ExplorUS Crater Lake

Live and Work Inside Crater Lake National Park

Imagine finishing your shift and walking to the rim of the deepest lake in the United States – a 600-metre-deep volcanic caldera filled with water so blue it looks unreal. This is not a screensaver. This is your summer. ExplorUS Crater Lake is looking for energetic university students to join its hospitality team as Dishwashers for the Summer to Fall season in Crater Lake, Oregon.

About the Position

As a Dishwasher, you are the backbone of the kitchen – the person who keeps everything running smoothly so that guests from all over the world can enjoy their meals with a view. It is a physical, fast-paced and surprisingly fun role where you will bond quickly with your international teammates.

• Operate the commercial dishwashing machine and wash dishes, glassware, cutlery and cooking equipment by hand when needed
• Keep the dish pit, sinks and surrounding work areas clean, organised and sanitised
• Sort and store clean dishes and return them to the kitchen and dining areas
• Take out trash, break down boxes and support recycling and composting programs
• Assist the kitchen team with basic food prep and stocking during quieter periods
• Follow all health, safety and food handling standards

Pay & Schedule

$17.00 per hour for approximately 35 hours per week. Overtime may be available during the busiest weeks of the season, and dependable participants are often invited back for future seasons. Please note that this position does not include tips.

Why Crater Lake, Oregon?

Crater Lake National Park is Oregon’s only national park and one of the most photographed places in the Pacific Northwest. On your days off you can hike the Garfield Peak Trail, cycle the 33-mile Rim Drive, swim at Cleetwood Cove, watch the clearest night sky you have ever seen, or take a weekend trip to Bend, Portland or the Oregon Coast. Wildlife sightings – deer, eagles, marmots – are part of everyday life here.

What You Get

• Employer-provided housing and affordable staff meals available on-site (details confirmed during placement)
• Work and live inside a US National Park – an experience very few travellers ever get
• An international team of students from Bulgaria, Europe, Asia and Latin America
• Employee discounts, staff events and access to park programs
• Real US work experience for your CV and huge improvement in your spoken English

Requirements

• University student aged 18–25 eligible for the J-1 Work & Travel USA program
• Conversational English (this is a back-of-house role, so perfect English is not required)
• Physically able to stand for long shifts, lift up to 20 kg and work in a hot, humid kitchen
• Reliable, punctual and comfortable working weekends and holidays
• Team player with a positive attitude and willingness to help wherever needed
• Available from Summer to Fall (late season availability is a big advantage)

Important to Know

Crater Lake is a remote mountain location with limited public transport and mobile coverage in some areas. If you are looking for a big-city summer, this is not it. If you want mountains, waterfalls, stars, lifelong friendships and stories no one back home will believe – apply now. Spots for this location fill up extremely fast.