The art of feeling on holiday
(Even while hard at work)
In collaboration with Mélanie Pageau
Looking for a summer job that doesn't feel like work? We've got just the job for you! At Sépaq, you can earn your living on a beach, on the shore of a lake or river, in the woods, with your buddies... nature experiences are the topic of conversation, even indoors. Our customers are off-duty, in good spirits, feeling Zen. In short, there's a vacation vibe in our establishments!
Speaking of our establishments, did you know that there are 46 Sépaq locations all across Québec? You can join a crew of enthusiastic campers in the Laurentides, sleep at the foot of the Gaspésie peaks, play coureurs des bois in our wildlife reserves, or stay close to the action in the city, if you like. With nearly 200 different jobs to choose from, there's sure to be one for you!
If you're interested in finding meaning in your work, take a look at our mission to connect people to nature. Eve-ry day, our endeavours have a tangible, positive impact on the environment, on other people, and even on our-selves. It's scientifically proven: contact with nature brings physical and psychological benefits. So how about combining business with pleasure?
Working with both feet wriggling in the sand
At Parc national d'Oka, not far from Montréal, Sépaq workers go about their business with both feet in the beach sand. The team is mainly youthful, ensuring an atmosphere that’s really cool! And you don't have to wor-ry about your tan; that will take care of itself! All you need is a national lifeguard certificate (pool or mainland beach). Thanks to you, bathers can splash around in complete safety. Oka also offers positions in reception and maintenance, and is looking for park wardens too...
Lifeguard positions are also available elsewhere in our network.
Telling the story of your day around the fire
In many establishments, employees sleep on site. This gives them the opportunity to strengthen ties with their colleagues not only at work, but also during their free time. They, too, can enjoy a campfire, a BBQ, and other outdoor activities, right in the heart of nature. At Parc national du Mont-Tremblant, some 30 "beach bum" workers camp out in the park all summer long!
Here's what Joëlle, who spent a summer with two friends, had to say about her experience: "Between paddle-boarding, my artistic activities, kayaking in the half-light in the marshes of Lac Monroe, and exploring hiking trails and bike paths, I also took the time to breathe, listen, watch, and let myself be immersed by a feeling of fulfillment. Content but weary after a hard day’s work, I spent no more than half an hour reading in my little tent before I fell into a deep, restful sleep just as darkness began creeping in for the night."
Camping isn’t your cup of tea? We also offer cozier accommodations in houses, apartments, or rooms, for ex-ample at Gîte du Mont-Albert in Parc national de la Gaspésie or in the Charlevoix national parks of Grands-Jardins and Hautes-Gorges-de-la-Rivière-Malbaie.
In wildlife reserves, some jobs, such as territory wardens or activity and maintenance attendants, involve sleep-ing in a cabin for a few days a week to look after the well-being of on-site customers.
Fishing after work
Those returning to their own home can still enjoy a spot of fishing after a day's work! Other employees take ad-vantage of their lunch hour to go for a trail run or a paddleboard ride. Others return to enjoy the territory and facilities on their days off.
Many of our staff work three or four full days a week to enjoy the unique environment that surrounds them. Outdoor equipment is also available, making it easier to take advantage of the great outdoors. What better way to balance work and play!
Hotels and restaurants in the heart of nature
Did you know that Sépaq also operates hotels and restaurants? Imagine a hotel at the foot of the highest moun-tains in Gaspésie... our very own Gîte du Mont-Albert! You can work there while admiring the peak you'll be climbing the next day! And don't forget the charming lakeside lodge, cabin, and hotel facilities of Station touristique Duchesnay, just 25 minutes from Québec City. Both establishments offer gourmet restaurants with a relaxed clientele.
Québec City also boasts Parc de la Chute-Montmorency and Aquarium du Québec, each accessible by public transit.
Diversity, freedom, and autonomy
Being close to nature on a daily basis gives you a sense of freedom. Some jobs, such as housekeeping, also pro-vide a great deal of autonomy. "I like being able to do my chores at my own pace, to be in my own little bubble, in the calm of the forest," confided Floralie, a housekeeping attendant at Parc national d'Oka, during a series of employee portraits. A ready-to-camp enthusiast on her own time, she ensures that everything is shipshape to welcome holiday campers.
At ready-to-camp facilities, EXP. cabins, and mountain huts, the tasks change depending on the type of accom-modation and the season; the job is much more varied than the usual housekeeping!
Birds of a feather
If you're looking for a stimulating job that brings out the best in you, count on the fact that other enthusiasts are in the very same boat! As you meet new people, some of your colleagues may become new friends or outdoor partners. And good teamwork makes all the difference in our daily work lives. A virtuous circle indeed!
Useful benefits
The Sépaq Employee Program lets you discover new destinations and experience new adventures, thanks to free access to national parks and tourist attractions, as well as discounts on accommodations, products, and ser-vices. Need an accessory or a new item of clothing? Simply present your employee card at the Sépaq boutique and you’ll pay half price! The Sépaq Discovery Program also lets you try out new experiences and get to know your park like the back of your hand.
What's more, if you work in a more remote location, you’ll receive an allowance for each day you work to help pay for your transportation. Sépaq also encourages sustainable modes of transport in urban areas, also with a daily allowance.
Last but not least, you'll receive ongoing training to equip you for your job and make you feel like you're really on top of your game, in the right place at the right time.
By the way... the uniform will be changed soon.
So are you keen to take up the Sépaq challenge? We have over 1,000 positions to fill this summer. They're usu-ally posted between February and April; visit our website to find out what’s on offer. Most are seasonal or part-time positions, but you can sometimes continue through the fall and winter, or come back the following year! Some positions offer the possibility of working year-round while you continue your studies: evenings, weekends, or during school holidays.
About Mélanie Pageau
A mother of two boys and an outdoor and adventure enthusiast, Mélanie is particularly fond of mountain biking, fat biking, cross-country skiing, long hikes, and other strenuous activities. In short, staying active in the great outdoors! A former journalist turned communications consultant, Mélanie joined Sépaq to combine her passions with her professional life.