Arnolds Park Amusement Park

Serve Smiles at Iowa's Most Iconic Amusement Park

Imagine your summer soundtrack: roller coaster screams, arcade bells, waves lapping against the shore of West Lake Okoboji — and the sizzle of the grill in front of you. Arnolds Park Amusement Park in Arnolds Park, Iowa is looking for energetic university students to join its Food & Beverage team for the Work & Travel USA season. If you want a summer packed with new friends from around the world, real American work experience and a lakeside playground right outside your door, this is your job.

What You'll Be Doing

As a Food & Beverage Attendant, you'll be at the heart of the park's action, keeping hungry guests happy and coming back for more. Your daily duties include:

• Greeting guests with a friendly smile and taking food and drink orders at counters, snack stands and concession windows
• Preparing classic American park favorites — burgers, hot dogs, funnel cakes, pizza, nachos, ice cream and fountain drinks
• Operating the cash register and handling card and cash payments accurately
• Restocking supplies, cups, condiments and packaging throughout your shift
• Keeping counters, prep areas, equipment and seating spotless and following all food safety and hygiene standards
• Working as part of a fast-moving international team during busy summer weekends and holidays

Pay & Hours

• Hourly rate: $13.50 per hour
• Hours per week: approximately 55 hours — an excellent opportunity to maximize your earnings and save for travel
• Season: Summer through Fall
• Tips: Not applicable for this position
• Overtime pay in accordance with U.S. labor law and employer policy

Why Arnolds Park, Iowa?

Arnolds Park sits in the middle of the Iowa Great Lakes region — a beloved Midwestern vacation destination where families have been making memories for over 130 years. On your days off you can swim and paddle in the crystal-clear waters of West Lake Okoboji, rent a boat, try wakeboarding, walk the boardwalk, catch a live band, hunt for treasures at lakeside shops or watch the sunset from the beach.

The park itself is home to the legendary wooden Legend roller coaster, a classic Ferris wheel, arcades and the famous Nutty Bar. Working here means you're part of a genuine piece of American summer culture — friendly small-town hospitality, big-hearted people and endless things to do.

What We're Looking For

• University students aged 18–25 eligible for the J-1 Work & Travel USA program
• Conversational English and confidence talking with guests
• Positive, energetic attitude and a genuine willingness to help people
• Ability to stand for long shifts, work outdoors in warm weather and lift up to 15 kg
• Flexibility to work evenings, weekends and holidays — the park's busiest and most fun times
• Reliability, punctuality and a team-first mindset
• No previous experience required — full training is provided!

Program Benefits

• Competitive $13.50/hour with plenty of hours to earn and save
• Training in food preparation, customer service and cash handling — great for your CV
• Housing assistance available through the employer
• An international team of students from Europe, Asia and Latin America
• Real English practice every single day with American guests and coworkers
• Time to travel across the USA after your program ends

Ready to trade lecture halls for lakeside sunsets? Apply now for the Food & Beverage Attendant position at Arnolds Park Amusement Park and make this the summer you'll talk about for years.

Play, Cheer and Win Every Day at Arnolds Park Amusement Park

Imagine your summer soundtrack: laughter from the roller coaster, waves lapping against the docks of Lake Okoboji, and the ring of the bell when a guest wins a giant plush toy — thanks to you. As a Games Attendant at Arnolds Park Amusement Park in Arnolds Park, Iowa, you'll be at the heart of one of America's oldest and most beloved lakeside amusement parks, where families have been making memories since 1889.

This is a Work & Travel USA position built for outgoing university students who love people, energy and a little friendly competition. You'll earn $13.50 per hour with an impressive 55 hours per week — one of the best earning opportunities of the season, running from summer into fall.

What You'll Be Doing

• Operating classic carnival games such as ring toss, basketball hoops, balloon darts and water races
• Attracting guests with your energy — calling out to the crowd, hyping up players and creating that unforgettable midway atmosphere
• Explaining game rules clearly and fairly to guests of all ages
• Handling cash and card transactions accurately and issuing prizes
• Keeping your game booth clean, stocked with prizes and safely maintained
• Delivering warm, friendly customer service and answering guest questions about the park
• Supporting your teammates across the midway during busy weekends and holidays

Why Arnolds Park, Iowa?

Arnolds Park sits in the famous Iowa Great Lakes region — a resort area of crystal-clear lakes, sandy beaches, boardwalks and lively summer nights. On your days off you can swim and paddleboard on West Lake Okoboji, ride the historic Legend wooden roller coaster, catch live music at the Roof Garden, rent a bike, or grab ice cream on the boardwalk at sunset. The community is small, safe and famously welcoming to international students, and you'll find a large group of J-1 participants from all over the world working in the area each summer.

Weekend adventures are easy too: Minneapolis, Des Moines, Sioux Falls and Omaha are all within road-trip distance for exploring Midwestern America.

What You'll Gain

• $13.50/hour with up to 55 hours per week — excellent savings potential
• A long season from summer into fall, maximizing your total earnings
• Daily English practice with American guests and coworkers
• Real customer service, sales and cash-handling experience for your CV
• A fun, social team environment and lifelong international friendships
• Free or discounted access to park rides and attractions (per employer policy)

What We're Looking For

• University students aged 18–25 with valid Work & Travel USA (J-1) sponsorship
• Conversational to good English — you'll be talking to guests all day
• An outgoing, high-energy personality and a genuine smile
• Ability to stand for long shifts and work outdoors in summer heat
• Flexibility to work evenings, weekends and holidays — the park's busiest times
• Reliability, honesty with cash, and a strong team spirit

Note: This position does not include tips, but the guaranteed hourly rate and high weekly hours make it a strong earner.

Ready to trade lecture halls for a lakeside midway? Apply now for the Games Attendant position at Arnolds Park Amusement Park and make this the summer you'll talk about for years.

Work Where Iowa Comes to Play

Imagine clocking in each morning to the sound of roller coaster riders screaming with joy, the smell of fresh popcorn drifting across the midway, and the sparkling blue water of West Okoboji Lake just steps away. That's a regular workday at Arnolds Park Amusement Park — one of America's oldest amusement parks, operating since 1889 and still the heartbeat of Iowa's Great Lakes region.

As a Park Services Grounds Attendant, you are the reason families walk in and say "wow, this place is gorgeous." You'll be part of the crew that keeps this beloved landmark sparkling from opening bell to closing fireworks.

What You'll Be Doing

• Maintaining the cleanliness and appearance of park grounds, midways, walkways and picnic areas
• Emptying trash and recycling containers and keeping waste areas organized
• Cleaning and restocking restrooms and guest facilities
• Light landscaping support: sweeping, raking, watering plants and tidying garden beds
• Setting up and taking down tables, chairs and equipment for special events and concerts
• Reporting maintenance issues, damaged equipment or safety hazards to supervisors
• Assisting the maintenance team with basic repair and painting projects
• Greeting guests, giving directions and being a friendly ambassador for the park

Why Arnolds Park, Iowa?

Arnolds Park sits on the shore of West Okoboji Lake, consistently ranked among the most beautiful freshwater lakes in the world. This is classic small-town American summer: boat cruises on the Queen II, sandy public beaches, live music at the Roof Garden, ice cream stands, and sunsets that look unreal in photos.

The Iowa Great Lakes region attracts thousands of vacationers every summer, which means a vibrant, youthful atmosphere and plenty of other international students to explore with. Everything is walkable or bikeable, the community is famously welcoming, and after your shift you can jump straight into the lake.

What You'll Earn & Enjoy

• $13.50 per hour with a generous 55 hours per week schedule — one of the strongest earning opportunities in the program
• Overtime potential during peak season and special event weekends
• Free or discounted access to park rides and attractions
• Employee discounts on food and merchandise
• Extended Summer to Fall season — more weeks means more savings for travel
• Team events, staff outings and a genuinely fun crew culture
• Real work experience in facilities, operations and hospitality for your CV

Who We're Looking For

• University students aged 18–25 eligible for the Work & Travel USA program
• Comfortable with physical, active outdoor work in summer heat and occasional rain
• Ability to lift up to 25 kg and stay on your feet during shifts
• Conversational English and a friendly, guest-focused attitude
• Reliable, punctual and ready to work weekends, evenings and holidays
• Team player with attention to detail and pride in a job well done

Ready for a Summer You'll Never Forget?

This is more than a maintenance job — it's a season on the shores of one of America's most loved lakes, with steady hours, strong earnings and memories that last long after the fireworks fade. Apply now — positions at Arnolds Park fill fast every season.