HAP Fairbanks Princess Riverside Lodge

Work & Travel USA: Food Runner in Fairbanks, Alaska

Imagine finishing your shift and watching the midnight sun glow over the Chena River at 11 p.m. That’s an ordinary evening in Fairbanks, Alaska – and it could be your summer. HAP Fairbanks Princess Riverside Lodge is looking for energetic university students to join its food and beverage team as Food Runners for the Summer to Fall season.

This is not your average summer job. Fairbanks is the gateway to Denali, the Arctic Circle and the aurora borealis, and the Princess Riverside Lodge welcomes travellers from all over the world who come to experience the Last Frontier. You’ll be part of the team that makes their trip unforgettable – while creating your own once-in-a-lifetime story.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Delivering freshly prepared dishes from the kitchen to guest tables quickly and accurately
• Supporting servers during busy breakfast, lunch and dinner services
• Setting, clearing and resetting tables so the dining room always looks its best
• Restocking service stations with plates, cutlery, glassware, napkins and condiments
• Answering basic guest questions and helping create a warm, welcoming atmosphere
• Keeping work areas clean and following all food safety and hygiene standards
• Communicating with kitchen and front-of-house staff to keep service running smoothly

Why Fairbanks, Alaska?

Fairbanks is one of the most unique destinations in the entire Work & Travel USA program. In summer you get up to 21 hours of daylight, meaning endless time after work for hiking, canoeing, exploring hot springs and BBQs with new friends. By late August and September, the skies darken just enough for the northern lights to appear right above you.

Nearby adventures include Chena Hot Springs, Denali National Park, the Trans-Alaska Pipeline, gold-panning tours and riverboat cruises. Wildlife spotting – moose, caribou, eagles – is part of everyday life here. Very few students get to say they lived and worked in Alaska; this is your chance.

Pay & Benefits

• $14.00 per hour
• 40 guaranteed hours per week – steady income all season
• Overtime opportunities during peak weeks (subject to business needs)
• Training provided – no previous restaurant experience required
• Work alongside an international team from dozens of countries
• Employee support and a strong Work & Travel-friendly environment
• Long season from Summer to Fall for maximum earnings and travel time

Please note: tips are not included in this position, but the guaranteed hourly rate and full-time schedule provide reliable, predictable earnings.

What We’re Looking For

• University students aged 18–25 enrolled in the Work & Travel USA program
• Conversational English and confidence speaking with international guests
• Positive, energetic attitude and a genuine willingness to help others
• Ability to stand, walk and carry trays for the duration of a shift
• Flexibility to work mornings, evenings, weekends and holidays
• Team player mindset – fast-paced service is a group effort
• Availability for the full Summer to Fall season

Ready for Your Alaskan Summer?

Positions in Alaska are among the most popular in the program and fill up fast. If you want a summer of real adventure, solid earnings and friendships from around the world, apply now for the Food Runner position at HAP Fairbanks Princess Riverside Lodge.