Aramark Destinations Mesa Verde

Work & Travel USA: Food Prep Worker at Mesa Verde National Park

Imagine waking up surrounded by ancient cliff dwellings, red rock canyons and endless Colorado skies. Aramark Destinations Mesa Verde is looking for energetic university students to join their kitchen team in Mancos, Colorado – the gateway to one of America’s most spectacular national parks. This is more than a summer job; it’s a chance to live inside a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Your Role as a Food Prep Worker

You’ll be an essential part of a busy, friendly kitchen crew that keeps hungry park visitors happy every single day. Your daily duties will include:

• Washing, peeling, slicing and chopping fresh fruits, vegetables and other ingredients
• Preparing salads, sandwiches, sauces, soups and cold dishes following standard recipes
• Assisting cooks and chefs during breakfast, lunch and dinner service
• Portioning, labeling, dating and safely storing food items
• Maintaining a clean, organized and sanitary work station according to strict food safety standards
• Receiving deliveries, stocking supplies and rotating inventory
• Supporting dishwashing and general kitchen cleaning duties as needed

Why Mancos & Mesa Verde?

Mancos is a charming small town in southwestern Colorado, just minutes from Mesa Verde National Park, home to more than 5,000 archaeological sites and 600 cliff dwellings built by the Ancestral Pueblo people. On your days off you can hike scenic mountain trails, join a ranger-guided tour of Cliff Palace, go mountain biking, stargaze under some of the darkest skies in the USA, or take a road trip to Durango, Telluride, Monument Valley and the Four Corners.

What You’ll Get

• $15.00 per hour – solid, reliable pay
• 35 hours per week with the possibility of extra hours
• Season from Summer to Fall – enjoy the golden aspen colors in September
• Employer-provided housing options and meal benefits (details confirmed by the employer)
• Free or discounted access to park activities and employee recreation programs
• An international team of students from all over the world – lifelong friendships guaranteed
• Valuable hospitality experience for your CV and improved English skills

Requirements

• University student aged 18–25 eligible for the Work & Travel USA J-1 program
• Conversational English – enough to understand instructions and communicate with the team
• Positive attitude, reliability and a strong work ethic
• Ability to stand for long shifts and lift up to 15–20 kg
• Willingness to work early mornings, evenings, weekends and holidays
• No previous kitchen experience required – full training is provided!
• Comfortable living in a remote, nature-focused location

Ready for a summer you’ll never forget? Positions at Mesa Verde fill up fast – apply today and start your American adventure in the heart of Colorado!