Job Openings at Kenai Riverside Lodge

Seasonal Management

Food and Beverage Manager

The Food & Beverage Manager oversees all kitchen operations and dining service at the Kenai Riverside Lodge, including guest and staff meal ordering and preparation. This position collaborates with department managers and cooks for a cohesive, high quality guest dining experience. The Food & Beverage Manager is involved in training and supervision of department staff; ordering and tracking all supplies; and daily coordination with other department managers, including the Kenai Backcountry Lodge manager.

Job Requirements/Preferred Qualifications:

  • Minimum of 5 years professional restaurant, kitchen or hospitality experience and some experience in a management position
  • Proven skills as a professional lead cook or as a restaurant manager or other hospitality industry manager
  • Proven capabilities in organizing hospitality and/or restaurant services and in supervising hospitality/restaurant staff
  • Ability to create or plan and prepare restaurant-quality, wholesome guest meals with a gourmet flair
  • Excellent communication skills and the ability to work in a positive manner with all types of people
  • Ability to organize and track financial records such as charge account receipts, payroll forms, check packets and petty cash
  • Ability to perform multiple duties and function in a dynamic work environment with changing priorities
  • Ability to live and work in a communal, camplike atmosphere
  • Willingness to be an active and positive member of a management team, with the ability to integrate different opinions and priorities when solving problems.

Duties may include and are not limited to:

Train and supervise all Hospitality Department staff including cooks, packers, housekeepers and dishwashers. Coordinate all Hospitality services with the management team and make sure all services are provided at acceptable levels. This includes adherence to all schedules, quality control, staff scheduling and direct service oversight. Order, organize and inventory all food and other hospitality supplies. This includes researching and eTrain, supervise and schedule all Cooks, Trip Packers, Bakers, and Servers. Menu development and kitchen operations will be in collaboration with Head Chef. Coordinate all Hospitality services with the management team to ensure all services are provided at acceptable levels. This includes adherence to all schedules, quality control, staff scheduling and direct service oversight. Order, organize and inventory all food and other hospitality supplies. This includes researching and establishing relationships with vendors, planning supply orders in advance to maximize cost efficiency, and monitoring supply consumption and waste. Work directly with Kitchen staff to directly monitor staff performance, guest service levels and quality control. Create all staff work schedules, monitor staff as they check in and out, approve and monitor all overtime, track all staff hours worked and accurately report payroll to AWA Staff Account on a bi-weekly basis. Supervise and monitor Hospitality staff regarding their adherence to Personnel Policies and Group Living Guidelines.

This management position demands a high level of organization, leadership, attention to detail and exemplary customer service skills. Salary is DOE. Applicant must be available May 1 – September 30.


Housekeeping Manager

Oversees and participates in all of the daily housekeeping and cabin cleaning at Kenai Riverside Lodge. Responsibilities include: directing the housekeeping team with daily flow, logistics, and oversight; working alongside the housekeepers to clean all guest and staff areas; communicating with department heads to ensure seamless guest service; and motivating housekeepers to adhere to quality standards and deadlines. This is a supervisory role that will provide training, knowledge, support and feedback to support staff. Previous housekeeping or supervisory experience required. Pay is DOE.

Job Requirements/Preferred Qualifications:

  • Cheerful and enthusiastic attitude
  • Able to work within a team structure and also independently in different roles and in a flexible manner to accomplish a variety of tasks, including but not limited to: cleaning guest cabins thoroughly, demonstrating high attention to detail, balancing several time sensitive tasks and delegating accordingly. Previous hospitality experience and experience in a management position strongly preferred.
  • Proven capabilities in organizing hospitality services and in supervising hospitality staff
  • Excellent communication skills and the ability to work in a positive manner with all types of people
  • Ability to perform multiple duties and function in a dynamic work environment with changing priorities
  • Willingness to be an active and positive member of a management team, with the ability to integrate different opinions and priorities when solving problems
  • Strong computer skills required, including but not limited to Microsoft Word, Excel and Google Docs
  • Certifications required: Alaska Food Workers Card, Alaska TAPs (Training for Alcohol Professionals) Card, CPR and First Aid

Scenic Rafting Manager

The Boathouse Manager will coordinate our Kenai Riverside Lodge-based Day Trip and Safari Rafting Program. This position will typically work a 40-hour week but must be flexible to work more, especially during the training period of May and early June. Day-to-day schedule may fluctuate depending on arrivals and guest occupancy at the lodge. This dynamic position requires experience in staff leadership and supervision, program logistics and scheduling, and Alaska natural history interpretation.

Job Requirements/Qualifications:

  • Familiarity with AWA programs or similar experience in ecotourism (Alaska experience preferred)
  • Excellent organizational skills, detail oriented, self-motivated, and self-managing
  • Strong communication skills with other managers and employees
  • Ability to live in communal, camp-like atmosphere. Housing and food is provided at our Kenai Riverside Lodge in Cooper Landing
  • Natural history interpretation training skills preferred
  • Management/supervisory experience preferred
  • Working knowledge of raft/frame maintenance
  • Ability to understand the nature of training boathouse staff how to be excellent guides who are knowledgeable, safe and professional
  • Competent with computers (familiarity with Microsoft Word, email and Excel programs)

Duties may include and are not limited to:

Anticipating the needs of and preparing for the operation of the boathouse. Organizing and leading a 7-day training session for new raft guides focusing on safety, skills training and boathouse systems. On-site logistics, scheduling, program development and troubleshooting throughout the operating season. Briefing, debriefing, and supervision of Boathouse staff. Mid-season and end of season staff evaluation and field involvement. Perform general maintenance and upkeep of rafts and gear. Working with the mechanic to ensure Boathouse outboard motors receive proper maintenance. Greeting Boathouse guests and handling guest complaints. Communicating with the Girdwood and Cooper Landing operations offices. The Boathouse Manager is expected to be a team player with other AWA managers and to fill in with general and priority tasks as necessary. Serving as lead in natural history interpretive technique training of guides. Evaluating program risk management, assisting Operations Manager in developing safety plans to lessen risks to employees and guests. Maintaining contact with staff of all departments, attending evening programs and other presentations, participating in daily program activities, managing all group floats and working closely with Safari program in determining rafting needs. Assisting in the continual development of natural history programs. Quality control of all aspects of the Boathouse and assisting with general operations of camp. Coordinate and compile guest feedback forms, Keeping Lodge Manager informed of timely negative and positive guest feedback and making recommendations based on overall guest feedback.

This management position demands a high level of organization, leadership, attention to detail and exemplary customer service skills. Salary is DOE. Applicant must be available May 1 to September 15.

Hospitality

Essential Requirements for Hospitality Positions:

  • Cheerful and enthusiastic attitude during long days working in tight quarters.
  • Possess the ability to work within a team structure and in a flexible manner to accomplish a variety of tasks.
  • Ability to live and work in a communal, camp-like atmosphere.

Lodge Coordinator

This position is the lead dining attendant for our lodge dinner services. Will supervise a team of 2-3 servers and create a polished and enjoyable guest dining experience. Must have a comprehensive knowledge of the beer, wine and dinner menu. This is a supervisory role that will provide training, knowledge, support and delegation to support staff for all processes. A primary responsibility is maintaining the overall cleanliness of the lodge. Will be in direct communication with the Food & Beverage Manager to convey inventory needs. Previous serving/bartending experience is required.


Hospitality Staffer

Our hospitality staff is the backbone of our guest experience. Whether cleaning cabins or serving dinner, we consider our work an opportunity to demonstrate care for our guests and each other. This position is responsible for a variety of day-to-day guest services and will support all other hospitality positions. This includes cabin cleaning, dinner service, dish washing, bartending and cleaning of staff common areas. Must be organized, personable, and have a great attitude and teamwork ethic. Pay is DOE.

Office

Essential Requirements for Office Positions:

  • Possess computer skills in word processing, data entry, reservation systems, spreadsheets, Excel, Google Docs and Google Calendar. Microsoft Office literacy preferred.
  • Professional and cheerful phone and guest reception.
  • Comfortable with meeting and greeting walk-in guests.
  • Organized and conscientious at handling inventory and retail sales.
  • Ability to live and work in a communal, camp-like atmosphere.

Office Lead

In addition to regular office operations, such as data entry, reservation processing, phone calls, trip sales, gift shop sales, payment processing and guest reception, this position provides managerial relief for two days a week and assists with leadership tasks.


Office Assistant

Carry out various office functions including data entry, reservation processing, phone calls, trip sales, gift shop sales, payment processing and guest reception. Work in fast-paced environment with a great deal of guest contact and service. Pay is DOE.

Culinary Staff

Essential Requirements for all Culinary Staff Positions:

  • Cheerful and enthusiastic attitude during long days working in tight quarters.
  • Possess the ability to work within a team structure and in a flexible manner to accomplish a variety of tasks.
  • Ability to create, plan and prepare restaurant-quality, wholesome guest meals with a gourmet flair for several groups of people at the same time.
  • Ability to live and work in a communal, camp-like atmosphere.

Head Chef

This position takes leadership of the dinner shift and has oversight and training involvement of dinner service staff. Main responsibilities include menu planning, guest dinner preparation, supervision of kitchen employees, and working with the Hospitality Manager to address both guest and staff needs. This position also helps with creating ordering and inventory lists, quality control and recipe standardization. Must have the ability to accommodate a wide array of ever-changing dietary restrictions, and some previous wine and beer knowledge.


Lead Cook

This position will cover the duties of the Head Chef 2 days a week and take leadership over the kitchen and dinner service. The other days will consist of working alongside the Head Chef to prepare and present hearty, delicious family-style 3-course meals, as well as preparing staff dinner. Must have experience in menu creation and an ability to accommodate a wide variety of dietary restrictions. 


Lead Breakfast Cook

This position takes full leadership of the breakfast shift by cooking and presenting buffet-style breakfasts on a rotating schedule. This position requires someone who is willing to get up early to start his or her breakfast shift at 3 a.m. and work until 11:30 a.m. Responsibilities include putting breakfast out on time, quality control of food, oversight of meal preparation, baking and providing excellent guest service. A great attitude is a must as you will be the first person greeting our guests each day. Previous cooking experience required.


Cook

This position will work alongside the Head Chef in preparing and presenting hearty, delicious family-style, 3-course meals each night. They will also support the Chef in preparing staff dinner and occasional salmon bake lunches for special groups. Must have experience in food preparation and sanitation procedures. Must be flexible, have a great teamwork ethic, and a cooperative and positive attitude.


Lead Baker

The Lead Baker is responsible for guest desserts, breads, cookies and other snacks for packed lunches and excursions. They will also assist dinner cooks with guest dinner preparation and daily staff dinner. During peak season some early shift hours will be devoted to supporting the lead breakfast cook with service. Some previous professional baking experience required, as well as familiarity with maintaining a clean and orderly workspace according to industry standards. Must have the ability to work independently without regular oversight.


Baker/Breakfast Swing

The Baker/Breakfast Swing is responsible for covering the main duties of the Lead Breakfast Cook and the Lead Baker on their days off. This job requires early morning starts, ranging between 3 a.m. and 6 a.m. with a positive attitude. Professional cooking experience and some baking experience is ideal. Must be capable of working independently without regular oversight, and have familiarity with maintaining a clean and orderly workspace according to industry standards. 


Cache Coordinator

Responsible for overseeing the production of packed lunches and meals for a variety of different day trips, as well as receiving and maintaining proper storage of the majority of all food and related materials at the Kenai Riverside Lodge. Communicates with the heads of several departments on a daily basis to meet a variety of needs. Previous kitchen experience organizing, rotating and inventorying product is required. This position oversees the stocking and monitoring of the employee kitchen. This is a supervisory role that leads a small team of trip packers and ensures the adherence to proper food safety and storage protocols. Pay is DOE.


Trip Packer

Prepares and packs travel meals for all Alaska Wildland Adventures trips, including lunches for all AWA guests. The trip packer is also responsible for providing the employee kitchen with sandwich meats, cheeses, spreads and other essential lunch fixings. Coordinates commissary equipment and supplies. Must be organized and detail-oriented. Pay is DOE.

Maintenance

Maintenance Lead

Must have variety of experience in routine landscaping, basic construction, plumbing, electrical, etc. Must have a variety of experience in routine landscaping, basic construction, plumbing, electrical, etc. Experience driving with trailers, and/or driving airporter vans or buses is preferred (A Class “C” CDL license is a plus). Responsibilities include taking the lead with maintenance of the lodge facilities, helping with rafting and fishing shuttles as needed, working with the Basecamp Manager to ensure all groundskeeping duties are completed, helping with season opening and closing procedures, and problem solving any maintenance related issues that may arise. 


Vehicle Mechanic

Performs basic repairs and preventative maintenance on boat, raft and cargo trailers, outboard motors, 15 passenger vans, and airporter style buses. Experience driving with trailers and/or buses and a Class “C” CDL is strongly preferred. Must have experience with purchasing and proven skills in vehicle maintenance procedures. Willing to provide extra Basecamp support with groundskeeping and shuttles as needed. 

Driving

Essential Requirements for all Driver Positions:

  • Exceptional guest service and ability to problem solve.
  • Flexibility and accuracy in dealing with complicated logistics and scheduling.
  • Ability to work independently and as a team member.
  • Willingness to learn and share the natural and cultural history of the area.
  • Neat, clean and appropriate appearance.
  • Ability to routinely lift and load luggage, supplies and equipment (up to 75 pounds).
  • Ability to live and work in a communal, camp-like atmosphere.

Preference given to applicants who possess:

  • Experience driving large vehicles, 15-passenger vans or CDL passenger vehicles.
  • State of Alaska class “C” Commercial Driver License with a Passenger endorsement (or equivalent), or the ability and willingness to obtain a class “C” license during staff training.
  • Ability to pass a pre-employment physical and drug screen and participate in a random drug and alcohol screening program as required by the DOT.

Alaska Adventure Trip Driver

This is a great stepping-stone for those who want to return to Alaska in future summers as a guide. Many of our guide staff started out as drivers and moved into guiding positions as they picked up experience and appropriate skills. We prefer applicants who have some experience with driving large vehicles, group facilitation, customer service and natural history interpretation.

Alaska Adventure Trip Driver trainees must attend our focused driver training and then join the rest of the staff for our comprehensive training sessions. This summer’s training session for drivers begins in mid to late April. Contact our hiring office for more details.

Alaska Adventure Trip Drivers must hold a Class “C” CDL with a passenger endorsement or greater, be “checked-off” by AWA trainers and be able to participate in a random drug and alcohol screening program for the duration of the season. Pay is DOE.


Basecamp Driver

Exceptional guest service is a must. You are the first impression for guests when you pick them up from the airport. We prefer applicants who have an innate desire to share natural history and interpretive information while safely navigating the roadways. This position is a great way to build skills and make the jump to guiding. When you aren’t picking up rafting or fishing shuttles or guests from the airport, you will assist with camp maintenance, landscaping and other projects. Strong preference is given to applicants with skills they can apply when they are out from behind the wheel. Likewise, experience driving with trailers, buses or a Class “C” CDL is a plus.

Fishing Program

Fishing Guide

Our guides operate drift boats and/or powerboats while guiding up to 4 clients at a time, fishing for rainbow trout, Dolly Varden and several salmon species. Applicants must be well-rounded anglers and proficient in a variety of fishing techniques and styles, including various single-hand fly fishing techniques, plugging, backtrolling, and spin fishing. Candidates with Alaska or Pacific Northwest fishing experience, previous guiding experience and rowing/powerboat handling skills are preferred. Compensation package includes salary based on experience, guide licensing fees, boats, vehicles, rods & reels, all terminal tackle and lines, industry incentives (i.e. discounted fishing gear) and subsidized room and board.

Essential Requirements for Fish Guide Positions:

  • Have the ability to work within a team and maintain a positive attitude during long days of work.
  • Possess or have the ability and experience to obtain a Restricted Operator of Uninspected Vessels (ROUPV) or greater Merchant Mariner Credential. (For details regarding license requirements please contact our hiring office.)
  • Possess or have the ability to obtain a current Wilderness First Aid (WFA) or higher certification.
  • Pass a pre-employment physical and drug screen and participate in a random drug screening program as required by Alaska State Parks and the United States Coast Guard.
  • Ability to live and work in a communal, camp-like atmosphere.
  • Have the ability to lift heavy loads (up to 100 pounds).
  • Must be AT LEAST 23 years old by employment start date.

Fishing Logistics Assistant

Supports Program Manager and Administrator with all aspects of operations and coordination of the fishing program. Must have some knowledge of fishing as a business, customer service experience, strong administrative skills and the ability to work within a team structure. Applicants with Alaska fishing lodge experience, flexibility, strong verbal communication skills and a positive attitude are preferred. Must have valid driver’s license and ability to complete driver training, including operation of large vehicles with trailers. Current First Aid/CPR certification required. $15 per hour minimum wage based on experience plus industry incentives (i.e. discounted fishing gear, guided and non-guided fishing opportunities, etc.) and subsidized room and board.


Fishing Guide Assistant/Shuttle Driver

Responsibilities include general maintenance tasks, fish packing, driving shuttle to/from boat launches, cleaning boats and vehicles, and guest services. Must have valid driver’s license and ability to complete driver training, including operation of large vehicles with trailers. Experience driving with trailers, job flexibility and ability to work within a team environment preferred. Current First Aid/CPR certification required. $15 per hour minimum wage based on experience plus industry incentives (i.e. discounted fishing gear, guided and non-guided fishing opportunities, etc.) and subsidized room and board.

Guiding and Outdoor Leadership

Essential Requirements for Guiding and Outdoor Leadership Positions:

We search for outdoor leaders who genuinely enjoy working with people. More than anything else, this is the critical factor in determining if potential applicants will make GREAT trip leaders.

Trip leaders have to be more than naturalists; they have to be willing to work long days, provide first-rate, high-quality guest service, act as positive problem solvers, be team players, (e.g. ready to help bus dinner tables or carry luggage as enthusiastically as identifying a wildflower while hiking),  and thrive off the unexpected events that often occur while traveling throughout Alaska’s wild lands. 

Our outdoor leaders must have:

  • Previous guiding and/or naturalist experience preferred
  • The ability to work within a team structure in order to make all operations run smoothly. Share the responsibilities and benefits of running trips
  • Wilderness First Responder or higher preferred
  • With training, able to safely raft up to Class III whitewater
  • Comply with all State Park and Coast Guard regulations as they apply to guides, including being able to participate in pre-employment and random drug and alcohol screening program for the duration of the season
  • Valid driver’s license and ability to complete driver training, including operation of large vehicles with trailers
  • Have and/or willing to learn skills in interpreting natural and cultural history of Alaska while in vehicles, on trails, rafting, or giving an evening program
  • Willingness to live and work in a communal “camp” like environment

Kenai Guide

Supports our Alaska Adventures Multi-Day, Lodge Vacation, and Day Trip programs with activities based out of The Kenai Riverside Lodge. This position primarily consists of leading and/or co-guiding day hikes on local trails and rowing rafting trips on the Kenai River, and calls for a love of rugged terrain and appreciation of all kinds of weather. Kenai Guides not only work with trip leaders to co-guide activities with their groups, but also frequently operate as solo guides for our Lodge Vacation and Day Trip guests. This affords employees opportunities to learn from other experienced guides as well as stretch their legs as leaders. We are looking for applicants who are willing to perform a variety of other tasks including general camp maintenance and chores on days that activity bookings are light. $15 per hour minimum wage based on experience plus industry incentives (e.g. discounted gear, guided and non-guided activity opportunities, etc) and subsidized room and board.

Job Requirements:

  • Previous guiding and/or naturalist experience preferred. 
  • Wilderness First Responder or higher required
  • With training, able to safely raft up to Class III whitewater
  • Comply with all State Park and Coast Guard regulations as they apply to guides, including being able to participate in pre-employment and random drug and alcohol screening program for the duration of the season
  • Must have valid driver’s license and ability to complete driver training, including operation of large vehicles with trailers

Rafting Guide

Responsible for rowing raft trips on the Kenai River for our Alaska Adventures Multi-Day, Lodge Vacation, and Day Trip programs. We offer full and half-day river trips with a focus on natural history interpretation. Employees must be willing to provide lodge support such as driving raft shuttles, running town errands, and performing camp chores (e.g. yard work) as parts of their job. Must have a strong desire to provide excellent guest service, innate curiosity and willingness to learn and share natural and cultural history of the area, and ability to work independently and as a member of a team. Preference is given to applicants with prior whitewater rafting experience. $15 per hour minimum wage based on experience plus industry incentives (i.e. discounted gear, guided and non-guided activity opportunities, etc.) and subsidized room and board.

Job Requirements:

  • Previous guiding and/or naturalist experience preferred. 
  • Wilderness First Aid required
  • With training, able to safely raft up to Class III whitewater
  • Comply with all State Park and Coast Guard regulations as they apply to guides, including being able to participate in pre-employment and random drug and alcohol screening program for the duration of the season
  • Must have valid driver’s license and ability to complete driver training, including operation of large vehicles with trailers

Boathouse Manager

Responsible for leading our Kenai River Rafting Program and managing the Lodge’s boathouse facility, guides, and equipment. This position must demonstrate leadership by communicating effectively and inspiring passion in guides through constructive, positive, approaches and help to create and maintain high morale within the Boathouse through a positive and passionate attitude. The employee will also lead river guide training with a focus on safety protocols and procedures, environmental standards, and education regarding best practices. Throughout the season, the Boathouse Manager coordinates guides’ schedules in conjunction with bookings, as well as rows rafting trips, runs shuttles, and completes camp chores as neccessary. This position serves as point of contact for Operations Manager, Basecamp Manager, mechanic and guides to identify maintenance needs and proactively help facilitate repair and maintenance of boats and equipment. They will also work with Operations Manager to identify and plan for Boathouse equipment and gear needs throughout the operating season and in preparation for off-season purchasing.

Job Requirements:

  • 5 years previous river guiding and managment experience preferred
  • Wilderness First Responder or higher required
  • Must comply with all Coast Guard regulations as they apply to guides, including being able to participate in pre-employment and random drug and alcohol screening program for the duration of the season
  • Must have valid driver’s license and experience operating large vehicles with trailers
  • Willing to live and work in a communal “camp” like environment
  • Great customer service
  • Competent with computers and Windows operating system; working knowledge of Google Drive Programs
  • Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
  • Ability to manage, train, and schedule guide staff while providing constructive feedback to enhance their job performance
  • Ability to multitask and problem solve under time constraints
  • Affinity for natural history and interest in expanding knowledge of eco-tourism, Alaska, and the Alaska tourism experience

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