ExplorUS Crater Lake

Work Where Others Vacation – Crater Lake National Park, Oregon

Imagine clocking out of your shift and walking straight to the rim of the deepest lake in the United States, its water so intensely blue it looks unreal. That’s everyday life for the ExplorUS Crater Lake team. If you’re a university student looking for a Work & Travel USA summer that combines real American work experience with jaw-dropping nature, this Retail Associate position is your ticket.

About the Position

As a Retail Associate, you’ll be the friendly face welcoming visitors from all over the world to the park’s gift and general stores. You’ll help travelers find the perfect souvenir, snack, or piece of hiking gear – and you’ll get plenty of practice with your English along the way.

• Greet and assist guests, answer questions about products and the park
• Operate the cash register and handle card and cash transactions accurately
• Stock shelves, receive deliveries, and keep merchandise displays attractive and organized
• Maintain a clean, tidy, and welcoming sales floor
• Support inventory counts and restocking of best-selling items
• Work as part of an international team of students and seasonal staff

Job Snapshot

• Employer: ExplorUS Crater Lake
• Position: Retail Associate
• Location: Crater Lake, Oregon
• Industry: Hospitality
• Pay: $16.00 per hour
• Hours: approx. 35 hours per week
• Season: Summer through Fall
• Tips: Not applicable for this role

Why Crater Lake?

Crater Lake National Park is one of America’s most spectacular natural wonders – a 1,943-foot-deep caldera lake formed by a collapsed volcano, surrounded by old-growth forest, wildflower meadows and snow-capped peaks. Your days off can be filled with hiking the Garfield Peak Trail, cycling the 33-mile Rim Drive, swimming at Cleetwood Cove, stargazing under some of the darkest skies in the country, or spotting deer, eagles and marmots.

Southern Oregon also puts you within road-trip distance of Bend, Portland, the Pacific coastline, Redwood National Park and even California – perfect for your post-program travel month.

What You’ll Get

• Competitive $16/hour wage with a stable 35-hour schedule
• Employer-arranged housing options inside/near the park (details provided at placement)
• An international, English-speaking work environment that boosts your CV
• Real customer service and retail experience valued by future employers
• Employee discounts and access to one of the world’s most beautiful workplaces
• Lifelong friendships with students from dozens of countries

What We’re Looking For

• University students aged 18–25 eligible for the Work & Travel USA J-1 program
• Conversational to good English communication skills
• A friendly, positive attitude and genuine willingness to help guests
• Reliability, punctuality and a strong team spirit
• Comfort working on your feet, lifting light stock and working in a remote mountain location
• Flexibility to work weekends and holidays – the park’s busiest times
• Availability from summer into fall (longer stays are a big plus)

Ready to Apply?

Positions at Crater Lake fill up fast – it’s one of the most requested Work & Travel destinations in the USA. Submit your application today and get ready for a summer of blue water, tall pines and unforgettable stories.