Dishwasher
Work Where America Comes on Vacation – Mackinac Island, Michigan
Imagine spending your summer on an island where cars are banned, horse-drawn carriages clip-clop down Main Street, fudge shops perfume the air, and the Great Lakes stretch out in every shade of blue. That’s Mackinac Island – and the Chippewa Hotel Waterfront and its world-famous Pink Pony Restaurant sit right in the heart of it, on the harbor’s edge.
We’re looking for energetic university students to join our kitchen team as Dishwashers for the Summer to Fall season. If you like fast pace, teamwork, and finishing your shift knowing you were the backbone of the operation, this is your job.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Operating commercial dishwashing machines to clean dishes, glassware, silverware, and cookware
- Hand-washing pots, pans, and large kitchen equipment
- Keeping the dish area, sinks, and floors clean, organized, and safe
- Sorting and stacking clean items and returning them to the kitchen and service stations
- Taking out trash, breaking down boxes, and assisting with recycling
- Supporting chefs and servers during busy service periods and helping with basic prep when needed
- Following all health, hygiene, and food-safety standards
The Details
- Position: Dishwasher
- Employer: Chippewa Hotel Waterfront & Pink Pony Restaurant
- Location: Mackinac Island, Michigan, USA
- Pay: $9.72 per hour
- Hours: approx. 40 hours per week (overtime often available in peak season)
- Season: Summer to Fall
- Tips: Not applicable for this position
Why Mackinac Island?
Mackinac Island is one of the most beloved summer destinations in the United States – a National Historic Landmark with Victorian architecture, Fort Mackinac, an 8-mile shoreline bike loop, and sunsets over the Mackinac Bridge. Hundreds of international students work here every season, which means an instant, buzzing community of new friends from all over the world. Bikes replace buses, the beach replaces the metro, and your commute is a five-minute walk.
Staying into the fall means you’ll also see the island in its quietest, most beautiful season – crisp air, golden forests, and fewer crowds.
What We Offer
- Steady 40-hour weeks with reliable, on-time pay
- Employer-supported housing on the island (details confirmed during placement)
- Employee meals during shifts
- Friendly, multicultural team and experienced supervisors who train you from day one
- Real U.S. hospitality experience for your CV – a great reference from a landmark property
- Time off to explore the island, swim, bike, and travel the USA after your program ends
What We’re Looking For
- University students aged 18–25 on a valid J-1 Work & Travel USA visa
- Basic conversational English
- Strong work ethic, reliability, and a positive attitude
- Ability to stand for long shifts and lift up to 20 kg
- Team players who stay calm when the kitchen gets busy
- No previous experience required – we’ll teach you everything
Ready for the Best Summer of Your Life?
Spots on Mackinac Island fill up fast every season. Apply now to secure your place at the Chippewa Hotel Waterfront and Pink Pony Restaurant, and get ready to trade lecture halls for lakeside sunsets.
About Michigan
Michigan's Great Lakes shores, Mackinac Island and resort towns make for a classic lakeside summer. Students work in island hotels, resorts and restaurants surrounded by beaches and forests.
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