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Explor Badlands LLC

Currently recruiting for the season from March 16th, 2026 to October 31st, 2026.

Welcome to Explor Badlands LLC! Whether you are seeking adventure in the national parks, national forests, state park marinas or a variety of other amazing places in the U.S., you should consider joining our team. Our #1 goal is to provide extraordinary experiences to our employees while offering competitive pay and benefits.

Located 50 miles east of Mt. Rushmore and the Black Hills, Badlands National Park consists of 244,000 acres of sharply eroded buttes, pinnacles and spires blended with the largest, protected mixed gra

Location
South Dakota
Season
Summer
Staff size
65
Housing
Whether included in the compensation package or provided at a cost, housing is provided for staff.
Housing details
We offer shared employee housing with laundry onsite. We anticipate rent will be $105 per week.
Family housing available
No
Single occupancy housing available
No
Pet friendly
No
Meals
Some meals / discounts
Cell phone service
Some, ask for details
Internet access
Intermittent

About Explor Badlands LLC

Explor Badlands LLC operates within Badlands National Park, providing essential hospitality, maintenance, and visitor services to enhance the park experience for guests from around the world. Our mission is to support the National Park Service in preserving the park’s unique natural beauty while delivering high-quality services that promote education, recreation, and sustainability.

By partnering with the National Park Service, Explor Badlands contributes to the long-term stewardship of Badlands National Park—an iconic landscape known for its striking geologic formations, rich fossil beds, and expansive prairie ecosystems.

The Employee Experience

What's your adventure? Working in Badlands National Park offers a truly unique and rewarding experience. We employ people from around the world, and you will have the opportunity to live and work amid one of the most stunning landscapes in the country—surrounded by dramatic rock formations, expansive prairies, and abundant wildlife. Each day brings a new sense of adventure and connection to nature.

The greatest adventure you'll have is up to you. Explor Badlands will provide the environment for you to create it.

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate to work in Badlands National Park is someone who possesses a deep appreciation for nature and a strong commitment to environmental stewardship. They are adaptable, resourceful, and comfortable working in a remote setting with limited access to modern conveniences.

They bring excellent interpersonal skills, enjoying interactions with park visitors and fellow team members alike, and take pride in providing exceptional service and education about the park’s natural and cultural history.

Whether maintaining facilities, supporting operations, or engaging with the public, they uphold the values of conservation, teamwork, and respect that are essential to preserving the beauty and integrity of Badlands National Park.

Room and Board

Employees working in Badlands National Park have the unique opportunity to live and work amid one of the country’s most stunning natural landscapes. Room and board are typically provided within or near the park, offering a convenient and immersive living experience.

Housing may be in shared dormitory-style accommodations, cabins, or staff trailers, depending on the season and position. Basic furnishings and utilities are generally included, and communal areas such as kitchens or dining halls foster a sense of community among team members.

Living in the park allows employees to fully experience the beauty of the Badlands—its sunsets, wildlife, and quiet open spaces—while being just steps away from their workplace. Though remote, the setting offers a rewarding lifestyle for those who enjoy simplicity, camaraderie, and a close connection to nature.

Employee Perks

Working and living at Explor Badlands is an amazing experience, and we want to ensure that our employees are able to have the best adventure while they are here.

As an Explor Badlands team member, you will enjoy:

  • Competitive wages and benefits
  • Discounts on most retail items and meals in the Park
  • Employee Housing located in or near an amazing Park location
  • Working for an employer deeply committed to protecting the environment and providing a great work experience for all associates
  • Planned team-building activities, shopping trips and more 

Getting Here and Getting Around

The company provides transportation to and from the airport and bus depot for pick up and drop off at the beginning and end of the work season.

The airport closest to the property is Rapid City Regional Airport, and the Jefferson Bus Depot is located in the Milo Barber Transportation Center. We will help coordinate an employee shuttle from the airport and bus depot for transportation to the work location. Pick up and drop off will be at the beginning and end of the work seasons. 

You are also welcome to drive to the park, but please note that parking may be limited during the spring and summer seasons. 

While working at the Park, we will have shuttle services available to take you to your work location, as well as have planned activities that will take you into nearby communities. 

For Fun

As an Explor Badlands team member, you will enjoy opportunities to:

  • Experience hiking adventures around the area
  • Participate in shuttle excursions to shop in nearby towns
  • Participate in planned events for associates such as game nights, themed activity nights, star gazing, movie nights, group sports, employee appreciation events and so much more.

In other words, you won't be bored, and you won't run out of things to do on your days off!  We'll make sure of that!

Current Job Openings

    Retail Lead

    $20.00 - $22.00 / hour

    At Badlands National Park, every day is an adventure — where rugged beauty, dramatic landscapes, and rich natural history come together to create a truly unforgettable workplace. Offering competitive pay, employee housing and benefits. Apply Today!  **Workcampers Welcome**

    Summary of Position:

    Work in close collaboration with the Retail Manager to ensure that the retail business at all locations operates in an efficient and seamless manner while following all company policies and procedures to ensure an extraordinary experience for all Park visitors.


     

    Responsibilities:

    • Assist with training of retail staff and backup Retail Manager on days off

    • Demonstrate knowledge of merchandise, styling and pricing according to the company’s policies and procedures

    • Maintain knowledge of product lines with an emphasis on local and regional facts to assist other staff and customers

    • Assist with store set up: display and merchandising, inventory levels

    • Respond to guest inquiries and requests in a timely, friendly and efficient manner

    • Accurately total, process and collect payments from guests to include, but not limited to, using the point of sale system, handling money, processing credit and debit cards and making change

    • Conduct inventory, restock merchandise and ensure adequate merchandise supply levels working in conjunction with the Retail Manager

    • Prepare end of shift report, deposit receipts and cash and advise Retail Manager accordingly

    • Actively foster a positive work environment with a focus on teamwork

    •  

    • Position Requirements:

    • Must be able to work independently with little or no supervision

    • Excellent customer service and people skills

    • Must be able to work a variety of day, night, weekend, and holiday shifts

    • Gain efficiency with Retail Pro system or comparable POS system (POS and reporting)

    • Ability to lift 25 lbs. frequently, and up to 50 lbs. occasionally and handle physical exertion involving bending, twisting, and squatting.

    Knowledge and Experience:

    Education:      High School Diploma or equivalent; College Diploma or                                   equivalent experience  

    Experience:    Two years retail experience preferred

                           Two years leadership or supervisory experience


     

    Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability or protected veteran status and all other status protected by law.


     

    Project Manager

    $1,346.00 / week

    At Badlands National Park, every day is an adventure — where rugged beauty, dramatic landscapes, and rich natural history come together to create a truly unforgettable workplace. Offering competitive pay, employee housing and benefits. Apply Today!  **Workcampers Welcome**

    Summary of Position:                                                                                                                    
    Responsible for overseeing all projects related to the construction and maintenance of all buildings and landscape activities as identified in the Company’s government contracts.


    Responsibilities:                                                                                               In conjunction with Maintenance Director and property GMs/Maintenance Managers, identify annual projects and associated budgets, timing and reporting to ensure contract adherence;

    • Lead the planning, execution and tracking of all company-wide projects;

    • Work closely with property Maintenance Managers and GMs to ensure project priorities are understood and implemented per appropriate timelines;

    • Oversee project close-outs and ensure appropriate reporting and follow-up;

    • Possess strong working knowledge of  CMMS to ensure consistent accuracy for all projects;

    • Ensure that all paperwork related to every project is thoroughly completed and reviewed for accuracy;

    • Possess hands-on experience and understanding of general carpentry, painting, plumbing, minor electrical, masonry, landscaping maintenance, etc.

    • Comply with all safety policies and procedures including when lifting, climbing, etc.

    • Maintain professionalism with vendors, NPS, co-workers at all times;

    • Understand the Company’s ISO (Environmental & Quality) management systems, policies, goals, and initiatives and meet the specific responsibilities within these areas

    • Other duties per Duties Checklist and as assigned

    Position Requirements:                                                                                                               

    • Demonstrate basic skill in the use of tools, materials and equipment common to maintenance and repair

    • Possess the initiative to learn and willingness to grow in maintenance operations

    • Understand and effectively follow oral and written instructions

    • Must understand all OSHA safety requirements as applicable

    • Ability to work as part of a team

    • Must be able to work a variety of day, night, weekend, and holiday shifts

    • Ability to lift and carry 25 lbs. frequently and 50 lbs. occasionally with assistance

    • Must have a valid driver’s license to operate vehicles throughout property

    • Must be willing to travel at least 50%

    Knowledge and Experience:
    Education:                  High school Diploma or equivalent
                                        Technical certification/degree preferred                          
    Experience:                3 years of general maintenance and/or construction                                         and project management


     

    Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability or protected veteran status and all other status protected by law.

    Food & Beverage Manager

    $20.00 - $22.00 / hour

    At Badlands National Park, every day is an adventure — where rugged beauty, dramatic landscapes, and rich natural history come together to create a truly unforgettable workplace. Offering competitive pay, employee housing and benefits. Apply Today!   **Workcampers Welcome**


    Title:                        Food & Beverage Manager
    Reports To:             General Manager
    Department:            Food & Beverage

    Summary of Position:

    Responsible and accountable for the success of all Restaurant and Kitchen operations according to Company standards.  This includes revenue growth, managing budgets, COGS, labor controls, inventory controls, and bar controls.   Also responsible for coaching and mentoring all direct reports to ensure effective development opportunities.        

    Responsibilities:

    • Ensures that the menu, is being executed at levels that meet or exceed Company standards.         

    • Responsible for direct coaching and mentoring of the Restaurant Manager and Kitchen Manager in the leadership and development of their respective employees.

    • Ensures Front of House and Back of House departments are working as a cohesive team to provide the highest level of quality and service as per Company standards.

    • Covers the Restaurant and Kitchen Manager’s days off by spending dedicated time and effort ensuring operations continue to meet expectations during Managers’ absence.

    • Leads the recruiting, interviewing and hiring for the F&B department, working with the GM and Corporate HR and F&B Directors.  

    • Works with the Kitchen Manager and Restaurant manager to ensure all staff are trained and adhere to the Company service standards. 

    • Responsible for achieving and reporting on all financial goals, on a weekly basis, as established in the COGS spreadsheet.

    • Creating food and alcohol orders in cooperation with the Kitchen Manager and Restaurant Manager. 

    • Acts as Manager on Duty in the absence of the General Manager 

    • Ensure strict compliance with operational & Corporate standards, Company policies, Federal/State/Local laws and ordinances

    • Maintain professional image with proper uniforms and appearance standards.

    • Adherence to Duties Checklist and other duties as requested

    Position Requirements:

    • Be self-motivated with the ability to perform with the highest professional and ethical standards

    • Respond well to a changing work environment and able to perform at the highest level with minimal supervision

    • Possess strong leadership and managerial skills that include the ability to coach, develop and clearly communicate expectations

    • Must have financial background with the proven ability to identify opportunities for revenue and fiscal management

    • Demonstrate effective written and verbal communication skills

    • Intermediate computer skills with Microsoft Office and familiarity with POS system functionality

    • Excellent customer service and people skills

    • Majority of shift will be spent on feet in a fast-paced environment, in close proximity to other people and will involve frequent bending, twisting, squatting, and lifting up to 25 lbs. frequently and 50 lbs. occasionally.

    Knowledge and Experience:
    Education:      Bachelor’s degree from accredited college or university in Hospitality, Culinary or related field

    Experience:  Minimum 5 (five) years F&B Management experience
                            POS experience
                            ServeSafe certification required
     


    Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability or protected veteran status and all other status protected by law.

    F&B

    Cook

    up to $20.00 / hour

    At Badlands National Park, every day is an adventure — where rugged beauty, dramatic landscapes, and rich natural history come together to create a truly unforgettable workplace. Offering competitive pay, employee housing and benefits. Apply Today!  **Workcampers Welcome**


    Summary: As a Cook, you will prepare food items in accordance with corporate recipes and established standards in the company’s efforts to deliver extraordinary hospitality.

    Responsibilities

    • Assist the F & B Manager and Lead cook in ensuring that the menu, which cannot be changed without corporate F&B approval, and guest service expectations as set forth by the employee handbook are being met or exceeded.

    • Adhere to defined company recipes and safe food handling procedures to deliver an exceptional guest experience

    • Complete all required food and safety logs in a timely and efficient manner per company procedures and federal, state, and local regulations

    • Cook and prepare food / meals as required

    • Work individually and with the team to surpass expectations in an efficient, motivated, and positive can-do manner.

    • Provide timely, courteous, and professional service to all guests

    • Follow all health and safety standards, policies, and initiatives

    • All other duties as may be assigned

    Requirements

    • Knowledge of food preparation and storage, sanitation requirements and commercial kitchen equipment

    • Must be able to work a variety of day, night, weekend, and holiday shifts

    • Strong communication and interpersonal skills – must be able to read, write and speak English

    • Majority of shift will be spent on feet in a fast-paced environment and in proximity of other people. Must be able to carry up to 25 lbs. frequently and up to 50 lbs. occasionally. Frequent bending, twisting, lifting, and squatting will be required.

    • ServSafe and / or state food handler certification

    • Must be a minimum of 18 years of age

    Education & Experience
    Education:    High School Diploma or equivalent
    Experience:  1 year minimum culinary training / experience


     

    Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability or protected veteran status and all other status protected by law.

How to Apply

** NOW ACCEPTING Applications! ** 

Come work with us for the 2026 Season - April through October.

Use the link below to complete and submit your online application. We look forward to working with you.   

👉 Apply Now

Apply Now

Contact Info

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