FAQs

(scroll down the page for answers)

Frequently Asked Questions about Employment in Medora:

• When and where do I check in for employment on my first day?
• What can I expect on my first day?
• What am I given for a uniform, and what part of my uniform do I need to bring with me?
• What is the weather like in Medora? 
• I am packing for my summer in Medora.  What do you recommend I bring?
• How do I sign up to work at the Medora Musical?
• How do I audition to be a performer in the Medora Musical?
• Where can I get mail during the summer?
• How far ahead of time should I make specific time-off requests?
• I'm younger than 16.  Can I apply for a job?
• I'm younger than 18.  Can I live in TRMF housing?
• How do I become a volunteer in Medora?
• Is there an Internet café or library available for employees?
• What options are available for employees to work out and get some exercise in Medora?

• How can I file to get my taxes back?

Housing FAQs:

• How many people are assigned to a dormitory room?
• Can I have my own room/housing?
• Are the dorms co-ed?
• What do the dorm rooms include?
• Can I bring a dorm-size fridge? How about a TV?
• What other housing options are available besides the dormitories? 

Q:  When and where do I check in for employment on my first day?

A:  Employees who have completed and mailed in their employment contracts will receive a letter in mid-April (sooner for early spring workers) listing the date and time they need to arrive in Medora for check in.  This date may differ a bit from the first available date you listed on your contract; we schedule arrival dates based on where we plan to have you work and live and when your manager is available for training.  Employees should plan to arrive at the exact time and date listed in your arrival letter. Please do not show up before your scheduled check-in time.  You must contact the Medora office ASAP if the arrival date and time listed on your letter needs to be adjusted.  Check-in is at the TRMF Main Office building located at 301 5th Street in Medora. The office looks like a log cabin, and the entrance is on the lower level.  You will be asked to bring your bank account direct deposit information, social security card, and drivers license or other official photo I.D. at check-in time.

Q:  What can I expect on my first day?

A:  Most check-ins are scheduled so that you can complete paperwork, take a tour of Medora and your workplace, meet your manager, and have a chance to unpack and take in your surroundings for the rest of the day.  For employees scheduled for a morning check-in, we may ask you to report to your job after lunch that day. 

Q:  What am I given for a uniform, and what part of my uniform do I need to bring with me?

A:  **New information updated 4/18/10**

All employees should come to Medora prepared with the following uniform attire to accompany the Western shirts that will be issued to you at check-in:

• At least two pairs of neat blue jeans. No holes, excess distressing or decoration. Must be of a moderate fit (not extremely tight and not baggy). 
• Brown or black shoes. Shoes with a leather appearance preferred. Cowboy boots are great if you have them!
• A brown or black leather belt - uniform shirts must be tucked in.
• No khaki pants, Capri pants, shorts, or sandals to be worn with Western Shirts.
• No tennis shoes. (Tennis shoes only allowed if the shoe is completely black or completely brown.) 

All employees should also bring the following in case you are asked to help with a catering event or other special event or job:

• One pair of black dress pants
• Black shoes

Some employees will be given different uniform shirts for their daytime jobs.

• T-shirts: maintenance, grounds, flowers, laundry, and amphitheatre employees.
• Short sleeve button-up shirts: housekeeping employees
• Polo shirts: golf course employees
• White shirts and vests: Rough Riders Hotel dining and front desk staff.  Be sure to bring black dress pants and shoes.
• Cooks may wear cook attire if you own it.

Golf Course Clubhouse employees should not wear jeans when working in the clubhouse.  Please email bullypulpit@medora.com for uniform specifications.

You may be contacted personally by your manager beforehand if your job requires any other special uniform piece.

Q:  What is the weather like in Medora? 

A:  Spring months of May and early June in Medora are moderate.  Sometimes these months are cool and rainy.  The months of July and August are usually sunny, hot, and dry, although at nighttime temperatures can cool off dramatically.  Fall is usually very nice in Medora - warm and sunny Septembers and crisp, moderate Octobers are common.

Q:  I am packing for my summer in Medora.  What do you recommend I bring?

A:  It is wise to bring clothing that can be layered since the temperature can vary quite a bit from early morning to afternoon to nighttime.  See FAQ about weather, above.  It is suggested that you bring a warm coat, gloves, umbrella, sunscreen, swimwear, and a hat. Many employees opt to bring personal laptop computers (wireless Internet is available in the dormitories and elsewhere in Medora). While nearly everything in Medora is within walking distance, many employees enjoy having their bike here during the summer.  Space in dormitory rooms and other housing is limited, so only bring what you think you will need.  The nearest shopping mall is located in Dickinson (33 miles east of Medora), so we recommend you purchase toiletries, snacks, and related items before you arrive for check-in. 

Q:  How do I sign up to work at the Medora Musical?

A:  The Medora Musical runs from early June through Labor Day weekend each year.  Your department manager is given a sign-up sheet every week.  Sign up for the dates you are available to work.  The Musical's Front of House Manager will create the final worker schedule and distribute to managers to post in each department.  You might not be signed up to work every single day you are available, so check the final schedule closely.   A shuttle is available to drive workers to the amphitheater each night.

Q:  How do I audition to be a performer in the Medora Musical?

A:  Stage West Productions of Minneapolis, MN, recruits and hires performers for the Medora Musical each year.  Producers hold auditions in February in Fargo/Moorhead and Minneapolis as well as other locations.  See this link for Stage West contact information: www.troupeamerica.com/stagewest/index.html

Q:  Where can I get mail during the summer?

A:  Mail is not delivered to employee housing.  Employees should purchase a post office box at the Medora Post Office upon arrival.  Summer rates available.  Up to two names per box.

Q:  How far ahead of time should I make specific time-off requests?

A:  As much as possible, we ask employees to list time off requests on employment applications and job contracts.  We review the time off requests before hiring and determine if we can accommodate the request or not.  If additional requests come up throughout the summer, those should be submitted in writing to your department manager at least two weeks ahead of time.  No time can be guaranteed off on Saturdays, Sundays, or holidays.

Q:  I'm younger than 16.  Can I apply for a job?

A:  Yes, individuals who are 14 or 15 years old are eligible to work for TRMF.  However, before they begin work the following form must be completed and returned to the personnel director:  www.nd.gov/labor/forms/inst-age-cert.html.  Also, see the following information about Youth Employment Laws in North Dakota: www.nd.gov/labor/services/wage-hour/child-labor.html.  Housing is only available to employees 18 years of age or older.  See FAQ below for further information.

Q:  I'm younger than 18.  Can I live in TRMF housing?

A:  Housing is only available to employees 18 years of age or older. Applicants under 18 must have an appropriate guardian to live within the Medora area, have the ability to commute daily, or take a position whose work hours match the schedule of the Dickinson to Medora shuttle.

Q:  How do I become a volunteer in Medora?

A:  TRMF has an extensive volunteer program which coordinates over 400 volunteers to work in Medora each summer.  Approximately 22 new volunteers rotate into support positions on a weekly basis throughout the summer.  Although most volunteer shifts are eight-day commitments during the summer months, we also are grateful for volunteers who work longer shifts at the end of the summer or sign up for work-weeks in the spring and fall.  For more information, contact Volunteer Coordinator Denis Montplaisir at denism@medora.com.

Q:  Is there an Internet café or library available for employees?

A:  The Joe Ferris General Store offers free wireless Internet and free computer use.  A printer is available with a small fee per sheet printed.  The Medora Public School also opens its library to the public during the summer months.  Check for signage at the school for the summer library schedule and computer use & library card fees.

Q:  What options are available for employees to work out and get some exercise in Medora?

A:  Medora offers numerous outdoor activities for employees to take part in.  You'll find the following in Medora:

• Basketball courts
• Tennis courts
• Sand volleyball court
• City swimming pool
• Paved walking/jogging/biking path
• Hiking trails
• Biking trails
• Horseback riding opportunities
• Two 5K/10K runs - early June and late August
• 18 hole Bully Pulpit Golf Course
• Mini golf course
• Little Missouri River - fishing, tubing, etc.

For employees looking to use indoor fitness or weight equipment, you might try the West River Community Center in Dickinson, ND.  We hope to have something similar to offer to employee in the future!

Q: How can I file to get my taxes back?

A:  W-2 tax statements will be available to all employees between January 20 and January 31 every year.  Employees will be emailed with the option to access their forms online first.  If the employee does not access their W-2 form within 1 week, the form will be mailed to you by post.

TRMF does not send you a monetary tax return from the taxes you paid in the calendar year; we only prepare a W-2 form stating wages earned and taxes paid.  You are responsible to file for that monetary tax return with both the Federal and the North Dakota State governments. 

Here is a link with information about filing your Federal Return online: http://www.irs.gov/efile/article/0,,id=118508,00.html. 

Here is a link with information about filing your North Dakota State Return online once you have filed your Federal Return:  http://www.nd.gov/tax/indincome/elecfiling/.   

A:  Two people are assigned to each dorm room.  Most of our other housing is double occupancy, as well.  You will be assigned a roommate unless you request ahead of time for a specific person to be your roommate.

Q:  Can I have my own room/housing?

A:  Nearly everyone who is a new and/or college age employee is assigned a roommate.  Medora is a very small town, and we have limited housing options. Age, position, and housing availability also determine whether a roommate is appropriate. 

Q:  Are the dorms co-ed?

A:  No, we have a separate Men's and Women's Dormitory.  Co-ed housing is not available to unmarried couples.

Q:  What do the dorm rooms include?

A:  Each dorm room contains a set of bunkbeds with two regular, twin size mattresses.  Beds are to stay bunked.  The men's dormitory has central air and the women's dormitory rooms  have window air conditioners.  Each room has two combined closet/drawer spaces.  Each room also has a desk and desk chair.  Bathrooms are centrally located on each floor.

Q:  Can I bring a dorm-size fridge? How about a TV?

A:  You are allowed to bring a dorm-size fridge.  Many employees do and feel it's worthwhile.  You may bring a TV, but remember that space is limited in housing.  Also, there are no cable outlets in individual dorm rooms, only cable on the lounge TV.  A reminder that microwaves and cooking appliances are not allowed in dorm or motel rooms.

Q:  What other housing options are available besides the dormitories? 

A:  Non-college aged employees may be assigned to housing in one of the following options, depending on availability, at the discretion of the housing manager:

• Single or double occupancy cabins
• Double occupancy motel rooms
• Modular homes
• RV sites for employees with their own RV or camper