Live. Work. Explore. as a Cook for Mount Rushmore National Memorial!

Posted: Jun 09, 2026

Cook

Mount Rushmore National Memorial - Xanterra Travel Collection

Keystone, South Dakota

Wages/Pay
$14.95 / hour
Experience Level
Some experience required
Job Start Date
Jun 10, 2026

Live. Work. Explore. as a part of our Food & Beverage team in Mount Rushmore National Memorial!

Located in the beautiful Black Hills region of South Dakota, Mount Rushmore National Memorial is open year-round and operates retail shops and a variety dining outlets serving convenient grab-and-go meals and coffee. No matter what your job is, you will be a proud steward of the park and play an essential role in providing warm and friendly hospitality to all our guests.

We’re hiring a Cook to Live. Work. Explore. in Mount Rushmore!

Job Summary:
Works in the kitchen area to cook customer orders ensuring Company and regulatory standards are met. Will also assist in preparing foods for cafeteria, ready-to-serve packages, and banquets.

The Details:
Position Type: Full-Time, Year-Round, or Seasonal 
Season Dates: June 2026 - October 2026 
Pay: $15.70/hr
Schedule: Typical schedule is 40 hours, 5 days per week (may include weekends, evenings, and holidays)

Why Mount Rushmore National Memorial?
We are a welcoming community who work hard, share a real passion for the environment, and enjoy crafting memorable experiences for our guests. As part of the Xanterra Travel Collection®, we are the primary authorized concessionaire in Mount Rushmore, and proud stewards of the park.

Life in Mount Rushmore:

  • Employee housing at low cost (dormitory-style or RV site), through payroll deduction

  • Employee Dining Room (cafeteria-style) where meals are $5.75 each, paid separately

  • On-site laundry facility, Wi-Fi (limited bandwidth), employee shuttle service available during peak season

  • Fast-paced, exciting work environment with plenty of upward mobility and growth opportunities

  • Meet people of all ages from all over the country and world

  • The adventure of a lifetime!

Benefits:

  • Medical, Dental, Vision

  • Paid Time Off and Holidays

  • Disability Insurance

  • 401k with match

  • Life and AD&D Insurance

  • Employee Assistance Program

  • Wellness Programs

  • Learning and Development Programs

Perks:

  • Black Hills VIP Training Pass Discounts for local attractions

  • Retail, Lodging and Travel Discounts

  • Planned employee trips and activities

  • 15% Verizon service/products discount

  • $350 Referral Bonus Program


Responsibilities

  • Cook/makes, portions and garnishes food orders for customers

  • Ensure that company and regulatory standards are met, including but not limited to prepares food according to recipe and proper temperatures and food is stored and held at proper holding temperatures

  • Ensure cleanliness and sanitation is exceeds high standards, to include but not limited to, cleaning various kitchen equipment such as grease friers, flat top griddle, vent hoods, oven and steam kettles; cleaning various kitchen tools and utensils, taking out garbage, sweeping and mopping the floors, and supporting company sustainability efforts

  • Clean, cut and portion out vegetables, meat and other food for use in recipes or grab and go meals

  • Prepare menu items according to set recipes

  • Help ensure that others in the kitchen and cooking areas are trained and keeping to the set company and regulatory standards

  • Other duties as assigned


Qualifications

  • Culinary degree and 4 years’ experience in a kitchen across fast casual and quick service facilities. Work experience can substitute for formal education.

  • Ability to provide excellent customer service.

  • Ability to listen and effectively communicate.

  • Ability to work in a fast-paced environment where project priorities, task deadlines, and assignments can change quickly and with little notice.

  • Must be a self-starter who can work with minimal supervision while working within set guidelines.

  • Ability to adapt training methods to different skill and ability levels.

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How to Apply

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Mount Rushmore National Memorial - Xanterra Travel Collection

Mount Rushmore National Memorial symbolizes the ideals of freedom and democracy; it is a tribute to four presidents: Washington, Jefferson, Roosevelt, and Lincoln, and their invaluable contributions to the founding, expansion, preservation, and unification of the United States. Each year, more than 3 million visitors from all over the world come to visit our nation’s Shrine of Democracy.

Location
South Dakota
Season
Spring, Summer, and Fall
Staff size
175
Housing
Whether included in the compensation package or provided at a cost, housing is provided for staff.
Housing details
Housing is dormitory-style living with 2-3 residents per room.
Meals
Some meals / discounts
Cell phone service
Yes, most carriers
Internet access
Good
About CoolWorks

Since 1995, CoolWorks has connected adventure-seekers with job opportunities in amazing places—from national parks to ski resorts, summer camps to dude ranches. We help people trade screen time for real time—meaningful experiences that spark connection and growth. Your next great adventure is waiting. More About CoolWorks

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