Block Island Resorts
Block Island Resorts
Currently recruiting for the season from May 1st, 2026 to October 8th, 2026.
Discover Block Island’s unspoiled beaches, 200-foot bluffs, freshwater ponds, and lush rolling hills under a quilt of wildflowers. Our beautiful island is described by The Nature Conservancy as “one of the last 12 great places in the Western Hemisphere.”
Block Island is part of the U.S. state of Rhode Island and named after the Dutch explorer Adriaen Block. It is located in the Atlantic Ocean about 14 miles (23 km) east of Montauk Point, Long Island, New York. The island sits about 13 miles (21 km) south of the coast of mainland Rhode Island. The island is separated from Rhode Island by the Block Island Sound.
- Location
- Rhode Island
- Season
- Spring, Summer, and Fall
- Staff size
- 110
- Housing
- Whether included in the compensation package or provided at a cost, housing is provided for staff.
- Housing details
- Dorm Style
- Family housing available
- No
- Single occupancy housing available
- No
- Pet friendly
- No
- Meals
- Some meals / discounts
- Cell phone service
- Yes, most carriers
- Internet access
- Good
About Block Island Resorts
Block Island Resorts provides a very friendly and family-like workplace with a high employee return rate. Our staff is reliable, courteous, and professional. We offer competitive pay for all positions which is based on experience, availability, and ability.
The Employee Experience
Block Island is the perfect summer workplace for those of you that love the outdoors! It is filled with amazing like-minded adventurous young professionals who enjoy the beautiful beaches, recreational sports (basketball, softball, soccer, and volleyball), sailing, yoga, paddle boarding, spearfishing/fishing, surfing, farmers markets, arts, skateboarding, and amazing hiking trails throughout the island! Block Island is known as the Bermuda of the North and you'll understand as you hike along its stunning cliff trails. As well as when you discover the islands many secluded beaches for sunsets and swimming. We encourage our employees to enjoy all that the Island has to offer! Our work schedules enable all of our employees to have valuable time enjoying the island's beauty and meeting new friends. You will learn so much about the hospitality industry while working for our company! The islanders and returning workers are very welcoming and love embracing new friends to the group. Most days, they'll be found relaxing together at the beach, joining together for sunsets and nightly bonfires that follow.
"I have worked as a server at The Oar for four summers and truly enjoyed every season I spent there. It is a high-volume, fast-paced restaurant that teaches valuable skills such as time management, organization, team work, and strong communication with both guests and coworkers. While the job requires dedication and hard work, it is also very rewarding and a lot of fun. The Oar has a great team environment and provides an experience that helps you grow personally and professionally. I would recommend working at The Oar to anyone who is hardworking and looking for a rewarding, fun, and memorable summer." - Kyra, Server, Summer '22-'25
"Summer 2026 will be my third year working at The Oar and I couldn’t be happier to be returning. This job has had such an impact on my life, from the relationships I’ve built with coworkers turned friends, mentorship from management, and refining professional skills. Working here requires a team player attitude and a strong work ethic, but the reward is so worth it. The owners and management have really cultivated an environment where employees can make the most out of the short summer season and it runs like a well oiled machine. We all live and work together in one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever been and we genuinely have the best time doing it. There are a lot of great opportunities for summer work in beautiful locations, but there’s none quite like The Oar. Can’t wait to do it all again for another great season in 2026." - Shannon, Server and Bartender, Summer '24, '25
"Working as a server at The Oar on Block Island has been one of the most transformative experiences of my life. The work is undeniably hard and fast-paced. There’s never a dull moment but that’s exactly what makes it so rewarding. You’re constantly learning, growing, and pushing yourself in ways you never expected. I can honestly say I’ve never worked anywhere quite like The Oar before. One of the things that makes this place truly special is the team. Your coworkers quickly become your support system. Everyone is extremely helpful, encouraging, and genuinely invested in seeing you succeed. Communication is everything here, and you learn fast how much smoother and more enjoyable each shift becomes when the team is in sync. You will be challenged, no question, but those challenges shape you. They teach patience, resilience, and confidence. And in the process, you’ll gain lifelong friends and make incredible memories that stick with you long after the season ends. At The Oar, if you’re not working, you’re having fun… and few places strike that balance as well as this one. Looking back, working at The Oar has been the best three years of my life. It changed me for the better, gave me experiences I’ll never forget, and filled my summers with laughter, adventure, and a community I’ll always cherish. If you're considering joining the team, do it. It’s tough, it’s fast, it’s unforgettable… and it just might change your life too." - Natalie, Server, Summer '23-'25
"I'd say The Oar is a well oiled machine and its positive staff members are the gears that make it work. It is a grind, and you are in it with your coworkers who you live, work, and hang out with constantly. Many of them will help you out if you need something, which is a great support system to have when working on the island. Overall, it is always a summer to remember at The Oar." - Ryan, Server, Summer '24, '25
"Working and living on Block Island is like nothing I've ever experienced before! The scenery is unlimited and the small island community feel is present. I have made many lifelong connections with friends who I've met on Block Island. The work is not easy at times but the results are satisfying and the memories you have at the end of the summer are priceless." - Humphrey, Server and Bartender, Summer '16-'24
"I have worked at The Oar for the year 4 summers as a server and a bartender. I have learned a lot not only as a service industry worker, but also pertaining to myself. Each year continues to get better. I have made some lifelong friends and had some amazing experiences. The high volume tests you both mentally and physically, but I wouldn't change it for the world. I can't think of a better way to spend the summer." - Stephanie, Server and Bartender, Summer '18, '19, '21, '22, '23, '24
Ideal Candidate
If you are a positive-minded individual looking for the experience of a lifetime on beautiful Block Island, then The Oar team is for you!
Room and Board
Dormitory style rooms with shared baths are available. Non-tipped positions pay $85/week and tipped positions pay $150/week. A security deposit of $150 is required. Housing is only available for employees who are available to stay for the full season.
Employee Perks
All staff recieve a fifty percent discount on food at all locations while working and a twenty percent discount when not. Room discounts for visiting family are available and vary depending on time of year and availability.
Getting Here and Getting Around
For more information about high-speed ferry service from Galilee (Point Judith) to the island, please go to http://www.blockislandferry.com
The high speed from Point Judith runs seasonally and drops off in Old Harbor.
To find out about traditional ferry service from Point Judith, Rhode Island, check out http://www.blockislandferry.com
This year-round ferry service takes about one hour and drops off in Old Harbor. This is the only car ferry service to Block Island.
From New London, Connecticut, go to http://www.goblockisland.com
This is a highspeed passenger ferry that drops off in Old Harbor.
New England Airlines: http://www.block-island.com/nea
Regular flights between Westerly, Rhode Island and Block Island
Montauk, NY (on the tip of Long Island) offers passenger ferry service in season to New Harbor.
Visit http://www.vikingfleet.com for more information.
Some staff bring cars and this is ok, plenty of parking. If no car it is strongly recommended you bring a bike, Great Biking!
For Fun
When you’re here, you’ll soon discover that the beach is everywhere and the only question is where to begin your exploration.
The Island’s 17 miles of beaches offer many choices. Within walking distance of the ferry landing is three-mile Crescent Beach, which is divided into three glorious parts: the Fredrick J. Benson Beach, Scotch Beach, and Mansion Beach, situated beneath cliffs and the stone walls of a vanished mansion.
The Greenway, a network of trails that wind for more than 30 miles, offers a peaceful retreat for the occasional stroller or the serious hiker.
The best way to tour Block Island depends on the visitor. Rent a bike, car or moped, jump in a taxi, or view your surroundings on horseback or foot!
If you are looking for something to do there is something for everyone. You can kayak, paddleboard, parasail, play tennis, basketball; go charter fishing, or relax on the beach. Maybe browse through our unique boutiques and galleries or visit the nightclubs for live entertainment.
There is something exciting for everyone, at every age, here on Block Island.
How to Apply
To be considered for employment, all applicants must submit a current resume, references, and exact dates of availability to theoar@biresorts.com. Our season runs from early May to Early October. Phone Q&A followed with a Skype or Zoom interview.
All Cook and Housekeeping H2B Applicants must apply through MTL (linked below) only.
Contact Info
- George Venezia
- theoar@biresorts.com
- www.blockislandresorts.com























