Kitchen Crew
Work Where the Wild Things Are – Kitchen Crew at Denali Park Village
Imagine finishing your shift and watching the sun refuse to set behind North America’s tallest peak. Imagine grizzly bears, moose and caribou as your neighbours, and a crew of international students from all over the world as your new best friends. This is Denali National Park, Alaska – and Aramark Destinations Denali Park Village is looking for energetic Kitchen Crew members to join the team for the Work & Travel USA season.
About the Position
As part of the Kitchen Crew you’ll be at the heart of the action, helping to feed hundreds of guests who travel from every corner of the planet to experience Alaska. You’ll work alongside professional chefs in a fast-paced, supportive kitchen where every day brings something new.
- Assist cooks with basic food preparation – washing, peeling, chopping and portioning ingredients
- Prepare simple menu items following recipes and food safety standards
- Set up and restock service and buffet lines during meal periods
- Keep work stations, equipment and storage areas clean, organised and sanitary
- Wash dishes, pots and kitchen tools and assist with waste management and recycling
- Receive and store deliveries, rotating stock correctly
- Support the team wherever needed – teamwork is everything in a busy kitchen!
Pay & Working Conditions
- Hourly rate: $15.00 per hour
- Guaranteed hours: approximately 40 hours per week
- Overtime: often available during peak season at premium rates
- Season: summer to fall – one of the longest Work & Travel seasons available
- Tips: not applicable for this position
- Uniform & training: provided by the employer
Why Denali National Park?
Denali is more than a job location – it’s a once-in-a-lifetime destination. Six million acres of wilderness, endless hiking trails, whitewater rafting on the Nenana River, ATV tours, flightseeing over glaciers and the chance to spot the “Big Five” of Alaskan wildlife. In late summer the midnight sun gives way to your first glimpse of the northern lights dancing above the tundra.
Denali Park Village sits right on the Nenana River, just minutes from the park entrance. Life here is social, outdoorsy and unforgettable – employee events, hiking groups, bonfires and a community of seasonal workers who become family fast.
Housing & Support
Employer-provided housing is available on or near the property for a low weekly deduction, together with affordable staff meals and on-site employee facilities. Because everything you need is within walking distance, you save money and spend more time exploring. Your Work & Travel programme sponsor and on-site management provide support throughout the season.
What We’re Looking For
- University students aged 18–25 eligible for the Work & Travel USA J-1 programme
- Conversational English – enough to follow instructions and communicate with the team
- A positive, can-do attitude and genuine willingness to learn
- Ability to stand for long periods and lift up to 20 kg
- Comfortable working in a hot, fast-paced environment, including weekends and holidays
- Flexibility, reliability and respect for a remote, wildlife-rich setting
- Previous kitchen experience is a plus but not required – full training is provided
Ready for Your Alaskan Summer?
Positions in Denali fill up extremely fast every season. If you want to earn in US dollars, build real hospitality skills for your CV and live inside one of the most spectacular national parks on Earth – apply now and start your Alaskan adventure.
About Alaska
Alaska is the ultimate Work & Travel adventure - glaciers, Denali, midnight sun and untouched wilderness. Most students work in remote lodges, national-park resorts and on tour boats, earning some of the highest summer wages in the country.
