HAP Holland America Skagway Inn

Work Where Alaska’s Wild Beauty Meets Gold Rush History

Imagine finishing your shift and stepping outside to snow-capped mountains, cruise ships gliding into the harbour, and a sunset that lingers until midnight. That’s daily life in Skagway, Alaska – one of the most legendary destinations on the Work & Travel USA map. HAP Holland America Skagway Inn is looking for energetic university students to join their kitchen team as a Dish Steward from summer to fall.

What You’ll Be Doing

As a Dish Steward, you are the backbone of the kitchen – the person who keeps everything running smoothly so the chefs can shine. Your day-to-day responsibilities include:

• Operating commercial dishwashing machines and hand-washing pots, pans and kitchen utensils
• Keeping dish areas, sinks and equipment clean, organised and sanitised
• Restocking clean dishes, glassware and cutlery for the kitchen and dining room teams
• Assisting with basic food prep and receiving deliveries when needed
• Taking out trash, recycling and helping maintain overall kitchen hygiene standards
• Supporting your teammates during busy cruise-ship days with a positive, can-do attitude

Why Skagway?

Skagway is a tiny historic town of around 1,000 year-round residents that transforms every summer into a buzzing international hub welcoming thousands of cruise passengers a day. Surrounded by the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park, it’s a paradise for adventure lovers:

• Ride the world-famous White Pass & Yukon Route Railway through mountain tunnels and over trestle bridges
• Hike the Chilkoot Trail, Lower Dewey Lake and Laughton Glacier routes
• Kayak in the fjords, spot bald eagles, whales, bears and sea lions
• Take a day trip across the border into the Yukon, Canada
• Enjoy the endless Alaskan daylight – summer days here stretch to nearly 19 hours!

Your Benefits

• $17.00 per hour – one of the strongest hourly rates in the Work & Travel programme
• 40 guaranteed hours per week, with the possibility of overtime during peak season
• Long season from summer to fall – more weeks, more earnings, more adventures
• Work for Holland America / HAP Alaska-Yukon, a globally respected hospitality and travel brand – a real asset on your CV
• Employer-supported housing options in Skagway
• An international team of students from all over the world – friendships that last a lifetime
• Real-world experience in American hospitality, teamwork and time management

What We’re Looking For

• University students aged 18–25 eligible for the Work & Travel USA J-1 programme
• Conversational English – enough to communicate comfortably with your team
• Physical stamina: the role involves standing for long periods, lifting and working in a warm, fast-paced kitchen
• Reliability, punctuality and a strong work ethic
• A friendly, team-first personality and willingness to learn
• Availability for the full summer-to-fall season

Please note: this position does not include tips, but the high hourly rate and guaranteed 40-hour weeks make it a fantastic earner.

Ready for Your Alaskan Summer?

Positions in Skagway are among the most requested in the entire Work & Travel USA programme and fill up fast. If you want a season of mountains, glaciers, midnight sun and unforgettable stories, apply today and secure your spot with HAP Holland America Skagway Inn!