Houseperson
Work & Travel USA in the Heart of Alaska
Imagine waking up to snow-capped peaks, waterfalls tumbling into a deep blue fjord, and the sound of a historic steam train pulling out of town. That’s an ordinary morning in Skagway, Alaska – and it can be your summer. HAP Holland America Skagway Inn is looking for energetic university students to join our hospitality team as Housepersons from summer through fall.
About the Position
As a Houseperson, you are the backbone of the guest experience. You’ll work alongside an international team in a friendly, fast-paced hospitality environment where no two days look the same.
- Support the housekeeping team by delivering linens, towels and supplies to guest rooms and floors
- Keep public areas – lobbies, hallways, stairwells and restrooms – spotless and welcoming
- Assist with laundry operations: sorting, washing, folding and stocking
- Move and organize furniture, luggage and equipment as needed
- Remove trash and recycling, and maintain clean back-of-house areas
- Respond to guest requests with a warm, professional attitude
- Report maintenance issues and help keep the property safe and beautiful
Why Skagway?
Skagway is a legendary Gold Rush town of fewer than 1,200 year-round residents, tucked between towering mountains and the Inside Passage. It’s one of the most spectacular corners of the United States and a favorite among Work & Travel participants.
- Hiking & nature: Trails like the Chilkoot Trail, Lower Dewey Lake and Laughton Glacier start minutes from town
- Wildlife: Bald eagles, bears, whales, sea lions and salmon runs
- Adventure: Kayaking, ziplining, glacier tours, the White Pass & Yukon Route Railway
- Day trips: Cross into Canada’s Yukon Territory or hop a ferry to Juneau and Haines
- Community: A tight-knit, international summer crew – you’ll make friends from around the world
Pay & Schedule
- Hourly rate: $16.00 per hour
- Hours: 40 hours per week (overtime may be available during peak season)
- Season: Summer to Fall
- Tips: Not applicable for this position
- Business type: Hospitality / Hotel
Benefits
- Stable, guaranteed hours with a well-known cruise and hospitality brand
- Employer-arranged housing options in a remote destination where accommodation is hard to find
- Real international work experience for your CV
- Training provided – no prior hotel experience required
- An unforgettable Alaskan summer with people your age from dozens of countries
Requirements
- Full-time university student, aged 18–25, eligible for the J-1 Work & Travel USA program
- Conversational English – you’ll interact with guests and teammates daily
- Physically fit: able to stand, walk, bend and lift up to 20–25 kg throughout your shift
- Reliable, punctual and detail-oriented
- Positive, team-first attitude and willingness to work weekends and holidays
- Flexibility to live and work in a small, remote town
Ready for Alaska?
Positions in Skagway fill fast – this is one of the most requested Work & Travel destinations every season. Apply early, pack your hiking boots, and get ready for the summer you’ll talk about for the rest of your life.
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.
