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
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.
Provides high quality, healthy, and varied meals on a timely basis and works closely with Lodge Manager to ensure crew and staff are satisfied.
Will have certification in Safe Food handling procedures and exercise those procedures in the keeping of lodge kitchen and food storage areas.
Ensure compliance with State and local health department regulations. Ensure compliance with all corporate policies and procedures to ensure guest satisfaction.
Will address dietary requests and restrictions and will work closely with the Lodge General Manager to ensure those requests are met.
Will pay close attention to personnel sanitation and always have a clean appearance to the public and other staff.
Works closely with Lodge Manager in the purchase and ordering of Food and Beverage items and rotates and utilizes all inventories.
Works through food inventories to insure minimal stocks on hand at end of season.
Maintain regular and punctual attendance.
Will wash Dishes including serving and cooking dishes, utensils, and other. Will maintain sanitized, clean dishes, utensils, and equipment at all times.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Certification in Safe Food handling procedures
Minimum five years’ culinary arts experience, prior years’ experience will be considered.
Familiar with menu development and food cost.
Familiar with ordering inventory/ inventory procedures.
Excellent ability to multi-task organization and communication skills.
High school diploma or GED
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.
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).
Chef
Responsible for creating healthy and varied meals, up to three times a day for all construction crew and staff members. Must have a commitment to quality and service. Ability to formulate, implement and administer operational procedures pertaining to food ordering, receiving, storing, food safety and inventory in a remote lodge setting.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
Chef will be in charge of delegating responsibilities to sous chef and/or bartender as needed when it comes to food prep, safe handling practices, and cleanliness protocols.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
WORK SCHEDULE
Temporary position will be required to work overtime hours to complete assignments and/or projects. May require flexible work schedule.
TRAVEL
To Katmai Wilderness Lodge.
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.
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, high wind, rain, and various local conditions.
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).
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
