Whitefish businesses make 'best places to work' list

Two Whitefish businesses have been named to “Outside” magazine’s annual list of best places to work in the U.S.

The ZaneRay Group earned the No. 25 ranking, marking the second year they’ve made the list.

The web design and marketing firm based in the Railway District employs 21 people and works with clients such as Patagonia, Head, Filson and Horny Toad.

Outside notes that employees “make good use of their flexible work schedules to enjoy rafting, skiing, and endless trails, within 20 minutes of the office.”

A “sweet perk” of the job includes access to a pair of Montana Ski Company customized wood-core skis, which are kept at the office for staff or clients to use whenever they like.

ZaneRay sponsors several local youth sports teams as well as a high-school job-shadowing program, the magazine notes.

They are currently hiring Java developers and web interface developers.

River Design Group was ranked at No. 46. This is the fourth year the Whitefish company has made the list.

The private consulting firm employs 17 people and specializes in river and wetland restoration projects. Headquarters is located in a renovated log home on five acres south of Whitefish. A second office is in Corvallis, Ore.

The firm provided planning, design and construction oversight for the restoration of the Clark Fork River near Missoula following removal of the Milltown Dam.

Outside notes that employees compete in the annual Glacier Challenge multi-sport event and that flexible "powder days" are scheduled in the winter.

RDG makes annual donations to local organizations including the Bob Marshall Wilderness Foundation, Whitefish Lake Institute, and the Children's House Montessori School, the magazine notes.

RDG is currently not hiring.

Other Montana companies on the list are MercuryCSC in Bozeman at No. 3, Seeley Lake Elementary at No. 6, Ecology Project in Missoula at No. 35, Outlaw Partners in Big Sky at No. 40 and Adventure Life in Missoula at No. 85.