicant must be able to show proof of being fully up to date on vaccinations/boosters for covid- 19.
Thank you for considering us At the White House Inn as a part of your summer 2022 experience!
For more information about us, please visit our website: www.atthewhitehouse.com. You can also search for us on Trip Advisor or Expedia to see what others have to say about our place.
Employee Housing: An Army barracks from WWII, converted into a duplex. This is the kitchen and view from the one-bedroom unit. Fully furnished, kitchen stocked with kitchenware and linens provided. Laundry facilities available on site. No pets/no smoking. Cable TV is provided. Internet/Phone are not provided by the Owner.
