Camp Denali

UPDATES: Hiring!

Hiring:

LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION: Denali National Park, Alaska

WAGES: At least $17.50/hour; $26.25/OT hour

TIPS: Yes, approximately $500/person/month

ROOM & BOARD: Free room and professionally prepared meals 

TRAVEL STIPEND: Yes, $500 for staff coming from the Lower 48 

SCHEDULE: Typically 52 - 60 hours/week; five days on, two days off

DATES: Applicants should have full-season availability, from May 24 through September 15, 2022

Camp Denali is committed to serving wholesome and flavorful food, expertly presented, and prepared using the highest quality local and organic ingredients. We are proud to say that 100% of the meat, poultry, eggs, and seafood served in our dining room are Alaska-grown. Our onsite greenhouse and raised beds are the source of our very own organic produce.

A team environment characterizes our kitchen--we emphasize cooperation over hierarchy, and collaboration over autonomy. 

The Dinner Cook position is a food service leadership role that assists in the training and supervision of an Assistant Cook and Kitchen Helper, prepares dinner for guests (approximately 24 people) and staff (approximately 30), participates in cleaning tasks, and is responsible for overall kitchen organization and cleanliness during the shift.

Ideally, applicants will have at least two years of cooking experience in a fine dining environment. The job requires the creation of premium quality products made from basic ingredients, without dependence on pre-made, commercial mixes. Experience and demonstrated ability with volume production, portion control, plating and garnishing, meat fabrication, vegetarian cooking, organization, and time and space management are also necessary. This position is appropriate for someone with a well-developed palate and an artistic eye for presentation. To achieve success in this position, a dinner cook must demonstrate aptitude and willingness to patiently mentor and to guide others in a team-oriented environment, as well as being open and comfortable receiving feedback and guidance.

Beyond the hard skills that are needed for the job, we're looking for individuals who are excited about being part of a small, thriving community and interested in contributing to a cooperative, professional kitchen. You'll do well here if you also have a desire to explore Denali National Park, disconnect from technology, and share in creating an experience for our guests that is beyond compare.  

We live and work in a remote area, and we take your safety seriously. We are requiring that staff (and guests) be fully vaccinated and boosted against COVID-19. 

Staff Perks:

• Access to and use of a picturesque, timber-frame, mountaintop cabin with 360 views of Wonder Lake and the Alaska Range

• Free access to viewing our Special Emphasis Series evening programs

• Use of bikes, canoes, and fishing equipment, when not in use by our guests

• Overnight kit (two-person tent, sleeping pads, bear canister, stove) available to borrow

• Participation in our Naturalist Guided Hikes, as space allows

• Free housing for one night at Parkside Guest House in Anchorage, both on your way to and from work with us

• Access to discounts with outfitting companies
  

• Opportunities for personal visitors to stay on our properties

• Off-season professional development support to build skills related to your position with us

Additional Information About Camp Denali

Camp Denali is a wilderness lodge, located in the heart of Denali National Park, Alaska. We have been family-owned and operated since day one, back in 1952. Our founders envisioned a guest experience that centered on experiential learning about nature and cultural heritage long before "ecotourism" was popularized. For many years, our staff was composed of guests who simply could not get enough.

Camp Denali is located at the end of Denali National Park's 90-mile gravel road. Due to a road closure at mile 43, we will be operating as a fly-in lodge for the 2022 and 2023 seasons. Staff remain onsite for the duration of the season, but have a six-million acre park to explore. Camp Denali is the only lodge inside the park with a view of the Alaska Range on a clear day.

Members of our staff community range in age from ten years old to 70, with the average age being around 30. Some individuals have extensive hiking and outdoors experience before arriving, while others have never been hiking or camping in their life. Interests include reading, learning, dance, fiber arts, woodworking, painting, music, writing, playing games, and much more.

Each season's activities are determined and shaped by that season's staff. There is at least one company-sponsored non-alcoholic staff party each month. Past parties have included a talent show, murder mystery, white elephant gift exchange, scavenger hunt, and field day. Other favorite activities in recent years have included a triathlon, karaoke night, and a weekly writer's club. Each year one of these parties entails a homemade gift exchange.