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The Island House

Come Work & Live where others Vacation!

Mackinac Island is a unique place located between Michigan's rugged upper and lower peninsulas where Lake Huron and Lake Michigan meet. There are no motor vehicles on the Island, which is accessible only by ferry, plane and private watercraft - no rush hour, no commute and clean air welcome you for your summer of work and play!

Summer jobs on Mackinac Island

Originally built in 1852, The Island House was the first summer hotel on Mackinac Island. Today, completely renovated, The Island House Hotel boasts 94 rooms, an indoor pool, the 1852 Grill Room, and The Ice House Bar and Grill.

Our family of businesses on the island also include: Ryba’s Fudge Shops, several Starbuck’s stores, Mary’s Bistro, the Pancake House, Fred’s Hamburgers, and Harbor Place Apartments.

Working on Mackinac Island is a truly unique experience. The Island House, and its family of businesses, offer some of the best employment opportunities on the Island.

Our Jobs

Jobs begin in early May and run through late October. We accept candidates that are available to work for varying lengths of time. Please keep in mind the later in the season a person can work the better, as many positions run through late October.

sous chef and line cooks needed on Mackinac Island

Currently Hiring

Barista (Seasonal)
Bartender (Seasonal)
Bartender (Seasonal)
Bike Rental Staff (Seasonal)
Closing Manager (Seasonal)
Creative Sous Chef (Seasonal)
Executive Chef (Seasonal)
Executive Housekeeper (Seasonal)

Front Desk Clerk (Seasonal)
Line Cooks (Seasonal)
Pancake House Wait Staff (Seasonal)
Sales Clerk (Seasonal)
Shop Manager @ Ryba's Fudge Shop (Seasonal)
Sous Chef (Seasonal)
Wait Staff (Seasonal)
Wait Staff (Seasonal)

Jobs in the Spotlight

Creative Sous Chef for our waterfont restaurant on Mackinac Island

Posted: Apr 04, 2013

Seasonal Professional - Creative Sous Chef

Wait Staff Positions available at a Beautiful Water Front Restaurant

Posted: Apr 02, 2013

Seasonal Entry Level - Wait Staff

Bartender for an Historic Hotel with a Water Front Restaurant on Mackinac Island

Posted: Apr 02, 2013

Seasonal Entry Level - Bartender

Room and Board

Housing is dormitory style. We have men's and women's dorm. During the peak of the season, room occupancy will vary from 2 to 4 so be prepared to share a room.

There are shared common living areas in the dorms that all residents have access to. The dorms are fully furnished and there is cable television in the common areas. There are also kitchen facilities available with full size stoves, microwaves, and refrigerators for residents use.

Coin operated laundry machines are also located in each dorm.

We do have very limited couples housing available. For select positions Management housing is also available outside of the dorms.

Housing is provided at a cost of $65.00 per week.

Perks

All employees receive a 33% discount at company owned restaurants; including the Ice House, Mary’s Bistro, the Pancake House, the 1852 Grill Room, and Fred’s.

Hotel Discount–When booked through proper reservation channels The Island House and receive a 33% discount.

There is a seasonal bonus program for hourly employees.

Summer jobs on Mackinac Island

Getting Here and Getting Around

There are no cars on Mackinac Island. The main modes of transportation are horse drawn buggy and bicycle.

All new and returning employees must arrange their own transportation to and from Mackinac Island. In addition, the employee must cover all relocation costs incurred. It will be necessary to take a ferry from the Mainland to Mackinac Island. The cost is about $25.00 for a round trip ticket. There are three ferry companies that service the Island.

Automobile Storage-If you intend to bring an car with you it will be necessary to store it on the mainland, since there are no motorized vehicles allowed on the island. Each of the three ferry lines that service the Island offers car storage.

Since there are no cars on the Island, it is suggested that you bring a bicycle.

Starline: or 1-800-638-9892
Shepler’s: or 1-800-828-6157
Arnold Line: or 1-800-542-8528

Summer jobs on Mackinac Island

For Fun

Mackinac is made for the outdoors person. 80% of the Island is a State Park with an excellent trail system perfect for mountain biking, trail running, and hiking. The trails are also open to horseback riding. There are two golf courses on the island as well as public tennis courts. And don’t forget about the water! Mackinac is located where Lake Michigan and Lake Huron meet.

Summer jobs on Mackinac Island

How to Apply

Apply Now

To apply, please fill out our online application. You can also email your resume, but we ask that you still take the time to complete our application.

You can call for details or further information: (800) 626-6304.

Many answers to common questions about working for our company, or Island life, can be found in our website.

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