Everglades Rentals and Eco Adventures North American Canoe Tours Everglades Florida

Everglades City is a very small, isolated fishing and crabbing village bordering on the northwest boundary of Everglades National Park. It is a mile round mangrove island and is approximately 30 miles from the nearest town. The closest beaches are approximately 30 miles away and are located in Marco or Naples. We are on the west side of Florida, approximately 80 miles directly west of Miami and 30 miles southeast of Naples. Everglades City is surrounded by several scenic parks, including Everglades National Park, Big Cypress National Preserve, Collier-Seminole State Park, and the Fakahatchee Strand State Preserve. Everglades City offers unique paddling adventures, scenic walks, boardwalks, museums, airboat tours, aero tours, fishing trips, boat tours, and plenty of delicious seafood including stone crab claws. You will experience a variety of eco-systems exclusive to this area and will have the opportunity to explore ecologies found nowhere else in the world. Visit our website at www.IveyHouse.com for additional information on the location and surrounding areas.

We are pleased to have your interest in joining our team at the Ivey House Bed & Breakfast and North American Canoe Tours (NACT). NACT is a family run corporation, established in 1979, with business locations in Connecticut and Florida. The tubing location on the Farmington River in Connecticut is only open during the summer from Memorial Day to Labor Day. The Florida location, in Everglades City, consists of The Ivey House Inn, Lodge and Cottage; the Ghost Orchid Grill; Everglades Rentals and Eco Adventures. The Florida location is managed by Guest Services Management, LLC. Guest Services is responsible for the day -to- day operations of the facility as well as staff hiring. Our main employment season is from November 1st through April 30th and we do offer a few year round positions.

We search for talented professionals who are eager to learn about the Everglades and will bring area knowledge and expertise to our guests. Employees need to be 21 years of age or older, upbeat, self motivated, outgoing with a positive attitude, and able to work well with others. Employees are expected to be punctual, neat and clean, able to work short or long hours which might be necessary to help the operation run successfully. This might include helping with the canoes/kayaks, or in the dining room, cleaning, or whatever else is necessary as a team member. All applicants need to have previous experience for the position they are applying for. All employees will be on the Guest Services payroll and will receive their check every two weeks. Appropriate taxes and deductions will be made.

No benefits are provided to “seasonal” employees. The Ivey House and NACT are drug free/ smoke free workplaces.

POSITIONS AVAILABLE FOR 2007 – 2008 WINTER/SPRING SEASON

Front Desk/Concierge Clerk:

Experience in working directly with the public and extensive computer skills required. Customer service/multi-tasking skills necessary due to extensive guest interaction: address guest questions/concerns, answer phones, take reservations, check in/out guests, data entry and promote NACT and surrounding area activities. In addition, willingness to assist in other departments as needed. $9.00 per hour training wage, $10.00 per hour once independence is achieved.

Canoe & Kayak Rental Agent/Naturalist Day Guide:

Valid driver’s license and ability to drive/back-up a van with trailer. Ability to lift canoes/kayaks on own. Previous guiding experience, current CPR and First Aid Certificates required. Customer service kills and knowledge of Everglades plants, animals, history and culture is also required. In addition, willingness to assist in other departments as needed. $8.00 per hour training wage, $9.00 per hour once independence is achieved.

Breakfast Cook:

Preparation, cooking, serving and clean up of buffet breakfast. Prior cooking experience required. In addition, willingness to assist in other departments as needed. $9.00 per hour training wage, $10.00 per hour once independence is achieved.

DO You Have What it Takes? Look over our web sites www.IveyHouse.com and www.EvergladesAdventures.com and ask lots of questions. You may also direct questions to our Info@IveyHouse.com . Once you have determined that you qualify for a position with NACT and you would like to spend your time with us, please email the following information ~ it must go into the body of the e-mail. Attachments will not be opened. You will not be considered for employment without including all of the following items.

1.) Your Cover Letter of Intent - including position applying for, similar experiences in that field, what skills and qualities you can bring to that position, months available, number of hours you wish to work per week, pay range, etc.)

2.) Your Resume

3.) Your Personal and Professional References - include current phone numbers

North American Canoe Tours and Ivey House is a drug-free workplace and random drug testing does take place. North American Canoe Tours, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any individual in any phase of employment on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, sex, sexual-orientation, national origin, ancestry, veteran status, age, disability, or any other legally protected status under applicable law.

HISTORY

In 1979, NACT acquired a Commercial Use Permit to be able to operate within the Everglades National Park and Big Cypress Preserve, providing day and overnight guided canoe and kayak adventure for those who desired local knowledge and expertise. This evolved to include canoe, kayak, and equipment rentals. Striving to reciprocate the use of the area, NACT has assisted with park clean-ups, volunteer work and also provided the materials for the Sunday Bay Chickee in 1991.

In 1980, NACT began providing canoe adventures on the Connecticut River in CT, the Allagash River in ME, and the Suwannee River in GA and FL.

In 1982, NACT became the State of Connecticut concessionaire providing canoes and paddle boat rentals at six state parks throughout the state.

In 1984 NACT was approached by the State of Connecticut Parks Department to operate the tubing concession at the Satan’s Kingdom State Recreational area. After a successful bid process, NACT began operating the Farmington River Tubing in the spring of 1985. An aggressive marketing campaign, a well trained staff and public enjoyment have increased sales and led to a renewed concession contract. NACT has continued as the tubing concessionaire for the last 20 summers!

In 1989, NACT purchased the Ivey House located in Everglades City, Florida and turned it into a popular Bed & Breakfast. Keeping the old boarding house atmosphere, the rooms are simple with shared bathrooms.

In May of 2001, after eleven years of increased occupancy, an addition was added to the Ivey House B& B. The addition includes eighteen upscale guest rooms with private bathrooms, TV, refrigerators and phones, a restaurant, gift shop, adventure desk and a screened courtyard which houses the pool and waterfall. The Ivey House is now open year round for guest’s enjoyment.

Throughout the past twenty-six years, North American Canoe Tours has attracted talented personnel and has devoted time to training and development. Our talented staff helps to create awareness and cultivate appreciation for each of the areas, by giving our guests extensive information and undivided attention while they are enjoying their adventure.

North American Canoe Tours and the Harraden family are leaders in eco-tourism in the surrounding areas of Everglades City and on the Farmington River, thus providing visitors from around the world a memorable, safe, enjoyable and memorable vacation.

MISSION STATEMENT

North American Canoe Tours Inc. provides diverse, economical and dependable recreational opportunities to enhance the eco-adventure experience for our clients. Our team shares a common interest in fostering and promoting preservation and conservation of the environment. NACT eco-adventure experiences encourage appreciation and knowledge of the Everglades area’s unique natural history as well as creating environmental awareness to inspire stewardship.

MANAGEMENT TEAM

In March of 2007, the Harraden’s asked Guest Services to partner with them in the management and operation of the Ivey House B&B and NACT which now allows the facility to stay open year round.

The Harraden family has the expertise and creativity needed for a successful eco-tourism company whereas Guest Services has a 90 year history of hospitality service and are considered a leader in their industry so the partnership between the two only serves to offer the guest an even more enjoyable vacation.

The Management Team is comprised of the Harraden family and Guest Services employees. The team is:

David Harraden, President, owner and creator of NACT
Sandee Harraden, Innkeeper
Kevin Fish, District Manager
Polly Jacobs, General Manager
Michael Jacobs, Resident Manager
Anne Berryman, Front Office Manager

FACILITIES AND SERVICES

LOCATION. The Ivey House Bed & Breakfast is located in Everglades City, Florida. Everglades City is a very small, isolated fishing and crabbing village bordering on the northwest boundary of Everglades National Park. It is a mile round mangrove island and is approximately 30 miles from the nearest town. The closest beaches are located in Marco or Naples which are the two closest towns in relation to Everglades City. We are on the gulf side of Florida, approximately 80 miles directly west of Miami and 30 miles southeast of Naples. Everglades City is surrounded by several scenic parks, including Everglades National Park, Big Cypress National Preserve, Collier –Seminole State Park, and the Fakahatchee State Strand Preserve. Everglades City offers unique paddling adventures, fishing, scenic walks, boardwalks, museums, airboat tours, aero tours, fishing trips, boat tours, and plenty of delicious seafood, including stone crab claws. You will experience a variety of eco-systems exclusive to this area and will have the opportunity to explore ecologies found nowhere else in the world.

ACCOMMODATIONS. The Ivey House Bed and Breakfast is a non-smoking/ non-pet facility. We have three types of lodging including an eleven room Historic Lodge with shared restrooms, a two-bedroom private Cottage, and an eighteen room Inn with private bathrooms and a conversation pool. All guests staying at the Ivey House receive a complimentary breakfast and have use of the pool. See www.IveyHouse.com for prices and information.

NACT RENTALS AND SERVICE. Rentals and Services are available Nov. 1 through May 1 providing Ivey House guests and the general public with rentals of canoes, kayaks, camping equipment, and shuttle services. NACT strives to provide visitors with valuable information and knowledge to assist and ensure a memorable and safe paddling experience in the Everglades. See www.EvergladesAdventures.com for prices and details.

NACT ECO ADVENTURES. Eco Adventures provide visitors with the opportunity to further their knowledge and take a piece of the Everglades home with them through day and overnight guided adventures. Naturalist guides take visitors on in-depth explorations through the unique ecology of the Everglades and surrounding areas. See www.EvergladesAdventures.com for prices and details.

THE GHOST ORCHID GRILL. During high season, our restaurant, located on site, serves a scrumptious hot buffet breakfast seven days a week to our guests and to the public. During non-peak times we offer a continental breakfast. The Ghost Orchid Grill also provides box lunches. See www.IveyHouse.com .

IVEY HOUSE GIFT SHOP. The Ivey House Gift Shop provides a variety of items for sale and strives to enhance the appreciation and understanding of Everglades National Park, including significance of the natural world and environment. Items include maps, charts, books, ID cards, miscellaneous camping and miscellaneous novelty items. The Great Room and Gift Shop areas also show local artists’ photographs, watercolors, oil paintings and crafts. See www.IveyHouse.com.

DISCOUNTS AND EMPLOYEE PERKS

END OF SEASON BONUS! A bonus of $300 will be paid if an employee completes the agreed upon employment period and is an employee of good standing. At the time of hire, a start and end date will be agreed upon by both the employee and supervisor. Any changes to the date must be agreed upon by the management and the employee. To receive this bonus, the employee must be in good standing on the final date of service. If all requirements are met, the bonus will be paid on the employees’ final check and taxes will be withheld.

DAY GUIDED ADVENTURE DISCOUNT. When space is available, an employee may join a Guided Adventure free of charge. It is expected the employee will assist with unloading/loading of the boats as well as cleaning and re-racking when the trip returns to the Ivey House. The boxed lunch for your first trip is complimentary and subsequent lunches are $5.00 each. An insurance waiver and your name added to the trip register are required.

RENTAL EQUIPMENT USE. Upon availability, an employee has use of all equipment at no charge. However, all equipment must be checked in and returned clean to its proper place. (Abuse of this policy will result in denial of this privilege.) No discounts will be given on the shuttle services outside Everglades City, but there is no charge for drop off or pick up at the Everglades National Park, Gulf Coast Visitor Center.

SERVICE DISCOUNTS FOR EMPLOYEES TO INCLUDE.

Breakfast: Free of charge throughout the season.

Lunches: Box lunches can be purchased for $5.00 (a discount of $5.95) and individual sandwiches at $3.00 (a discount of $3.95.)

Gift Shop: 10% discount on all items.

Washer/Dryer Allowance: A $5.00 per week allowance will be added to employee paycheck to offset washer/dryer charge ($3.25 for one wash/dry.)

Organized Employee “Get Togethers”: Each month all employees will have the opportunity to gather for an evening of food and fun. Each will have a theme or celebrate a holiday. These gatherings are a combination of potlucks and a provided complete meal.

Employee Shirt Purchase: Each position will have a specified Ivey House/NACT logo shirt available for purchase. If you purchase one of these shirts at full price, you will be given two at no charge. Keeping your full uniform clean is your expense.

DISCOUNTS FOR EMPLOYEES IMMEDIATE FAMILY TO INCLUDE:

Lodging: All employees and their immediate family receive a 20% discount on the Ivey House lodging depending on availability as determined by the management team. Submit all lodging requests in writing at least two weeks prior to arrival date to your supervisor for approval.
Equipment: All immediate family members receive a 40% discount off the base price rate on all equipment. No discounts will be given on shuttle services outside of Everglades City, but there is no charge for drop off/pick up at Everglades National Park, Gulf Coast Visitor Center.

EMPLOYEE CONDITIONS

HOURS OF WORK: All employees are required to be able to work the hours necessary for their job description. Some positions require that an employee work a split shift (i.e. working 4 hours then having a long break and then returning to work for another 4 hours) or a rotating shift (one week an am shift and then the next week a different shift). Each department operates on a different time schedule and shift requirement.

TRAINING AND ORIENTATION: We strive to empower our employees with the opportunity to reach their full potential and achieve personal goals. We feel a thorough orientation and training program will help employees achieve these goals. All new (and returning) employees are required to participate in a general orientation program. This orientation program is approximately two, six hour days long. You will be paid minimum wage ($6.67/hr) for participating in this orientation. Once the general orientation is completed, the employee is required to participate in a departmental training program. Wages for the departmental training varies depending upon the department, and will be addressed in the Offer of Employment Letter.

Once the initial orientation and training process is completed, employees will continue to receive additional training. The training may vary depending on the employee’s position, current skills, and knowledge.

PROBATIONARY PERIOD: All new employees will begin a 90 day probationary period, beginning on the first day of work in one’s department. This probationary period is to help all employees become comfortable with their duties, become independent, and be able to perform their job without supervision. Employee performance will be closely evaluated by their immediate supervisor to ensure that they know and meet the expected standards. At the end of the probation period, the employee’s immediate supervisor will provide the General Manager with a written evaluation to determine if the employee shall continue in the position.

PAYROLL: Employees are paid bi-monthly.

RATE OF PAY: Varies depending on the position.

BASIC EMPLOYEE INFORMATION

WAYS TO GET TO EVERGLADES CITY: It is best if you have your own vehicle. The closest city is Naples and you will want to venture out of Everglades City occasionally. If you are arriving by air, the closet small airport is Naples, which offers limited flights. You will want to check online for flights and times or call 239-643-0733 for information. The closet larger airports are in Fort Myers (SWFL International), Fort Lauderdale and Miami. If you are arriving by bus, the closest bus station is in Naples.

The costs for a one-way employee shuttle from the following locations are as follows: Naples, $50.00, Fort Myers, $100.00, Ft. Lauderdale, $125.00 and Miami is $150.00. Advance notice for shuttle service is necessary and waiting time may vary depending on availability. Once you arrive in Florida, you must call to be picked up.

WHAT IS THE WEATHER LIKE?: During the winter season the weather can vary from the 90’s to the 40’s. On occasion we have had frost which only lasts a few days. The winter is the dry season, but there may be an occasion shower. During the summer, the rainy, season the temperatures can be in the 90’s with an almost daily rain shower or thunderstorm.

IS HOUSING AVAILABLE?: There is minimal employee housing provided on site. There is a daily $5.00 utility fee deducted from the employees check when living in employee housing. Should you choose to have your own housing, we will be happy to give you numbers for trailer parks and realtors in the area.

WHERE CAN EMPLOYEES DO LAUNDRY?: The Inn has public coin operated washers and dryers available from 7a.m. to 9p.m. You must provide your own soap and softener.

WHAT IF SOMEONE NEEDS TO REACH ME?: We recommend that you have a cell phone. (Cell phones are not to be used during working hours.) If you do not have a cell phone, emergency phone calls may be made to the Ivey House and a message will be taken and relayed to you. No personal phone calls are to be made from the Ivey House unless it is an emergency and with management approval.

IS THERE INTERNET ACCESS?: Not on site for employee use. The Public Library, located in the center of town, has a few computers with Internet access.

HOW CAN I GET MAIL?: A Post Office is located across the street from the Ivey House. You may wish to rent a postal box for the season or have your mail sent General Delivery to the Post Office. The Post Office address is: Everglades City Post Office, Everglades City, FL 34139. If you need to receive a package, you may have it addressed to your attention and delivered to the Ivey House via USPS, UPS, FedEx or another company. The address to the Ivey House B&B is: 107 Camellia Street, Everglades City, FL 34139.

HOW CAN I LEARN MORE ABOUT THE EVERGLADES?: Prior to coming to Florida, check your public library or search on-line. Once here in Everglades City, the Public Library has a comprehensive reference library that you will be encouraged to use.