Many of our staff work multiple seasons as it's the best summer job out there!  A beautiful setting in nature provides a backdrop for an opportunity to be outdoors, meet great guests from all over the country and spend time on the 5th largest lake in Minnesota.

Comments from many of our past staff members:

'"Working for ENL was a fantastic experience overall.  Having never worked in the hospitality industry, this was a great opportunity to see the behind the scenes functions of owning and operating a family/fishing resort as well as how a small, family owned business is run.  Being a dock boy allowed me to work both individually and as a team with other resort staff.  It also gave me the chance to test my communication skills with guests of all ages.  The entire Harris family was great to work with and helped me fulfill my global business degree as I completed my summer internship with them.  Bryan and Sue were more than happy to answer any questions and took the time needed to meet with my professors throughout the summer.  Although I currently am working for a large corporation, this small business opportunity taught me vital lessons that I have been able to bring forward in interview processes and daily management meetings." Charlie

"I'm so grateful for my time working with the Harris family at Eagle Nest Lodge as a Recreation Coordinator as it became a home for me.  I ended up spending 6 summers at ENL because I loved it so much and felt so valued.  I learned many valuable skills like working the register, taking care of flowers, helping kids catch fish off the dock, and folding fitted sheets (I can't even tell you how helpful this skill has been for me, and my friends still marvel at my ability to fold sheets and make beds!) While all of these tangible skills have stuck with me, I stayed for 6 summers because of the people.  The families that come up to ENL are welcoming, kind, and so fun.  I was so lucky to have a job spending time with their sweet kids while playing Capture the Flag, hiking in the woods, and making tye-dye shirts.  I looked forward to seeing many of the same families year after year and I felt they genuinely looked forward to seeing me, too.  Having this job confirmed my desire to be a teacher and offered me the chance to still enjoy the summer, as I went for a run or read down by the beach during my breaks-it's definitely a benefit to work in a place where people go to vacation!  I am forever grateful to the Harris family for their mentorship, attention to detail, and generosity, as my summers at ENL will stay with me for the rest of my life!" Becca

"Working at Eagle Nest Lodge was the best summer job experience I've had.  Not only are you surrounded by beautiful scenery, but you are surrounded by wonderful people.  Bryan and Sue showed fantastic guidance and provided a safe work environment.  They are quick to welcome you into the resort family, and teach you the world of hospitality.  In the summer at the resort, I learned lessons that I still carry out in my current profession of teaching, such as creativity, thinking quickly on my feet, people skills, working with diverse families, and how to serve others with a smile.  My work hours during the day allowed for breaks on the beach, hiking, or spending time on the water.  What could be better than that?  I would highly recommend spending your summer working at Eagle Nest Lodge." Lydia

Our ideal candidate is a self-starter, willing to learn, motivated, and shows good communication skills.  Knowledge of lakes, and boat, and motors is helpful for dock positions. Experience with kids is helpful for the recreation director portion of the job.  A love of the outdoors is a must. Since we do not have a very large staff, it is helpful if you are a bit independent and willing to explore and have fun on your own as well as with other staff members. 

Shared apartment living is offered at no additional charge. The apartment is located in the main lodge building. The 2 bedroom (each has a twin/double bunk bed), 1 bathroom with shower, apartment offers a full kitchen, small dining and living area.  Wifi, A/C, Laundry facilities available to staff. Depending on staff each year, typically one room is female staff and the other is male staff.  Staff are required to sign an apartment agreement, which can be shared during the interview process. 

Shared apartment living at no cost, plus a 20% Discount on lodge items. Flexible hours and scheduling.

Free use of most motorized boats when available, per showing knowledge of use. Staff pays for the gas used. Free use of beach equipment and non-motorized boats when available. 

A personal vehicle is recommended as there is no public transportation in the area.  The closest grocery store is 20 miles south in Deer River, MN.  10 miles north of the resort, there is a large convenience store with some groceries. Resort owners usually go to town once a week and are willing to pick up a few supplies for staff as needed.

Airports are from 1 hour to 4 hr away.  Pick up can be arranged if needed.  

The Chippewa National Forest offers outdoor adventure at your back door.  Hiking and biking trails, fishing, swimming, boating, photography, and great star gazing, no light pollution.  Itasca State Park is located about 1 1/2 hours away.  Visit the headwaters of the Mississippi River and explore the Bemidji, MN area.  Grand Rapids, MN is about a 40 min drive.  Golf courses available from 25 min to 1 hour drive.