Itasca State Park

Profile Jobs

A Douglas Lodge Custodial Worker provides housekeeping and custodial service for Itasca State Park and La Salle overnight accommodations as well as selected public facilities. 

This position runs from mid-April until mid-October

Work hours vary and work days include evenings, weekends and holidays

Responsibilities include:

• Clean and disinfect park rental units so that safe, clean and sanitary units are provided that meet or exceed the expectations of the guests
• Clean and disinfect bedrooms include but not limited to making beds, cleaning furniture, floors, rugs, walls, ceilings, etc.
• Clean and disinfect kitchen areas include but not limited to appliances, cabinets, sinks, dishes, kitchenware, walls, floors, rugs, ceilings, exhaust fan filters, drains etc.
• Clean living room and common areas include but not limited to furniture, fireplaces, walls, floors, rugs, ceilings, lamps, etc.
• Clean and disinfect bathrooms including but not limited to removing stains and debris from toilets, bathtubs, sinks, drains, floors, walls, ceiling, etc. Supplying towels.
• Clean porches, walkways, outdoor furniture, window screens, rugs, etc.
• Sort linens to be washed with like items using method as directed
• Inspect linens for stains, spots, and imperfections. 
• Wash, dry and store rugs, rags, bedspreads, curtains, mops etc. as time and workload allows
• Communicate status updates at the correct times
• Relay accurate information as requested 
• Engage in radio contact when necessary or prompted
• Communicate to other housekeeping staff to ensure team is working cohesively
• Complete additional work duties as assigned by housekeeping supervisor to ensure safe, clean, and organized work space.

The Candidates for this position must be able to do indoor and outdoor manual labor. Must be able to read and understand instructions on labels, safety manuals, operator manuals for equipment, etc. A basic knowledge of Itasca State Park rules and regulations and general park information is necessary. Must be able to operate or learn how to operate basic custodial equipment including but not limited to vacuums, pressure washers, steamers, irons, etc. Must have strong communication skills and the capacity to participate in conflict resolution discussions. The ability to structure tasks and manage time economically and efficiently is needed. Ability to work independently as well as in a group is required. Perform all duties and responsibilities in a manner that maintains a healthy workplace and promotes a culture of respect. Establish effective working relationships with colleagues, supervisors, and the public by treating others with respect and in a professional manner. Support safety and encourage a safe and healthy work environment for everyone by utilizing proper personal protective equipment, informing supervisors of unsafe work conditions, reporting near misses, and discussing safety concerns when needed. Communicate with park associates in a respectful, helpful, and timely manner.

Housing opportunities are available. Ask for information via email or at the time of interview.

If you have any questions please contact the Housekeeping Supervisor 

Beth Johnson

Office: (218) 699-7211 

Email: Beth.M.Johnson@state.mn.us

A Douglas Lodge Dining Room Lead provides guest services for overnight accommodations and restaurant dining room, including front desk, host/cashier, and lead worker duties for the Douglas Lodge at Itasca State Park.

The position runs from mid-May until early October

Working hours vary, workdays include evenings, holidays and weekends

Responsibilities Include:

• Serve as a lead worker to wait staff in restaurant dining room, including preparing and closing the dining room, assigning workstations and cleaning duties, scheduling breaks, and training staff.
• Greet and direct the flow of restaurant customers. Seat guests, present menus and features, and assist wait staff with other tasks as needed.
• Bring restaurant Point of Sale system online and close out each day; open and close register; reconcile cash and charge slips with guest checks; compile information, counts, etc. to the Douglas Lodge Manager.
• Provide information to park visitors
• Perform clerical duties for Douglas Lodge Manager
• Clean work areas

The candidate for this position must be 18 years old by start date, as required by law, to serve alcoholic beverages. One year with kitchen or restaurant experience sufficient to understand full-service restaurant processes and procedures. Math skills sufficient to calculate bills, provide accurate change, ad reconcile cash register receipts accurately. proficient in the use of computers. knowledge of safety and accident prevention measures. Organizational and interpersonal skills sufficient to work as a productive member of a team. oral, written, and customer service communication skills. Conflict resolution/human relations skills. Time management skills sufficient to make decisions and meet deadlines sometimes with incomplete information, under tight deadlines, and pressure by unforeseeable events and/or emergencies. Ability to coordinate multiple tasks simultaneously and manage frequent change, delays or unexpected events by adapting, recommending, and/or developing appropriate alternative solutions. Ability to provide leadwork sufficient to control the flow of the dining room and provide crucial communication link with the back of the house and the front of the house to ensure customers are efficiently and effectively served. A job in this category may require walking or standing to a significant degree. Preferred qualifications consist of having experience as "front of the house" staff in a full-service restaurant. Lead work experience organizing, training, and directing the work of others. Knowledge and experience of using a Point of Sale (POS) System. Bookkeeping skills sufficient to maintain accurate financial records and reports. Knowledge of park rules, policies, and facilities and other local points of interest. First Aid and CPR training.

Housing opportunities are available. Ask for information via email or at the time of interview.

If you have any questions please contact the Food Service Supervisor

Cindy Holleman

Office: (218) 699-7219

Email: Cynthia.Holleman@state.mn.us

A Food Service Worker prepares and serves food and beverages, washes dishes, cleans food service areas, and works in a visitor service capacity at Itasca State Park.

This position runs from mid-May until early October

Working hours vary, and workdays include evenings, holidays and weekends

Responsibilities Include:

• Operate dishwasher and clean pots and pans, service ware and dishes.
• Maintain a clean and organized workspace.
• Clean kitchen and dining room areas, including washing walls, floors, counters, cupboards, and furniture
• Assist cook with preparation and setup of orders for the dining room; processing food per instructions, and operating equipment used to process food
• Bust dining room tables
• Receive and check inventory, store merchandise, and rotate stock
• Clean and prepare food service area at opening and closing of the season
• Assist with preparing, serving, and cleanup of banquets

The candidate should have knowledge of materials and methods used in preparing food, and the care and use of cooking utensils and equipment. Have ability to do simple cooking on a large scale and have ability to plan and prepare small meals on a household scale. Knowledge of safety and accident prevention measures sufficient to identify hazards, make necessary repairs, and/or alert appropriate personnel. Organizational and interpersonal skills sufficient to work as a productive member of a team. Oral, written and customer service communication skills sufficient to effectively communicate complex information to a wide variety of audiences and meet expectations and requirements of staff and customers. Conflict resolution/human relation skills sufficient to negotiate, resolve issues, read situations, and settle disputes equitably by finding common ground and cooperation. Time management skills sufficient to make decisions and meet deadlines sometimes with incomplete information, under tight deadlines, and pressure by unforeseeable events and/or emergencies. One year experience in food preparation, serving, cleanup, and storage is preferred.

Housing opportunities are available. Ask for information via email or at the time of interview.

If you have any questions please contact the Food Service Supervisor

Cindy Holleman

Office: (218) 699-7219

Email: Cynthia.Holleman@state.mn.us

A Parks and Trails Associate sells vehicle permits and nature store merchandise, operates software programs and the campground and lodging reservation system, register campers and guests when needed, and provide information and other public services to visitors. 

This position runs from mid-May to October

Work hours very, and workdays include evenings, holidays and weekends

Responsibilities Include:

• Selling park vehicle permits, merchandise, consumables, register campers, and collect fees
• Provide information to the public by giving verbal directions and handing out information on rules and regulations, facilities, and activities available in the park and surrounding areas
• Provide communication with park personnel and keep supervisors inform ed.
• Clean and maintain buildings, grounds and facilities as directed

The candidate should have the ability to effectively communicate with the public and other employees. Have customer service skills sufficient to provide information to clients, including phone calls, emails, and walk-in contacts in a helpful and courteous manner. Ability to operate office equipment such as calculators, cash registers, POS system, computers, printers telephone, etc. Arithmetic skills sufficient to accurately collect money from the public for various fees. Ability to maintain safe working habits. Knowledge of safety and accident prevention measures sufficient to identify safety hazards, make necessary repairs, and/or alert appropriate personnel. Organizational and interpersonal skills sufficient to work as a productive member of a team. Conflict resolution/human relation skills sufficient to negotiate, resolve issues, read situations and settle disputes equitably by finding common ground and cooperation. Knowledge of park rules, policies, facilities, and other points of interest.

Housing opportunities are available. Ask for information via email or at the time of interview.

If you have any questions please contact the Visitor Services Supervisor

Heather Funk

Office: (218) 699-7201

Email: Heather.Funk@state.mn.us

A Gift Shop Associate is responsible for customer service, cashiering, bagging merchandise, opening and closing the store, receiving, pricing, inventory as well as maintaining organization and cleanliness of the gift shop.

This position runs from mid-May until mid-October

Working hours vary, and workdays include evenings, holidays and weekends.

Responsibilities Include:

• Greet and provide general information to visitors/customers
• Assist customers in selection of merchandise
• Enter sales on computerized cash register 
• Count and reconcile daily receipts and complete proper forms
• Price, mark, and stock merchandise
• Assist in physical inventory of merchandise
• Perform housekeeping duties in store (i.e., clean shelves and cases, sweep floors, vacuum carpet, etc.)

The candidate should have customer service skills sufficient to provide information and assistance to the public and other employees in a courteous manner. Communication skills sufficient to respond appropriately to questions from the public and other staff effectively and courteously. Math skills sufficient to handle sales transactions, provide accurate change to customers, count and reconcile daily revenue receipts. Conflict resolution/human relation skills sufficient to negotiate, resolve issues, read situations, and settle disputes equitably by finding common ground and cooperation.

Housing opportunities are available. Ask for information via email or at the time of interview.

If you have any questions please contact the Retail Supervisor

David Zothman

Office: (218) 699-7289

Email: David.Zothman@state.mn.us

A General Maintenance Worker cleans assigned facilities so that all facilities are neat and sanitary for use by park guest and staff. Provides litter and debris pickup on park grounds. Practices good housekeeping. Supports the overall safety efforts of the organization. Performs custodial and minimal maintenance tasks. 

This position runs from mid-May until mid-October

Working hours vary, and workdays include evenings, holidays and weekends.

Responsibilities Include:

• Sweep, dust, wash, polish, wax various building surfaces, including but not limited to walls, floors, windows, partitions and ceilings.
• Wash, scrub and polish various fixtures including but not limited to sinks, toilets, and water fountains.
• Wash, wax, polish various furnishings including but not limited to tables, chairs, stools, and counters. 
• Clean food service facilities
• All areas will be cleaned daily and more frequently as usage dictates
• All buildings will be completely clean of cobwebs, dirt, dust, and spills

The candidate should be able to communicate accurately, honestly and respectfully with others in a positive and constructive manner. Accepts responsibility for actions and seeks opportunities for improvement. Perform specific tasks as assigned by supervisor in a professional and timely manner. Assures responsibility for safety and accountability for safety performance accordingly to establish safety procedures and reduce injuries and equipment damage.

Housing opportunities are available. Ask for information via email or at the time of interview.

If you have any questions please contact the Maintenance Supervisor

Greg Lanners

Office: (218) 699-7213

Email: Greg.Lanners@state.mn.us

A Park Ranger provides security and protection for the resources and facilities of Itasca State Park and to help insure the park visitors have a safe and enjoyable experience. For the protection of park visitors, park facilities and resources, the park patrol deals directly with violations and abuses by park visitors to bring them into compliance with park rules, regulations and state laws. Written violations limited to warnings and park vehicle violations.

This position runs from mid - May to mid October

Work hours vary and work days include evenings, holidays and weekends

Responsibilities Include:

• Patrol park in vehicle and on foot to provide visitors with information and assistance
• In cases of emergency, assist park visitors by utilizing First Aid and CPR, if necessary, or directing them to a clinic, hospital, shelter, etc.
• Take action against visitors who are in violation of park rules and regulations
• Nightly check of beach and marina area; Remove all swimmers from beach at sundown
• Walk campground for noise and security
• Escort violators from park when necessary
• Warn visitors as much as possible in case of storm or other potentially dangerous situation
• Monitor surrounding sheriff radios to maintain an up to date appraisal of activity around and in the park can be maintained; be available to assist other law enforcement agencies when called on to do so

The candidate will need have knowledge and training in law enforcement and security procedures. The ability to operate vehicles, mobile radio equipment and watercraft is essential. A good working knowledge of all DNR and state laws and a complete understanding of park rules and regulations. Technical knowledge and skills in human relations. The ability to effectively inform the public on park regulations and policies and a working knowledge of safety equipment, first aid, CPR, and emergency maintenance equipment. Public relations problems relative to direct contact with the general public, complaints, emergency situations that arise when on patrol alone or without higher authority available must be resolved as they occur.

Housing opportunities are available. Ask for information via email or at the time of interview.

If you have any questions please contact the Security Supervisor

Greg Lanners

Office: (218) 699-7213

Email: Greg.Lanners@state.mn.us

A building and Grounds Worker performs and completes maintenance tasks and projects in a safe, efficient and timely manner. Cleans assigned facilities. Performs grounds maintenance repair projects so that the environment is preserved, the park visitors are protected and a well-groomed appearance is maintained. Perform repairs on park buildings and structures so they remain useful and attractive. To monitor, maintain and repair park facilities and utilities. Perform other duties within the realm of Buildings and Grounds Worker class specification and individual abilities as requested by supervisor. Most duties are of a routine nature in the area of safety, cleanliness, repairs, and maintenance of equipment, building, and grounds. Complete requested jobs in a safe, timely, and efficient manner using one's expertise, abilities and available manpower.

This position runs from November to October

Work hours vary and workdays include evenings, holidays, and weekends

Responsibilities Include:

• Cleaning toilet and buildings
• Perform miscellaneous tasks as directed by the supervisor 
• Repair and maintain lawns
• Repair and maintain gravel roads and parking lots
• Remove dead or diseased trees or blow downs
• Paint buildings and structures
• Repair buildings and structures
• Load and unload materials
• Haul various loads such as freight, gravel, debris, and materials 
• Remove snow from roads, parking lots, and walkways

The candidate should have a working knowledge of the methods, materials and practices. Ability to lay out work so as to manage time and materials economically and efficiently. Knowledge and ability to distinguish types of tools, equipment and materials to be used for various tasks required to maintain grounds and equipment in a state park. Must be physically able to so custodial, housekeeping, and grounds work - work to include driving trucks and tractors, tree planter, stump chipper. Ability to read, identify and understand instructions on labels on insecticides, paints, cleaning materials, etc. and the proper application of it is required. The ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions. Ability to work both indoors and outdoors. Must be prepared at all times to assist with and/or carry out unforeseeable emergency tasks.

Housing opportunities are available. Ask for information via email or at the time of interview.

If you have any questions please contact the Maintenance Supervisor

Greg Lanners

Office: (218) 699-7213

Email: Greg.Lanners@state.mn.us

A Cook prepares and cook food served at Itasca State Park.

This position runs from mid-May to early October

Work hours vary and workdays include evenings, holiday, and weekends

Responsibilities Include:

• Prepare food for appropriate shift 
• Prepare food orders while maintaining portion control and quality of product
• Prepare and store foods per health standards
• Stock refrigerators and freezers
• Maintain a clean and organized work areas
• Assist with preparing, serving, and cleanup of banquets

The candidate should be experienced in food preparation and serving in a restaurant setting. Have knowledge of quantity food preparation, cooking, presentation and serving. Knowledge of kitchen equipment, materials, and methods used in large scale food preparation, clean-up, and storage. Knowledge of health and safety regulations pertaining to food preparation, storage and cleaning in a public food serve setting. Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions. Ability to process food orders quickly and accurately. Time management skills sufficient to make decisions and meet deadlines sometimes with incomplete information, under tight deadlines, and pressure by unforeseeable events and or/emergencies. Certification of Culinary Arts or formal culinary education, supervisory or leadwork experience in a restaurant setting, working with inventory, creating production plans are preferred qualifications.

Housing opportunities are available. Ask for information via email or at the time of interview.

If you have any questions please contact the Food Service Supervisor

Cindy Holleman

Office: (218) 699-7219

Email: Cynthia.Holleman@state.mn.us

A Cook Coordinator is responsible for all cooking in medium-sized institution. In a large institution the incumbent directs all kitchen employees on one shift. 

This position runs from mid-May to October 

Work hours vary, and weekdays include evenings, weekends, and holidays

Responsibilities Include: 

• Plans and independently directs the preparation of meals on a large scale including all foods on the assigned shift
• Estimates food needs
• Requisitions and receives foods to prepare meals in accordance with menu
• Plans and directs the canning of fruits and vegetables for use in the institution
• Directs the food service and the cleaning and maintenance of the kitchen equipment
• Trains new employees in kitchen duties
• Performs related work as required

The candidate should have thorough knowledge of materials, methods and equipment used in preparing food on a large scale. Considerable knowledge of food values and nutrition. Considerable knowledge of health and safety principles involved in large-scaled cooking operations. Working knowledge of modern principles and practices of large-scale kitchen management. Ability to plan and coordinate the work of others to produce satisfactory meals in accordance with an established menu. Ability to estimate food needs in advance and keep food records.

Housing opportunities are available. Ask for information via email or at the time of interview.

If you have any questions please contact the Food Service Supervisor

Cindy Holleman

Office: (218) 699-7219

Email: Cynthia.Holleman@state.mn.us

A Douglas Lodge worker provides waiter/waitress services for the customers in Douglas Lodge Restaurant at Itasca State Park.

This position runs from mid-May to early-October

Work hours vary, workdays include weekend, holidays and evenings

Responsibilities Include:

• Greet customers, take orders and transfer order to the kitchen
• Serve food and attend to request from customers
• Determine customers bill
• Clean, buss and reset tables
• Clean and refill items on tables and storage areas
• Clean and maintain lodge area such as hallways, bathrooms, windows, floors, walls, and equipment
• Assist with preparing, serving, and cleanup of banquets

 The candidate should have experience as a waiter/waitress. Customer service skills sufficient to provide information and assistance to the public and other employees in a courteous manner. Communication skills sufficient to respond appropriately to questions from the public and other staff effectively and courteously. Basic arithmetic skills sufficient to calculate customers’ bills and provide correct change. Ability to follow oral and written instructions. Ability to use a POS (point of sales) System. Knowledge of safety and accident prevention measures sufficient to identify safety hazards, make necessary repairs, and/or alert appropriate personnel. A job in this category may require lifting and carrying light objects frequently and walking or standing to a significant degree.

Housing opportunities are available. Ask for information via email or at the time of interview.

If you have any questions please contact the Food Service Supervisor

Cindy Holleman

Office: (218) 699-7219

Email: Cynthia.Holleman@state.mn.us