Mount Rushmore National Memorial - Xanterra Travel Collection

Avenue of Flags
Gift Shop
Rushmore View
Badlands, South Dakota

Live. Work. Explore. in Mount Rushmore National Memorial!

Mount Rushmore National Memorial symbolizes the ideals of freedom and democracy; it is a tribute to four presidents: Washington, Jefferson, Roosevelt, and Lincoln, and their invaluable contributions to the founding, expansion, preservation, and unification of the United States. Each year, more than 3 million visitors from all over the world come to visit our nation’s Shrine of Democracy.

Mt Rushmore is located in the Black Hills National Forest of western South Dakota. Above dense forests and pristine streams, the Mount Rushmore National Memorial represents a national treasure.

Jobs in the Spotlight

About Mount Rushmore National Memorial - Xanterra Travel Collection

While here at Mount Rushmore National Memorial, you'll become closer to the wilderness, closer to different people and closer to yourself. When you leave you take the spirit of the Memorial with you; not just photographs, souvenirs, and addresses, but something of far greater value - a special awareness about yourself, the United States, and your future.

Xanterra is the concessionaire in charge of operating the public, non-government guest services at the Memorial. The hospitality services we provide include a cafeteria, ice cream, and fudge shops and a world-class gift shop. As Mount Rushmore receives millions of visitors each summer, our employees have one goal in mind: to make sure every visitor enjoys their stay. Not all jobs are glamorous and, make no mistake about it, they all require work. But, a summer living and working in the Black Hills can provide memories and friendships that will last a lifetime. We encourage you to continue reading, and discover how you can become a part of Mount Rushmore history!


COVID-19 Health & Safety Program: Learn more about how we are keeping our employees and guests safe.

The Employee Experience

At Mount Rushmore National Memorial, we are a welcoming community of employees who work hard, share a real passion for the environment, and enjoy creating memorable experiences for our guests. The work you will be doing will be highly customer-oriented. The privilege of living for a summer at Mount Rushmore is an experience unmatched elsewhere.

Your "Mount Rushmore experience" includes the opportunity to meet a wide cross-section of visitors and fellow employees from all over the world. For some, a summer at Mount Rushmore is a step on the road to other careers and different places; for others, it is the first step in a career in the hospitality industry.

Ideal Candidate

We are looking for employees who are willing to work hard, enjoy working with and for others, and take pride in a job well done. We expect that you will work hard when you are scheduled to work. Each of us at Xanterra is committed to providing first-class service for the more than three million people who visit Mount Rushmore each year. In order to accomplish this, employees who are willing to make a similar commitment to excellence in their own personal standards and work habits are needed.

Room and Board

Your Home in the Hills!

Housing at Mount Rushmore is one of the best employee accommodations in the National Parks. The dormitory-style residence, Kay Riordan-Steuerwald Hall, offers housing for more than 120 employees. Completely carpeted, furnished with a desk secretary and bed, each room has a private bath/shower and secure closets. Check out this video of our dorms!

  • A family-style common room contains a TV and there is an on-site fitness room.
  • Wi-fi and laundry facilities are also provided.
  • Shuttle services are provided during peak season to transport employees to work or meals.
  • Employees are responsible for personal conduct and cleanliness in assigned residences. The dormitory is a SMOKE-FREE building.
  • Employee meals are served in the Employee Dining Room.
  • Lodging and meals are provided at a cost of $107.00 per week which is deducted from each paycheck.
  • Dormitory housing for married couples is available only when the Company employs both, with limited availability.
  • RV sites are available at a cost that includes water, sewer, and electricity. Units must be fully self-contained and no older than 1980.

Employee Perks

We offer:

  • Employee Retail and Food and Beverage discounts
  • $350 Referral Bonus
  • Xanterra Lodging Discounts across all properties
  • Trips to various Black Hills attractions
  • Employee VIP card to local attractions
  • Wellness, learning, and development programs

Getting Here and Getting Around

We recommend employees using his or her own transportation to and from Mount Rushmore, we do offer shuttle service to/from the Airport and Bus Station in Rapid City, weekly shopping trips, and to/from work from the dormitory. 

For Fun

What's it like to work at Mount Rushmore and live in the Black Hills area?

You may never tire of seeing The Memorial ~ each day the faces will change with the weather and the sunlight. A short stroll along the Presidential Trail will provide close access to the sculpture. More intimate views of the artwork are available along the way as either a self- guided or ranger-guided walk. Two other trails lead to Borglum View Terrace and the Sculptor’s Studio: One is a nature trail that starts from the main entryway; the other is a steep trail with uneven steps that starts from Grandview Terrace.

We hope that you will also enjoy exploring the Black Hills area, including Wind Cave National Park, Custer State Park, Badlands National Park, Devil’s Tower National Monument, Crazy Horse Monument and Rapid City. Camping, hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding are just a few of the things you can do outdoors. Rapid City is close by when you need something civilization can provide.

How to Apply

Employees must be 18 years old to live in the housing facilities at Mount Rushmore National Memorial.

AVAILABILITY DATES: Our busy season begins in May and lasts into September. Some positions start in early April and last until mid-October. Your employment chances improve if you can arrive early and work through September or later. Be realistic and specific about the exact dates you will be available, as these dates become part of your Employment Agreement.

INTERNATIONAL APPLICANTS: Applicants must have a J-1 visa through CIEE or Janus International. We are unable to sponsor applicants for employment.


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