Mackinaw Hotel Management The Lighthouse Restaurant

Cook, Learn and Explore on the Shores of Lake Huron

Ever dreamed of spending your summer in a postcard-perfect American resort town, surrounded by lighthouses, ferry boats and endless blue water? Mackinaw Hotel Management – The Lighthouse Restaurant is looking for energetic university students to join its kitchen team as Kitchen Helpers in beautiful Mackinaw City, Michigan. This is your chance to work in a busy, friendly American kitchen, sharpen real culinary skills and experience one of the Midwest’s most beloved holiday destinations.

About the Position

As a Kitchen Helper, you’ll be an essential part of the team that keeps hungry travellers happy all season long. Your day-to-day responsibilities will include:

• Assisting cooks with basic food preparation – washing, peeling, chopping and portioning ingredients
• Preparing simple menu items and sides under the guidance of the kitchen staff
• Keeping work stations, equipment and storage areas clean, organised and sanitary
• Washing dishes, pots and utensils and helping with general kitchen cleaning
• Receiving, unpacking and rotating food deliveries and stock
• Following all American food safety and hygiene standards
• Supporting your teammates during busy summer service periods

Position Details

• Employer: Mackinaw Hotel Management – The Lighthouse Restaurant
• Position: Kitchen Helper (Cook / Food Service)
• Location: Mackinaw City, Michigan
• Hourly Rate: $13.73 per hour
• Hours: approx. 32 hours per week
• Season: Summer to Fall
• Tips: Not applicable for this position

Why Mackinaw City?

Mackinaw City sits at the very tip of Michigan’s Lower Peninsula, right where Lake Michigan meets Lake Huron beneath the spectacular five-mile-long Mackinac Bridge. It’s a small, safe and welcoming town that comes alive every summer with visitors from all over America.

In your free time you can:

• Take the ferry to car-free Mackinac Island and explore it by bike or horse-drawn carriage
• Visit historic Fort Michilimackinac and the iconic Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse
• Swim, kayak and watch legendary Great Lakes sunsets from sandy beaches
• Hike and cycle scenic trails through Michigan’s forests and state parks
• Try world-famous Mackinac Island fudge and local Michigan cherries
• Meet Work & Travel participants from dozens of countries working in the area

What You’ll Gain

• Steady income in US dollars with a solid $13.73 hourly wage
• Hands-on experience in a professional American kitchen – perfect for your CV
• Rapid improvement of your everyday and professional English
• Teamwork, time-management and problem-solving skills employers love
• An international circle of friends and unforgettable summer memories
• A genuine taste of American culture in a friendly resort community

Requirements

• Full-time university student, aged 18–25, eligible for the Work & Travel USA (J-1) programme
• Conversational English – enough to understand instructions and communicate with the team
• Willingness to work on your feet in a fast-paced, warm kitchen environment
• Reliable, punctual and hardworking attitude with attention to cleanliness
• Team player who enjoys meeting new people
• Ability to stay for the full Summer to Fall season
• No previous kitchen experience required – training is provided!

Ready to Apply?

Positions in Mackinaw City are extremely popular and fill up fast. If you want a summer of hard work, new skills, lakeside adventures and lifelong friendships, apply now for the Kitchen Helper position at The Lighthouse Restaurant and start your American story!