In 2019, Tamra and her husband, Tim, decided to depart from their Indiana roots in search of a new place to call home. After selling their home, they embarked on a unique adventure, opting for a new, nomadic lifestyle in a camper.
After months of traveling down the East Coast and back to Indiana for the holidays, Tamra and Tim soon found themselves in a predicament as communities and businesses began to close at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Living in their camper during the pandemic became challenging, as some campgrounds closed due to health and safety concerns. Eventually, as these restrictions eased, Tamra and Tim decided to head west, unsure of the opportunities that might lie ahead but excited for the possibility of what could come next.
On the road, Tamra and her husband began exploring seasonal work opportunities – something they both did not know was a viable career option but would allow them to live in their camper. Tamra was drawn to a seasonal job opportunity at the general store at Signal Mountain Lodge, an Aramark property and one of three lodges within Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming.
For nearly three years, Tamra cherished her time working at Signal Mountain Lodge. Eager for a new adventure, she sought the opportunity to explore another national park. With her husband, she moved to another location with Aramark Destinations, Big Bend National Park in Texas, for a brief fall season from October to December 2022.
As the 2022 season ended, a full-time opportunity within the Human Resources department of Aramark Destinations emerged, aligning perfectly with Tamra’s skills and interests. She returned to Signal Mountain Lodge and soon began her new role as an HR Coordinator onsite, and since then, has been a vital member of the team.
Tamra supports all employees and day-to-day operations of the property, including employee onboarding and orientation, benefit support, and general HR responsibilities. Additionally, she assists with Aramark’s J-1 and H-2B Visa Program, acting as a point of contact for international employees at Signal Mountain Lodge.
“My favorite part of my job is when I pick up new arrivals at the airport and bring them to Signal, especially when they’ve never been here before. There’s a look of excitement on their faces when they see how close we are to the beautiful mountain ranges and surrounded by nature. In that moment, I can see how happy they are to be here.”
Passionate about helping people and spending time in nature, Tamra finds joy in guiding Aramark’s seasonal employees as they adjust to the unique National Park work environment and explore the beauty of Grand Teton National Park. She deeply appreciates the experience of living and working where both of her passions are fulfilled. Tamra urges others to take chances and trust their instincts.
“Nothing is too far out of reach. I never once thought that this career and the doors it opened would be a possibility for me, but here I am! I’ve learned that you must trust yourself in work and in life, even if you’re making a big decision like we did to move across the country. There are other pastures out there waiting for you, and trusting yourself is a crucial step in getting where you want to be.”
Tamra and her husband have now moved out of their camper and into an apartment provided for year-round employees at Signal Mountain Lodge. After a long journey, Tamra has finally found a place to call home at Grand Teton National Park…until a new Aramark Destination calls.
