Front Desk Receptionist (Fernie)

About East Kootenay Motel Today, we operate as a functional roadside motel serving a mix of nightly guests and longer-term stays. Over the next 12–24 months, we will be thoughtfully transforming the property into a wellness-driven boutique destination rooted in Fernie’s mountain heritage. This is a repositioning in motion — and we’re looking for the right person to help shape it from the front line. We’re seeking someone who takes pride in creating exceptional guest experiences today, while helping lay the operational foundation for a full renovation and relaunch. This role is especially well-suited for someone who thrives in evolving environments, enjoys direct guest interaction, and wants to grow into a leadership position as the property scales. The Role We are seeking a Front Desk Associate / Guest Experience Lead who can: - Own the first impression of the property and set the tone for every guest stay - Manage daily check-ins, check-outs, and reservations with accuracy and care - Handle guest communications (in-person, phone, and email) with warmth and professionalism - Resolve guest issues calmly, efficiently, and with robust judgment - Support operational flow between housekeeping, maintenance, and management - Help build systems that will scale into a boutique hospitality operation You will play a key role in stabilizing guest experience and elevating service standards as we transition into our next chapter. Key ResponsibilitiesGuest Experience & Front Desk Operations - Manage all arrivals and departures - Ensure smooth booking coordination and room assignment - Provide local recommendations and support guest needs - Handle payments, deposits, and basic reporting Communication & Coordination - Liaise with housekeeping and maintenance to ensure room readiness - Flag issues quickly and ensure follow-through - Maintain clear daily logs and shift notes Problem Solving & Guest Care - Respond to guest concerns with calm, practical solutions - De-escalate situations professionally when needed - Maintain a welcoming, steady presence at all times Systems & Improvement - Follow and help refine check-in / check-out procedures - Support adoption of new booking and property management systems - Contribute ideas to improve guest flow and experience Who You Are - Reliable, grounded, and consistent - Naturally warm and guest-oriented - Organized and detail-focused under pressure - Comfortable working in a transitional, improving environment - Able to balance hospitality warmth with operational discipline Bonus if you: - Have experience in hotels, lodges, or boutique hospitality - Enjoy mountain towns, ski culture, or wellness-oriented living - Like the idea of building something from “good” into “exceptional” - Are interested in growing into a lead or manager role over time Housing Benefit We provide substantially subsidized on-site staff housing, significantly below market rent in Fernie. - Private accommodation available - Immediate availability - Ideal for someone looking to live where they work and be part of a close-knit property team Why This Role Is Different This is not just a front desk job. You’ll be the face of a property in transition — helping shape guest perception, operational consistency, and service culture from day one. As we evolve into a boutique destination, this role will evolve with it — with opportunities to grow into guest experience leadership or front office management. Pay: $17.85-$22.00 per hour Work Location: In person Apply on Kit Job: kitjob.ca/job/2o3eoa