McGrath Clambakes Inc

Serve Up New England's Most Famous Summer Tradition

Imagine spending your Work & Travel USA summer on the shores of Newport, Rhode Island – setting up oceanfront tables, serving steaming lobster and clams, and watching the sun sink into the Atlantic while live music plays in the background. That's a regular workday at McGrath Clambakes Inc, one of Newport's best-loved catering and recreation companies, specialising in authentic New England clambakes, weddings and seaside celebrations.

We're hiring energetic international students as Catering Assistants for the summer-to-fall season. If you enjoy teamwork, movement and meeting new people every single day, this is your job.

What You'll Be Doing

• Setting up and breaking down event sites: tables, chairs, tents, linens, buffet lines and decorations
• Assisting the culinary team with food preparation, plating and serving classic clambake fare – lobster, steamers, corn on the cob, chowder and more
• Greeting and serving guests at weddings, corporate outings, beach parties and private events
• Refilling buffets, clearing tables and keeping service areas clean and organised
• Washing and packing equipment, loading and unloading catering vans
• Working closely with your crew to make every event run smoothly from start to finish

Pay & Hours

• $16.00 per hour – a strong New England wage
• 32 hours per week guaranteed, with extra hours often available during peak wedding season
• Tips included – gratuities from happy guests can add a very welcome boost to your weekly earnings
• Season: Summer through Fall – stay for the beautiful New England autumn if your visa dates allow

Why Newport, Rhode Island?

Newport is a classic American coastal town and one of the most popular Work & Travel destinations on the East Coast. Think Gilded Age mansions, the famous Cliff Walk, sandy beaches like Easton's and Second Beach, sailing yachts in the harbour, world-famous jazz and folk festivals, and a downtown packed with cafés, ice-cream shops and international students just like you. Boston is about 1.5 hours away and New York City is an easy weekend trip – perfect for exploring on your days off.

What We're Looking For

• University students aged 18–25 with a valid J-1 Work & Travel visa
• Conversational English and a friendly, guest-focused attitude
• Ability to stand, walk and lift up to 20 kg during shifts (events are active work!)
• Flexibility for evenings, weekends and holidays – that's when the parties happen
• Reliability, punctuality and a positive team spirit
• No previous catering experience required – full training is provided

Perks of the Job

• Meals often provided during events
• Fast-paced, social work environment with a young international team
• Real hospitality and event-management experience for your CV
• Uniform provided
• Transportation to event sites from the company base

Spots fill quickly for Newport. Apply now and spend your American summer serving lobster by the sea, making friends from around the world and building memories that last far longer than the season.