Katmai Wilderness Lodge
Katmai Wilderness Lodge
Currently recruiting for the season from May 15th, 2026 to September 25th, 2026.
We are a small Eco-Tour lodge in Katmai National Park with a maximum of 12 clients of mostly nature enthusiast and photographers who come to see and photograph brown bears. We also spend time observing marine mammals, identifying plants and flowers, birding, beach combing, exploring nature, and wildlife.
We are located in Kukak Bay along the coast of Katmai National Park, overlooking the Shelikof Strait toward Kodiak Island. Accessible only by floatplane or boat, our lodge is surrounded by vast, protected rugged wilderness where brown bears roam, tides set the schedule, and wildlife is inherently part of every day.
- Location
- Alaska
- Season
- Spring, Summer, and Fall
- Staff size
- 7
- Housing
- Whether included in the compensation package or provided at a cost, housing is provided for staff.
- Housing details
- Private cabin with shared bathroom.
- Single occupancy housing available
- Yes
- Pet friendly
- No
- Meals
- Provided
- Cell phone service
- Some, ask for details
- Internet access
- Good
About Katmai Wilderness Lodge
Katmai Wilderness Lodge is a remote, fly-in-only bear viewing lodge located on private land surrounded by Katmai National Park on the Alaska Peninsula. We operate in one of the wildest, most intact ecosystems in North America — where brown bears roam the beaches, salmon run late in the season, and weather, tides, and wildlife shape the rhythm of every day.
This land has been lived on and stewarded by Alaska Native peoples for over 10,000 years. We work to honor that history while providing immersive, conservation-minded wildlife experiences. Our guests come for authenticity, and our staff live it.
Working here is not a typical seasonal hospitality job. We are off-grid, weather-dependent, and far from town. Our team lives and works together from May through September in a small, tight-knit environment where professionalism, adaptability, and a strong work ethic matter.
We operate with a hands-on mentality. Everyone wears multiple hats. Guides assist with loading planes. Front-of-house staff help with luggage and laundry. Maintenance supports guest changeovers. Chefs coordinate inventory with management. It takes all of us.
In return, you get something rare: real wilderness immersion. Bears digging for clams below the lodge. Long summer light. A team that depends on one another. Work that feels tangible and meaningful.
If you thrive in dynamic environments, value teamwork, and want to spend a season in one of the most remarkable landscapes on earth, you may see yourself working at Katmai Wilderness Lodge!
The Employee Experience
Working at Katmai Wilderness Lodge means living fully immersed in one of the wildest places left in North America.
Because of that, we value professionalism, accountability, and kindness. We value people who take ownership, who finish what they start, and who step in when a teammate needs help. We value adaptability, humility, and curiosity about wildlife, weather, and people.
Life here is structured, busy, and purposeful. Days are long. The weather changes fast. Guests arrive by floatplane. Bears wander the beaches below the lodge. Everyone wears more than one hat. You might help unload a plane in the morning, assist with housekeeping midday, and gather with the team for a sunset over the bay that night.
What’s enriching about working here isn’t just the setting, though it’s extraordinary. It’s the shared experience. You become part of a small, high-functioning team that relies on each other. You learn how to live simply, work efficiently, and operate in a place where nature sets the schedule.
The best takeaway after a season? Confidence. Perspective. Real wilderness experience. A deeper understanding of Alaska. And the kind of stories you can’t get anywhere else.
If you’re looking for convenience, this isn’t it. If you’re looking for growth, teamwork, and a season that will stay with you long after it’s over, you may find exactly that here.
Ideal Candidate
Our ideal candidate thrives in dynamic, remote environments and understands that working at a wilderness lodge is both a responsibility and a privilege.
They are adaptable, steady, and solution-oriented. They don’t wait to be told what needs to be done but notice it and step in. In a small team, everyone contributes beyond the boundaries of a single job title, and are comfortable wearing multiple hats when needed.
They value professionalism, accountability, and respect for others. They communicate clearly, maintain a positive attitude under pressure, and approach challenges with flexibility rather than frustration. Long days, shifting weather, and evolving plans don’t rattle them. They adjust and keep moving.
They are team-oriented and understand that we succeed together. Collaboration is essential in a remote setting, and they actively support their coworkers to ensure smooth operations and a cohesive work environment.
Just as importantly, they recognize that we are part of the guest experience. This is not a behind-the-scenes operation; our team interacts with guests daily, shares meals in the same space, and represents the lodge at all times. We are here to be present, engaged, and enthusiastic. Our ideal candidate is comfortable being “on” for long stretches, understands that their attitude shapes the guest experience, and takes pride in creating a welcoming and memorable atmosphere.
Curiosity about Alaska, wildlife, conservation, and the natural world is a plus, but reliability, integrity, and genuine engagement matter most. We look for individuals who take pride in doing things well, care deeply about the guest experience, and are excited to be active participants in it.
In short: we seek team members who are dependable, collaborative, and genuinely enthusiastic about spending a season working hard — and being fully present — in one of the most remarkable landscapes in the world.
Room and Board
Katmai Wilderness Lodge has private staff housing in a building behind the main lodge. Here, each employee will have a private room or cabin, a gear cubby, and shared private bathrooms with showers. A small kitchenette is located in the staff hallway for snacks, coffee, and other conveniences when outside the main lodge. In the main lodge, we have a dedicated staff meeting area with food and drink storage.
Employee Perks
Working at Katmai Wilderness Lodge, you may qualify for travel reimbursements, an end-of-season bonus, and a limited gear stipend to help you get outfitted for your time with us. Many gear outfitters recognize us as influential outdoor guides and offer product discounts to our employees. The wilderness and remote lodge experience speaks for itself, and you will leave KWL with a host of knowledge and real-world work experience that you cannot get anywhere else.
Getting Here and Getting Around
Employees are required to travel to and from Kodiak Island, AK on their own, although a travel stipend is provided to cover costs. From Kodiak, management will arrange float plane service out to the lodge. Once at the Lodge, getting around is limited to the occasional boat trip (unless you are in the Guide position) and hiking in the surrounding area. We are completely remote, and there is no town or road access.
For Fun
This Lodge is for the outdoor lover. We have opportunities for hiking, occasional fishing or crabbing, and experiencing the wildlife of Katmai National Park literally on our doorstep. For history and archaeology lovers, we are located on lands that have been occupied by native peoples for over six thousand years. The history of the landscape and the beauty of the wild is all around us.
Current Job Openings
Works closely with and under the direction of the Executive Chef in the preparation and service of meals.
Responsible for assisting with and independently preparing breakfast as assigned by the Executive Chef.
Assists with food preparation for lunch, dinner, appetizers, desserts, and other meal services as needed.
Follows recipes, preparation methods, portion standards, presentation standards, and direction provided by the Executive Chef.
Provides friendly, professional, and attentive service when interacting with lodge guests.
Contributes to the welcoming and personalized atmosphere expected at a high-end lodge.
Works directly alongside the Executive Chef and takes an active role in learning professional cooking techniques, menu execution, presentation, and kitchen operations.
Will have certification in Safe Food handling procedures and exercise those procedures in the keeping of lodge kitchen and food storage areas.
Will pay close attention to personal sanitation and always have a clean and professional appearance to guests and other staff.
Will wash dishes including serving and cooking dishes, utensils, glassware, and kitchen equipment.
Assists with receiving, storing, labeling, rotating, organizing, inventory, and stocking of food and kitchen supplies.
Maintain regular and punctual attendance.
Must be willing to learn new skills, cooking techniques, recipes, and responsibilities.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Safe Food handling certification, or ability to obtain certification.
Previous culinary, restaurant, catering, lodge, or food-service experience preferred.
Basic cooking and food preparation skills.
Ability to prepare breakfast service with limited supervision after training.
Strong work ethic, willingness to learn, and ability to take direction.
Must be eager to learn and take advantage of the opportunity to work closely and receive one-on-one instruction from the Executive Chef.
Excellent organization and communication skills.
Must be personable, outgoing, and comfortable interacting with high-end clientele.
Professional demeanor appropriate for a luxury guest-service environment.
Dependable, punctual, flexible, and willing to assist with cooking, cleaning, and dishwashing.
High school diploma or GED preferred.
Must be able to see, hear and verbally communicate with regular frequency.
Must be able to walk and/or stand on hard surfaces for extended periods of time.
Must be able to kneel, bend and twist at the waist with regular frequency.
Must be able to reach at, above and below shoulder height with regular frequency.
Must be able to push, pull, carry, and lift objects weighing up to 75 pounds with regular frequency.
Must be able to maintain balance and maneuver in crowded space with regular frequency.
Must possess sufficient fine and gross motor skills to operate equipment with regular frequency.
Employee must be able to work in varying conditions for long hours.
Must have a thorough knowledge and understanding of the marine environment in which we operate taking into consideration tidal fluctuations and changes in weather.
Use of Navigational Charts and Chart Plotters, GPS, Sonar, VHF, Satellite Comms, and other Navigational tools.
Responsible for the overall quality of company tours as experienced by the customer, including:
Providing interesting, accurate and appropriate narration for the tours.
Ensuring that the boat departs and is returned to the dock on time unless latitude is approved by the General Manager.
Establishing quality interaction with guests regarding safety procedures, tour information, boat information and environmental data.
Ability to cross sell Katmai Wilderness products.
Must maintain and inspect lodge vessel daily to ensure safety, cleanliness, and that the vessel is mechanically sound.
Will provide clear and accurate interpretive knowledge of Park history, flora and fauna and Brown Bear behavioral facts while accompanying guests away from the lodge.
Assists with various camp duties as assigned, including but not limited to:
Cleaning/Crew Quarters Chores
Grounds keeping
Loading and unloading of aircraft
Buildings and boat maintenance
Operating other small lodge equipment
Must always maintain personnel hygiene and have a clean appearance to the public and other lodge staff.
Must always wear proper attire. Political statements, religious statements, crude language, or logos are not permitted.
Maintain regular and punctual attendance.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Must have a thorough knowledge and understanding of the marine environment in which we operate taking into consideration tidal fluctuations and changes in weather.
Must be proficient with the use of Navigational Charts, Chart Plotters, Satellite Comms., GPS, Sonar, VHF, and other Navigational tools.
Two (2) years or more service time on similar vessels.
Current USCG rating of a 25 Ton Near Coastal OUPV License.
Must be a minimum of 21 years old.
Certified in CPR and First Aid.
This position will be subject to random drug and alcohol screening as per enrollment in a Drug Consortium.
May need to pass a background check.
Wilderness First Aid certification or higher
Masters USCG License
Alaska Guiding Experience; fishing or hunting included.
Yamaha outboard maintenance and other mechanical experience
Advanced knowledge or education in local or marine biology
Must be able to see, hear and verbally communicate with regular frequency.
Must be able to walk and/or stand or hard surfaces for extended periods of time.
Must be able to kneel, bend and twist at the waist with regular frequency.
Must be able to reach at, above and below shoulder height with regular frequency.
Must be able to push, pull, carry, and lift objects weighing up to 75 pounds with regular frequency.
Must be able to maintain balance and maneuver in crowded space with regular frequency.
Must possess sufficient fine and gross motor skills to operate equipment with regular frequency.
Employee must be able to work in varying conditions for long hours.
Serve as an assistant to the Lodge Managers and help with daily operational needs and special projects as assigned.
Perform daily housekeeping and guest room duties for a lodge accommodating up to 12 guests, including making beds, room refreshes, room turnovers, deep cleaning, sanitization, and general lodge upkeep.
Manage daily laundry operations including guest linens, bedding, towels, folding, organization, and maintaining a clean and orderly laundry area.
Greet new guests upon aircraft arrival and provide a warm, professional first impression of Katmai Wilderness Lodge.
Assist with guest luggage transfer, escort guests to their rooms, provide room orientation, and help guests become comfortable with the lodge and their surroundings.
Maintain an active front-of-house presence and regularly interact and mingle with guests throughout their stay.
Be approachable and attentive to guest needs and communicate guest requests or concerns to Lodge Management.
Assist with guest arrival and departure logistics and help ensure transitions are organized and welcoming.
Support bar service as needed, generally for a limited period each day.
Assist with food service, lodge store operations, inventory, stocking, beverage orders, gear orders, and other operational needs as directed by management.
Perform light cleaning and general lodge upkeep throughout common areas.
Fill in across lodge operations wherever necessary due to the small staff and changing daily needs of a remote lodge.
Maintain regular and punctual attendance.
Maintain a clean, professional appearance and excellent personal hygiene.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Must be outgoing, personable, and comfortable initiating conversation and interacting regularly with high-end guests.
Strong guest-service mindset with the ability to make guests feel welcomed, comfortable, and cared for.
Strong organizational and communication skills.
Ability to work effectively as part of a very small team in a remote environment.
Must be flexible and willing to change priorities as lodge and guest needs develop throughout the day.
Willingness and ability to perform housekeeping, make beds, clean guest rooms, and manage substantial daily laundry requirements.
Ability to work independently and take direction directly from Lodge Management.
Ability to assist with guest luggage and other physical aspects of lodge operations.
Must be physically capable of extended standing, bending, lifting, cleaning, and working long hours.
High school diploma or GED.
Must be willing to live and work in a remote, off-grid setting with limited time off during the season.
Previous hospitality, housekeeping, luxury lodge, front desk, or guest-services experience.
Bartending or restaurant server experience.
Current Alaska TAP (Training for Alcohol Professionals) card preferred, or willingness to obtain one prior to the start of employment.
Licensed or certified massage therapy experience is a plus and may provide opportunities to offer massage services to lodge guests.
Experience working directly with high-end clientele.
Retail or point-of-sale experience.
Knowledge of Alaska, Alaskan wildlife, natural history, or biology.
Prior experience in remote lodge or seasonal operations.
Must be able to walk and stand for extended periods of time.
Must be able to kneel, bend, twist, and reach regularly.
Must be able to push, pull, carry, and lift objects weighing up to 75 pounds.
Must be comfortable assisting with guest luggage.
Must be able to perform repetitive housekeeping and laundry duties, including making beds, lifting linens, cleaning, folding, and carrying laundry.
Must be able to maneuver safely in confined or busy spaces.
Must be able to work extended hours in varying conditions.
Second Cook
Responsible for assisting the Executive Chef with the preparation and service of high quality meals for guests and staff at Katmai Wilderness Lodge. Works as part of a small two-person kitchen team and assists with breakfast preparation and service, food prep, cleaning, dishwashing, organization, sanitation and food storage. Must have a commitment to quality and service, a strong work ethic, and a willingness to learn and take direction. This position will regularly interact with lodge guests and must be personable, professional, and comfortable engaging with high-end clientele.
This position also provides a unique opportunity to work closely alongside and learn directly from an experienced Executive Chef in a small, two-person kitchen environment. The Second Cook will receive significant one-on-one exposure to professional cooking techniques, menu execution, food preparation, presentation, and the operation of a high-end lodge kitchen.
Essential Duties & ResponsibilitiesThis position does not have regular supervisory responsibilities. The Second Cook will work under the direction of the Executive Chef and may be required to independently manage breakfast service, food preparation, or other kitchen responsibilities as assigned.
Minimum QualificationsTemporary seasonal position will be required to work overtime hours to complete assignments and/or projects. May require flexible work schedule.
TravelEmployee must arrange travel to Kodiak, Alaska. Transportation to the lodge will be coordinated from Kodiak. A seasonal travel stipend may be provided.
Physical DemandsWork environment is varied in its requirements with long periods of standing, kneeling, both cold and hot climates that are characteristic of remote lodge operations. Work can be performed in adverse conditions including high humidity, heat, cold, high wind, rain, and various local conditions.
Wildlife Guide
Boat Captain/Naturalist Guide will possess the minimum USCG rating of a 25 Ton Near Coastal OUPV License. Must also be currently certified in CPR and First Aid and be willing to go through a Drug and Alcohol Consortium Program. This person will be responsible for the safe operation of Lodge vessels and guests while leading lodge guests on water-based Nature/Wildlife excursions and provide for the safety of guests while in the field on land-based excursions within Katmai National Park on the Katmai Coast of the Alaska Peninsula as well as lodge property and surrounds.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
None.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
PREFERRED/SOUGHT QUALIFICATIONS
WORK SCHEDULE
Temporary position will be required to work overtime hours to complete assignments and/or projects. May require flexible work schedule.
TRAVEL
Must make own travel arrangements to and from Kodiak, Alaska. A float plane to the lodge will be arranged from there. A travel stipend may be given to reimburse employees for seasonal travel.
DRIVING REQUIREMENTS
Must provide a copy of a current and valid USCG rating of a 25 Ton Near Coastal OUPV License for verification purposes.
EDUCATION
High school diploma or GED
WORK ENVIRONMENT
Work environment is varied in its requirements with long periods of standing, kneeling, both cold and hot climates that are characteristic of remote lodge operations. Work can be performed in adverse conditions including inclement weather such as high humidity, heat, cold weather, high wind, rain, sun, and various local conditions. Most of the season is spent primarily off the grid, in a remote lodge operation.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
It is Ouzinkie Native Corporation and subsidiaries’ business philosophy and practice to provide reasonable accommodations, according to applicable state and federal laws, to all qualified individuals with physical or mental disabilities.
PREFERENCE STATEMENT
Preference will be given to Ouzinkie Shareholders, Descendants of Shareholders, and Spouses of Shareholders in accordance with Title 43 U.S. Code 1626(g) and Title 42 U.S. Code 2000e - 2(i).
Lodge General Assistant / Front of House
The Lodge General Assistant / Front of House is a seasonal, full-time, live-in position responsible for supporting the Lodge Managers, daily lodge operations, housekeeping, and guest services at Katmai Wilderness Lodge, a remote wilderness lodge in Alaska.
With a maximum of 12 guests and a small staff, this is a key floater position. We are looking for someone who is highly flexible, dependable, hardworking, and willing to jump in wherever needed.
A major part of this position is guest interaction. The General Assistant will often be one of the first lodge staff members our guests meet and must be an outgoing, personable, and confident host who genuinely enjoys meeting and getting to know people. This person will greet arriving guests, assist with luggage and room orientation, mingle with guests throughout their stay, and help provide the warm, personalized service expected at a high-end wilderness lodge.
Essential Duties & ResponsibilitiesThis is a seasonal, full-time position, generally May through September.
The position requires flexibility. Hours and responsibilities will vary depending on guest schedules and the needs of the lodge. Extended workdays, changing schedules, and overtime may be required.
Because we operate with a small staff in a remote location, everyone is expected to work together and help where needed. The ideal candidate understands that their responsibilities may change throughout the day depending on guest and operational needs.
TravelEmployee must arrange travel to Kodiak, Alaska. Transportation to the lodge will be coordinated from Kodiak. A seasonal travel stipend may be provided.
Work EnvironmentKatmai Wilderness Lodge is located in a remote, off-grid wilderness setting in Alaska. This position requires living and working on-site for the duration of the season.
The work environment is varied and can be physically demanding. Work may take place both indoors and outdoors and in changing weather conditions including rain, wind, cold, heat, and high humidity.
Living and working at a remote lodge is different from a traditional hospitality position. Staff live and work closely together, and flexibility, teamwork, a positive attitude, and the ability to adapt are extremely important.
Physical RequirementsThis position is a great fit for someone who genuinely enjoys people and doesn't want to spend their entire workday behind the scenes.
We want someone who can clean a guest room in the morning, help the Lodge Managers with a project in the afternoon, greet an arriving plane full of guests, show them to their rooms, help behind the bar, and then comfortably sit down and have a conversation with guests later that evening.
You should be outgoing without being overbearing, professional without being stiff, and comfortable interacting with a wide variety of personalities. Our guests are coming to Katmai Wilderness Lodge for a high-end, personalized wilderness experience, and this position plays an important role in making them feel welcomed and at home.
Most importantly, we are looking for someone who is flexible, hardworking, positive, and willing to be part of a small team where everyone helps wherever needed.
How to Apply
Please reach out to Lodge / Hiring Manager Ian Beaumont by phone or email at ibeaumont@katmaiwilderness.com with your CV and anything else you would like us to know. We will get back to you to set up a phone or Zoom interview!
Contact Info
- Ian Beaumont
- ibeaumont@katmaiwilderness.com
- (907) 202-2672
- www.Katmai-Wilderness.com
