Front Desk
Custer State Park Regency CSP Ventures LP
Custer State Park, South Dakota and Custer, South Dakota
Looking for fun-loving, dedicated individuals, with an eye for customer service!
Job start date
May 01, 2026
Custer State Park Regency CSP Ventures
Custer State Park Regency CSP Ventures
Currently recruiting for the season from May 1st, 2026 to October 19th, 2026.
As an authorized concessionaire of South Dakota’s Department of Game, Fish & Parks, Regency CSP Ventures Limited Partnership operates 4 major resorts: State Game Lodge, Blue Bell Lodge, Legion Lake Lodge, Sylvan Lake Lodge.
Within the beautiful, 71,000 acre Custer State Park in the heart of the Black Hills of South Dakota.
- Location
- South Dakota
- Season
- Summer and Fall
- Staff size
- 350
- Housing
- Whether included in the compensation package or provided at a cost, housing is provided for staff.
- Family housing available
- No
- Pet friendly
- Yes
- Meals
- Provided
- Cell phone service
- Some, ask for details
- Internet access
- Intermittent
About Custer State Park Regency CSP Ventures
The State Game Lodge was built in 1920-21. The unique architecture, woodwork, and stonework of the building, along with its stature as the "Summer White House" for Presidents Coolidge and Eisenhower have combined to give the State Game Lodge a listing in the National Register of Historic Places. The setting of the State Game Lodge is a beautiful mountain valley surrounded by ponderosa pine forest. Grace Coolidge Creek winds through the valley offering excellent trout fishing and the refreshing rewards of a babbling brook.
Blue Bell Lodge, situated along Fresh Creek at the base of Mt Coolidge, offers a quiet, relaxing atmosphere amidst the towering ponderosa pines. Blue Bell Lodge was built in the early 1920s by an executive of the Bell Telephone Company and is named after the symbol of that company; a bluebell. Rustic cabin accommodations combined with guided horseback rides from our Blue Bell Stables, and Hayride/Chuckwagon Cookouts give you a true Western flavor.
Legion Lake Lodge dates back to 1913 when Custer State Park was a Game Preserve in Custer State Forest. The area was leased by several American Legion Posts and a house was built along the creek to accommodate their visits. The lake quite naturally affords excellent fishing, swimming, and boating (rentals available). It is a water stop for many of the wildlife in the Park. The lake mirrors the ponderosa pine forest and sheer rock walls that surround it, affording wonderful photo opportunities.
Sylvan Lake Lodge The original hotel was opened in July of 1895. In 1937, the current hotel was opened. An additional 12 rooms were opened in 1991. Fishing, swimming, boating, hiking, snowmobiling, and rock climbing in and around Sylvan Lake make it the hub of the active adventurers in Custer State Park. Sylvan Lake's designation as the "Crown Jewel of the Black Hills" is quite befitting this spectacular corner of Custer State Park.
Ideal Candidate
We are committed to providing first-class service in all our resorts. To achieve this, our staff members need to make a similar commitment to excellence. Previous experience in the guest service industry is a plus. However, a willingness to work hard, a sincere enjoyment in working with people, and the ability to take pride in a job well done can make up for limited work experience.
Resort work is often demanding and very challenging. Hours can be long and hard. Sometimes, schedules or job assignments must shift to accommodate last-minute needs. We need people who learn quickly and who perform responsibly. And, if you are dependable, sensible, respectful, respectable, and flexible, we want to talk with you!
If you are a student looking for a great place to spend the summer, this may be it, but only if you remain aware that you are not on vacation, you are here to work. Supervision and discipline are as much a part of being here as are freedom and privileges.
You must be 16 years of age or older upon the day you report to work. Staff members who live in dorms should be a minimum of 18 years of age.
Because we have a commitment to maintaining a drug-free workplace, employment with the Company is conditional upon your agreement to submit to random and/or reasonable cause drug and alcohol testing.
You must be able to provide proof of eligibility to work in the US. most staff members meet this requirement with a combination of an original Social Security card, a copy of their birth certificate, a driver's license or state ID card, and/or passport.
International students must apply through a student exchange program and must have a valid J-1 visa, Form IAP-66, and a Social Security card before arrival.
H2B petitioners are selected through MTL International; contact MTL International if interested. *H2B's do not apply on CoolWorks!
Room and Board
Due to Custer State Park’s location and the distance to outside housing, most of our seasonal staff is housed within the Park. We also provide three meals per day to all staff members who take advantage of the meal plan.
Because of the limited number of RV sites available in our employee housing areas, we strive to occupy all RV sites with two (2) persons per site with both persons being employed by Regency CSP Ventures Limited Partnership. RV sites that do not include the meal plan are $220/month.
There is a small deduction from your check for South Dakota sales and use tax only on the amount allocated to meals (currently 4% or $14.40 per month). Room and board total per person is $440/month (this includes three meals per day.)
Meals are served daily in employee dining areas. Due to the large number of meals prepared each day, we cannot promise to accommodate vegetarian and restricted diets.
Employee lodging facilities vary widely from one location to another; some are new and some have been in use for many years. While not elegant, staff quarters are adequate.
Employees will provide and maintain their own bedding and towels. Seasonal employees will be assigned quarters to share with one or more roommates. Residents are expected to respect visitation restrictions, night-time quiet hours, and maintain the cleanliness of the facilities. The Company is not liable for loss of personal effects and we recommend that you do not bring items of extreme value.
Dormitory housing for married couples is limited and available only when both work full time. We do not provide housing for families with children, and non-staff guests or family members may not stay in staff quarters.
All dormitory complexes are designated “Drug-Free Zones” and are smoke-free. Management reserves the right to inspect any dormitory room at their discretion.
A $240.00 uniform and dormitory cleaning and damage deposit will be required from all employees. This amount will be deducted from the employee’s FIRST three paychecks and will be refunded if housing is undamaged and all uniforms are checked in upon departure. It is the employee’s responsibility to have their room inspected for damage and cleanliness both on arrival and departure to be assured of this refund.
Employee Perks
As part of being a team member you are able to experience everything a guest does at no cost:
- 1 Free 1 Hour Horseback Ride
- 1 Free Jeep Safari Tour
- 1 Free Chuckwagon Dinner Tour
- Canoe and Kayak Rentals at Legion or Sylvan Lake
- 20% Off Retail and 10% Off Restaurants
- Sign-up for Free Dorm Activities/Excursions
- VIP Cards will be handed out in late May/early June; this will get you into multiple attractions within the Hills for free or little to no cost.
- All employees are eligible for a $50/per month bonus as long as you complete your contract.
Getting Here and Getting Around
Employees must provide their own transportation to and from Custer State Park. Seasonal employees will be provided a vehicle park permit that is good only to get to and from their work areas. A vehicle park license, which would be needed to drive in the park in areas other than your work area, will be available.
Please consider the cost of your round-trip transportation before submitting your application. The nearest large airport is in Rapid City, South Dakota. At the beginning and end of your employment, we will be happy to provide transportation from the bus depot or airport in Rapid City to your work location.
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Current Job Openings
Must be 18 or older.
Clean driving record.
Possess the skills to drive a truck and trailer.
Hours range from 3 p.m.-8:30 p.m.; based on seasonality.
Must be available to drive 4-5 nights per week!
Must be 18 years or older (to live on-site; dorm style housing)
Drug and alcohol free
Physically fit, able to lift 50 pounds repeatedly (highly physical job)
Must be able to mount a horse from the ground (in adverse terrain); no assistance or loading dock
Dedicated to learning our system in a fast-paced environment: this position takes "true grit" and a ride for the brand attitude
Working knowledge of horse handling; willing to continually grow and apply Horsemanship
Have enthusiasm for fun and safety; has a commitment to guest safety
Saddles and unsaddles horses
Assists guests in mounting and dismounting of horses
Stable and yard cleaning duties
Keeps tack room clean and uncluttered
Must have 2 years prior horsemanship experience
Must be able to walk, trot, lope a horse (will have to submit a video of your riding experience.)
Must be able to catch and halter a horse in a large pen.
- Is familiar with dining room menu and service procedures.
- Takes reservations and inquiries over the phone.
- Schedules dining reservations and arranges parties/special services for dinners.
- Seats guests to minimize the dining room and be fair to the serving staff.
- Greets guests, escorts them to tables, and provides menus.
- Prepares beverages and expedites food orders.
- Operates POS system.
- Keeps work and dining area clean and uncluttered.
- Knowledge of food and beverage menus, food preparation, and presentation.
- Responsible for all product preparation and cooking to company recipe, presentation and quality standards.
- Serves as a role-model in terms of attitude, behavior and appearance.
- Actively supports and works to inspire on-shift staff while maintaining a professional working relationship.
- 2 years food service experience; responsibilities in food and labor costs, expert knowledge of kitchen equipment and health codes.
- Assists Chef in all phases of kitchen operation.
Knowledge of distribution systems for electric, water, gas, etc.
Maintains and operates A/C, heating, refrigeration, and ventilation systems.
Responds to 24-hour emergency needs and repairs; maintains buildings and grounds.
Preforms lawn and grounds maintenance.
Is responsible for tool maintenance and inventory.
Is responsible for departmental materials and supplies inventory.
Has a good working relationship with all other department heads in order to coordinate work demands and schedules.
Provides excellent guest service.
Is thoroughly familiar with all lodges and activities in CSP.
Is knowledgeable in all areas of the resort operation.
Has good working knowledge of Microsoft Office, front desk and all the lodges POS systems.
Has a working knowledge of restaurant/food service operations.
Assumes responsibility for the lodge in the absence of the general manager.
Aids operations in all departments, including dining room, kitchen, front desk, housekeeping, lounge meeting rooms and banquet facilities as directed by the general manager.
Learns line and staff functions, operations management viewpoints and company policies and practices that affect each phase of the resort business.
Sets performance goals and objectives with general manager.
May be assigned more responsibility on a department-by-department basis as directed by the general manager.
Frequently moves from department to department, as the need arises, to support fellow staff members in achieving the company mission.
Other duties as assigned.
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each
essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of
the knowledge and/or ability required.Associate degree or equivalent from two-year college or technical school; or six-months-to-one-year related experience and/or training or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists.
Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written oral, diagram or schedule form.
Requires grasping, writing, standing, walking, repetitive motions, listening and hearing abilities and visual acuity.
Talking and hearing occurs continuously in the process of communicating with guests, supervisors and other associates.
Vision occurs continuously with the most common visual functions being those of near vision and depth perception.
Required to use hands, reach with hands and arms, climb or balance, and kneel, crouch, or crawl.
The associate must regularly lift and/or move up to 25 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds and sometimes 75 pounds.
Is familiar with all lodges and activities in Custer State Park.
Works closely with central reservations staff to receive reservations and monitor changes.
Monitors the posting of payments and charges to ensure their accuracy and completeness.
Works on a continual basis with housekeeping and maintenance departments regarding current status of available rooms/cabins.
Answers inquiries pertaining to resort policies and services, and park activities.
Able to accurately handle cash and credit cards; operates office equipment; cleans, stocks and inventories; efficiently handles telephone system.
- Exceptional phone etiquette skills.
- Is proficient in computerized reservation accounting system
- High degree of efficiency and accuracy in making and changing reservations.
- Is able to answer or find the answer to a variety of inquiry regarding Custer State Park, its lodges, and park activities.
- Strong listening and communication skills required.
- Is thoroughly familiar with the property and all of its services.
- Is thoroughly familiar with grocery and gift store items.
- Verifies minimum legal age of any patron attempting to buy alcoholic beverages or tobacco products.
- Operates cash register and credit card machines.
- Stocks and inventories.
- Keeps store clean and uncluttered.
- Is thoroughly familiar with the property and all of its services.
- Is thoroughly familiar with grocery and gift store items.
- Verifies minimum legal age of any patron attempting to buy alcoholic beverages or tobacco products.
- Operates cash register and credit card machines.
- Stocks and inventories.
- Keeps store clean and uncluttered.
- Helps prepare all to-go food including fruit cups, pizzas, chili, and rotating specials, etc.
- Keeps kitchen clean and stocked; ready to go for the next business day.
ACTIVITIES
ACTIVITIES
Chuckwagon Driver (Clean Driving Record Required)
$11.85 / hour + tips
Are you a local or living seasonally in Custer County and looking for a part-time position?
We are looking for outgoing, friendly, dedicated individuals to drive chuckwagon participants to their dinner location.
ACTIVITIES
Wrangler / Trail Guide (Minimum 2 Years Prior Horse Experience Required)
$13.00 / hour + tips
Blue Bell Wranglers come from all walks of life. Some in-between college semesters, career wranglers, retirees, and those looking for a different adventure. Our days start early, we bring in our herd of 60+ horses: brush, saddle, and bridle. Then assist loading and unloading guests. The stables are fast-paced and an ever-changing environment. All staff has a dedication to hospitality and tourism; enthusiasm for fun and safety. We take pride in our horsemanship and growing as an individual in a team environment.
So You Want to Be a Wrangler?
*Will be asked to provide current videos of your riding experience at a walk, trot, and lope.
*Will be asked to provide a current video of you properly saddling with western tack.
FOOD AND BEVERAGE
FOOD AND BEVERAGE
Host / Hostess
$12.00 / hour + tips
Each of our lodges has its own unique dining experience. As a host/hostess you are the face of the restaurant. The person that greets guests first and provides a great first impression.
FOOD AND BEVERAGE
Sous Chef
Do you love food? Would you like to share that love and passion for food with guests from all over the world? We are searching for Sous Chefs who will lead by example.
MAINTENANCE
MAINTENANCE
Maintenance (Clean Driving Record Required)
$16.00 / hour
All facilities at Custer State Park Resort must be in good working order to maintain exceptional guest satisfaction.
MANAGERS / SUPERVISORS
MANAGERS / SUPERVISORS
Assistant General Lodge Manager
$3,000.00 - $4,000.00 / month
Department: Administrative and General
Reports to: General Manager
Summary:
Gains knowledge and experience required for promotion to general manager by
performing the following duties:
Responsibilities
Supervisory Responsibilities:
Carries out supervisory responsibility under direction of the general manager. Generally,
responsibilities include training associates; planning, assigning and directing work;
addressing complaints and resolving problems, but may include other duties as directed
by the general manager.
Qualifications
Education/Experience Preferred:
Reasoning Ability:
Physical Requirements:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by
an associate to successfully perform the essential functions of this job:
RESERVATIONS
RESERVATIONS
Front Desk
$14.62 / hour
As a front desk agent, you are the first to meet guests. We are searching for individuals with excellent customer service and the ability to resolve problems arising from guest comments or concerns.
RESERVATIONS
Reservations Clerk
$13.00 / hour
All calls regarding accommodations are sent to central reservations. This hustling and bustling department helps guests find and select the perfect stay!
RETAIL SALES
RETAIL SALES
Sales Clerk / Cashier
$13.00 / hour
Within Custer State Park Resort, we have many gift stores that need outgoing, personable associates.
RETAIL SALES
Store Cook/Sales Clerk
$15.00 / hour
Within Custer State Park Resort, we have many gift stores that need outgoing, personable associates.
How to Apply
Our season runs from May through Mid-October. Preference is giving to applicants who are available to work the entire season. We expect most of our employees to work at least through Labor Day weekend. Some positions start in April and last until November.
Please be specific and realistic with your starting and ending dates on the application - these will become your contracted dates.
It is helpful to include two letters of reference on letterhead from past employers. Whether or not letters are available, be sure to fill out the work history section of the application as completely as possible. Applications that do not contain complete reference information will not be processed.
Selection is based upon availability dates, flexibility, previous work experience, and past performance as noted in reference checks. Our hiring decisions begin in January and continue throughout the season.
An employment agreement will be sent to those applicants offered a position, along with more information about the Company and the Park.
We appreciate your interest in becoming part of our team!
>> Click THE APPLY HERE BUTTON below to begin your online employment application! <<
We consider applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital or veteran status, the presence of a non-job-related medical condition or disability, or any other legally protected status.
Contact Info
- Kylie Tuggle
- csphr@rapidnet.com
- (605) 255-4484
- custerresorts.com
