HAP Holland America Denali Lodge

Spend Your Summer Where the Wild Things Are

Imagine finishing your shift and stepping outside to snow-capped peaks, midnight sunlight and the possibility of spotting a moose on your walk back to your room. That’s an ordinary evening at HAP Holland America Denali Lodge, located at the doorstep of Denali National Park, Alaska – home to North America’s highest peak. We’re looking for energetic university students to join our kitchen team as Dish Stewards for the summer-to-fall season.

About the Position

The dish room is the heartbeat of any great kitchen, and as a Dish Steward you keep it pumping. It’s fast-paced, physical, team-driven work – and it’s one of the best ways to become part of a real hospitality crew.

• Operate the commercial dishwashing machine and hand-wash pots, pans and large kitchenware
• Sort, rinse, stack and organise clean dishes, glassware and cutlery for the restaurant and banquet teams
• Keep the dish area, floors, sinks and equipment clean, safe and sanitary
• Take out trash, break down boxes and support recycling and waste programmes
• Assist chefs and servers with basic kitchen prep tasks and restocking when needed
• Follow all health, safety and food-handling standards

Pay & Schedule

• Hourly rate: $16.00 per hour
• Hours: Approximately 40 hours per week (overtime may be available during peak season)
• Season: Summer through fall
• Tips: Not applicable for this role – your earnings come from a solid, reliable hourly wage

Why Denali National Park?

Denali is six million acres of pure Alaskan wilderness: tundra, braided rivers, glaciers and wildlife including grizzly bears, caribou, wolves and Dall sheep. On your days off you can hike ridgelines, raft the Nenana River, take a flightseeing tour over Denali itself, ride an ATV, or simply watch the sun refuse to set. In late season, the tundra turns fiery red and gold – and if you’re lucky, the northern lights make an appearance.

The lodge community is famously social: seasonal workers from all over the world live, work, hike and celebrate together. Many participants say the friendships they made in Alaska are the real souvenir.

What You’ll Gain

• Real experience with a globally recognised hospitality brand (Holland America / Princess)
• Employee housing and staff meal options available on or near property
• Employee shuttle, staff recreation activities and access to national park adventures
• Discounts on tours and excursions for employees
• English-language practice with American colleagues and guests every single day
• A CV line that instantly stands out at future interviews

Requirements

• Enrolled university student, aged 18–25, eligible for the Work & Travel USA J-1 programme
• Conversational English
• Physically able to stand for long shifts, work in a hot and humid dish room and lift up to 50 lbs (approx. 23 kg)
• Reliable, punctual and happy to work as part of a team
• Flexible availability including mornings, evenings, weekends and holidays
• Positive attitude and readiness for a remote Alaskan setting (limited shopping and nightlife nearby – nature makes up for it!)

Ready for Alaska?

If you want a summer that’s more than just a job – mountains, wildlife, international friends and a paycheque – apply for the Dish Steward position at HAP Holland America Denali Lodge today. Spots in Alaska fill quickly!