About the employer
The Theodore Roosevelt Medora Foundation operates hospitality, retail and entertainment venues in the small town of Medora, North Dakota, less than 50 miles from Dickinson. Positions include front desk representative, host/cashier, busser, kitchen crew, retail sales and ticketing roles, and theatre operations staff. Housing owned or arranged by the employer is guaranteed for everyone hired, though you may also find your own, and a second job is likely to be available.
Busser
General information
Job duties
- Keeps the dining room clean, including vacuuming, cleaning and refilling table condiments, polishing glasses and silverware, prepping bread and butter, filling the ice container and pop machine, maintaining linens in an organized manner, and having clean rags and sanitizer prepared
- Busses and resets tables between guests
- Assists wait staff in refilling water, butter, and sugar
- Learns the place setting for each meal and assists with resetting for meal times by rolling silverware and folding napkins
- Greets and assists guests and alerts servers if needed
- Cleans front of house and wait station to ensure the restaurant is clean and organized
Housing
Details
Work Where the Wild West Meets the Badlands
Imagine finishing your shift and watching the sun melt into the rugged cliffs of the North Dakota Badlands. Welcome to Medora – a legendary Old West town of fewer than 150 year-round residents that transforms every summer into one of America’s most beloved tourist destinations. As a Busser with the Theodore Roosevelt Medora Foundation, you’ll be part of the team that brings this historic town to life for hundreds of thousands of visitors.
About Your Employer
The Theodore Roosevelt Medora Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving the legacy of America’s 26th President and the spirit of the American West. From the world-famous Medora Musical to the Pitchfork Steak Fondue served on a bluff overlooking the Badlands, this is hospitality with a serious dose of adventure. Working here isn’t just a job – it’s a summer story you’ll tell for years.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Clearing, cleaning, and resetting tables quickly and efficiently between guests
- Supporting servers during busy dinner rushes and special events
- Restocking dishes, glassware, silverware, condiments, and service stations
- Assisting with food running and delivering orders to guest tables
- Maintaining cleanliness of dining areas, beverage stations, and bussing carts
- Helping with opening and closing duties, including sweeping and sanitizing
- Greeting guests with a warm smile and answering basic questions about the venue
Pay & Hours
- Hourly rate: $12.00 per hour
- Tips: Yes! Bussers share in tips, boosting your total earnings
- Hours: Approximately 35 hours per week, with opportunities for extra shifts during peak season
- Season: Summer through Fall – one of the longest programs available
What We’re Looking For
- University students aged 18–25 with valid J-1 Work & Travel sponsorship
- Conversational English and a friendly, guest-focused attitude
- Energy and stamina – this is an active role with plenty of standing, walking, and lifting
- Reliability, punctuality, and strong teamwork skills
- Willingness to work evenings, weekends, and holidays during peak season
- No previous experience required – full training is provided
Perks of the Job
- Tip share on top of your hourly wage
- Long season = more weeks of earning
- Employee housing options and staff meal benefits (details confirmed at placement)
- Team events, staff activities, and an international crew of new friends
- Real U.S. hospitality experience for your CV
- Free time to explore one of America’s most spectacular national parks
Ready for Your American Summer?
Spots in Medora fill fast – this is one of the most requested Work & Travel USA locations for students who want adventure, income, and a genuine slice of the American West. Apply today and start your Badlands story.
Why choose Theodore Roosevelt Medora Foundation
Why Medora, North Dakota?
Medora sits at the gateway to Theodore Roosevelt National Park, where wild horses, bison herds, and prairie dog towns are part of everyday scenery. On your days off you can hike the Maah Daah Hey Trail, ride horseback through canyons, catch a live outdoor musical under the stars, or drive out to see some of the darkest, most star-filled skies in the United States. It’s small-town America at its most authentic – safe, friendly, and full of people who genuinely look out for each other.
About North Dakota
North Dakota offers wide prairies, badlands and a genuine slice of small-town America. Students work in resorts, hotels and attractions in a quiet, friendly and affordable summer setting.
