Mount Rushmore National Memorial - Xanterra Travel Collection
Mount Rushmore National Memorial - Xanterra Travel Collection
Currently recruiting for the season from April 14th, 2026 to October 14th, 2026.
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.
Mount Rushmore is located in the Black Hills National Forest of western South Dakota. Above dense forests and pristine streams, the Mount Rushmore National Memorial represents a national treasure.
- 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 Mount Rushmore National Memorial - Xanterra Travel Collection
While here at Mount Rushmore National Memorial, you'll become closer to the wilderness, closer to different people and closer to yourself. When you leave you take the spirit of the Memorial with you; not just photographs, souvenirs, and addresses, but something of far greater value - a special awareness about yourself, the United States, and your future.
Xanterra is the concessionaire in charge of operating the public, non-government guest services at the Memorial. The hospitality services we provide include a cafeteria, ice cream, and a world-class gift shop. As Mount Rushmore receives millions of visitors each summer, our employees have one goal in mind: to make sure every visitor enjoys their visit. Not all jobs are glamorous and, make no mistake about it, they all require work. But, a summer living and working in the Black Hills can provide memories and friendships that will last a lifetime. We encourage you to continue reading, and discover how you can become a part of Mount Rushmore history!
The Employee Experience
At Mount Rushmore National Memorial, we are a welcoming community of employees who work hard, share a real passion for the environment, and enjoy creating memorable experiences for our guests. The work you will be doing will be highly customer-oriented. The privilege of living for a summer at Mount Rushmore is an experience unmatched elsewhere.
Your "Mount Rushmore experience" includes the opportunity to meet a wide cross-section of visitors and fellow employees from all over the world. For some, a summer at Mount Rushmore is a step on the road to other careers and different places; for others, it is the first step in a career in the hospitality industry.
Ideal Candidate
We are looking for employees who are willing to work hard, enjoy working with and for others, and take pride in a job well done. We expect that you will work hard when you are scheduled to work. Each of us at Xanterra is committed to providing first-class service for the more than three million people who visit Mount Rushmore each year. In order to accomplish this, employees who are willing to make a similar commitment to excellence in their own personal standards and work habits are needed.
Room and Board
Your Home in the Hills!
Housing at Mount Rushmore is one of the best employee accommodations in the National Parks. The dormitory-style residence, Kay Riordan-Steuerwald Hall, offers housing for more than 120 employees. Completely carpeted, furnished with a desk secretary and bed, each room has a private bath/shower and secure closets.
- A family-style common room contains a TV, computer, and various books and games.
- Wi-fi and laundry facilities are also provided.
- Shuttle services are provided during peak season to transport employees to work or meals.
- Employees are responsible for personal conduct and cleanliness in assigned residences. The dormitory is a SMOKE-FREE building.
- Employee meals are served in the Employee Dining Room.
- Lodging and meals are provided and costs associated are deducted from each paycheck.
- Dormitory housing for married couples is available only when the Company employs both, with limited availability.
- RV sites are available at a cost that includes water, sewer, and electricity. Units must be fully self-contained and no older than 1980.
Employee Perks
We offer:
- Employee Retail and Food and Beverage discounts
- $350 Referral Bonus
- Xanterra Lodging Discounts across all properties
- Trips to various Black Hills attractions
- Employee VIP card to local attractions
- Wellness, learning, and development programs
Getting Here and Getting Around
While we will provide transportation from the Rapid City airport or bus station; we recommend employees using their own transportation to get around. During peak season (May to October) we do have a shuttle that will take employees to and from housing to work location and have a variety of trips to explore or shop the Black Hills.
For Fun
What's it like to work at Mount Rushmore and live in the Black Hills area?
You may never tire of seeing The Memorial ~ each day the faces will change with the weather and the sunlight. A short stroll along the Presidential Trail will provide close access to the sculpture. More intimate views of the artwork are available along the way as either a self- guided or ranger-guided walk. Two other trails lead to Borglum View Terrace and the Sculptor’s Studio: One is a nature trail that starts from the main entryway; the other is a steep trail with uneven steps that starts from Grandview Terrace.
We hope that you will also enjoy exploring the Black Hills area, including Wind Cave National Park, Custer State Park, Badlands National Park, Devil’s Tower National Monument, Crazy Horse Monument and Rapid City. Camping, hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding are just a few of the things you can do outdoors. Rapid City is close by when you need something civilization can provide.
Current Job Openings
- Employee housing (dormitory-style) and on-site employee meals (cafeteria-style)
- 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!
- 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
- Black Hills VIP Training Pass Discounts for local attractions
- Retail, Lodging and Travel Discounts
- Planned employee trips and activities
- $350 Referral Bonus Program
- South Dakota does not have state income tax deductions
- 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
- 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.
- Constantly standing, walking, handling, reaching outward, carrying and lifting 10 pounds or less, and push/pulling 12 pounds or less.
- Frequently reaching over shoulder, squat/kneeling, bending, carrying and lifting 11 to 50 pounds, and push/pulling 13 to 25 pounds.
- Occasionally sitting, climbing, crawling, carrying and lifting 51 to 100 pounds, and push/pulling 26 to 40 pounds.
- 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
- Medical-Minimum Essential Coverage
- 401k
- Supplemental Benefits including Pet Insurance
- Employee Assistance Program
- Wellness Programs
- Learning and Development Programs
- Black Hills VIP Training Pass Discounts for local attractions
- Retail, Lodging and Travel Discounts
- $350 Referral Bonus Program
- South Dakota does not have state income tax deductions
- Set up banquet room as instructed by Supervisor or banquet lead to include linen, service ware and glassware.
- Attend roll call meetings before events to learn function particulars, including guest expectations.
- Greet guests and respond to requests in a friendly and courteous manner.
- Serve the food and/or beverage in the order and to the expectation of the Supervisor or banquet lead to ensure consistency throughout the banquet. Promptly remove dishes as guests complete each course and/or meal at the end of the meal or function.
- Abide by all State, Federal and Corporate requirements pertaining to serving alcoholic beverages.
- Replenish beverages as necessary, and check with guests for overall satisfaction.
- Once the banquet is complete, reset banquet room according to Supervisor’s specifications to ensure the readiness of the room for the following function.
- Comply with attendance rules and be available to work on a regular basis.
- Other duties as assigned.
- Previous banquet serving ability is strongly preferred.
- Willing to “pitch-in” and help the team with tasks.
- Ability to communicate well with guests in English.
- Basic knowledge of food and beverage preparations, service standards, guest relations and etiquette.
- Knowledge of the appropriate table settings and service ware.
- Ability to remember, recite and promote the variety of menu items.
- Ability to comprehend and apply written product labeling instructions to enable the safe application of products and processes in Food and Beverage.
- Constantly: Standing, walking, and lifting/carrying up to 20 lbs.
- Occasionally: Sitting, climbing, crawling, squatting/kneeling, lifting/carrying over 50 lbs, and pushing/pulling over 50 lbs.
- A 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!
- Medical-Minimum Essential Coverage
- 401k
- Supplemental Benefits including Pet Insurance
- Employee Assistance Program
- Wellness Programs
- Learning and Development Programs
- Black Hills VIP Training Pass Discounts for local attractions
- Retail, Lodging and Travel Discounts
- $350 Referral Bonus Program
- South Dakota does not have state income tax deductions
- Perform all duties toward the goal of providing excellent guest service in an efficient manner.
- Follow all policies, procedures and service standards.
- Accurately record and enter all food (where applicable) and beverage items; produce, pick up, garnish and serve food and beverages promptly to guests; collect and process forms of payment; ensuring guest satisfaction throughout.
- Maximize sale by using menu and beverage knowledge and suggestive selling techniques. Motivate and educate staff in up-selling and wine salesmanship.
- Ensure established standards of beverage service are met.
- Offer and serve alcoholic beverages while adhering to established Xanterra alcohol policies and State and local regulations.
- Maintain cleanliness of service areas. Ensure work area is orderly and properly stocked.
- Responsible for collecting accurate payment from the guest and depositing the exact amount of sales.
- Other duties as assigned.
- Must be 21 years of age.
- Previous bartending experience is strongly preferred.
- Certification in the TIPS alcohol awareness program is required. Workshops will be provided if not currently certified.
- Ability to organize and prioritize under pressure while maintaining a calm and pleasant demeanor.
- Ability to communicate effectively with guests, co-workers, and supervisors.
- Ability to absorb large amounts of information quickly: Service procedures, beverage and food menus as appropriate.
- Knowledge of brands, selections and recipes helpful.
- Knowledge of basic sanitation.
- Throughout shift:
- Constantly: Standing, walking, handling, reaching and lifting/carrying up to 20 lbs.
- Occasionally: Sitting, reaching overhead, climbing, crawling, squatting/kneeling, lifting/carrying over 50 lbs, and pushing/pulling over 50 lbs.
- Employee housing (dormitory-style or RV site) and on-site employee meals (cafeteria-style)
- On-site laundry facility, employee shuttle service, Wi-Fi (limited bandwidth)
- 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!
- Employee Assistance Program
- Wellness Program
- Learning and Development Program
- Black Hills VIP Training Pass Discounts for local attractions
- Retail, Lodging and Travel Discounts
- Planned employee trips and activities
- $350 Referral Bonus Program
- South Dakota does not have state income tax deductions
- Follow the established SOP and checklists to clean and remove trash from public guest spaces, including but not limited to the restrooms, dining room, outdoor patio, and outdoor parking structure.
- Follow the established SOP and checklists to clean and remove trash from employee areas at the concession building, including but not limited to the restrooms, employee dining room (EDR), hallway, office areas, and EDR patio.
- Follow the established SOP and checklists to clean and remove trash in the common area spaces in the employee dormitory, including the restroom, hallways, stairwells, kitchenette/living room, parking lot and outdoor gazebo.
- Follow the established SOP and checklists to clean and turn over employee housing rooms once completely vacated, no daily cleaning of employee housing rooms. Employee housing rooms are in the dormitory, company owned RVs, and a company owned house.
- Monitor stock items such as paper towels and cleaning supplies and notify the Maintenance Manager when needing to order more.
- Launder rags and mop heads and other tools used to clean.
- Ensure that the back loading dock is clear from debris and maintain cleanliness of the space.
- Follow Company and departmental environmental and safety practices, policies, and procedures.
- Other duties as assigned.
- Previous commercial cleaning experience strongly preferred.
- Possession of a valid US driver’s license and clean driving record in the last 3 years, strongly preferred.
- Ability to follow SOPs and checklists.
- Demonstrated ability to pay attention to details.
- Ability to operate an industrial carpet cleaner.
- Ability to operate an industrial floor scrubbing machine.
- Willing to “pitch-in” and help the team with tasks.
- Must be a positive team player with flexible schedules who like to have fun and have the passion to work.
- Constantly walking, handling, reach outward, lift/carry up to 10 pounds, and push/pull 12 -25 pounds.
- Frequently stand, reaching above shoulder, bend, lifting/carrying 11-50 pounds, and pushing/pulling 26-40 pounds.
- Occasionally climbing, crawling, squatting/kneeling, lifting/carrying 51-100 pounds, and pushing/pulling 41-100 pounds.
Cook
Live. Work. Explore. as a part of our Food & Beverage team at 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: September 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:
Benefits:
Perks:
Responsibilities
Qualifications
Physical Requirements include:
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.
On-Call Banquet Server
Live. Work. Explore. as a part of our Food & Beverage team at 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 On-Call/Intermittent Banquet Servers!
Job Summary:
Set up of banquet room and serve food and/or beverages in a friendly, courteous and professional manner according to Xanterra’s high standards of quality.
The Details:
Position Type: On-Call/Intermittent
Season Dates: September 2026
Pay: $16.00/hour
Schedule: As needed
No employee housing available
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:
Benefits:
Perks:
Responsibilities
Qualifications
Physical Requirements include:
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.
On-Call Banquet Bartender
Live. Work. Explore. as a part of our Food & Beverage team at 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 for an On-Call/Intermittent Banquet Bartender!
Job Summary:
The Banquet Bartender position is responsible for providing great guest service by mixing quality cocktails, pouring a proper draft, and decanting wine to achieve the best taste during banquets.
The Details:
Position Type: On-Call/Intermittent
Start Date: September 2026
Pay Rate: $16.25/hour
Schedule: As needed
No employee housing available
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:
Benefits:
Perks:
Responsibilities
Qualifications
Physical Requirements:
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.
Facilities Custodian
Live. Work. Explore. as a part of our Maintenance team at 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 Facilities Custodians to Live. Work. Explore. this summer!
Job Summary:
Responsible for helping maintain the cleanliness and appearance of the concession building, employee housing, parking structure and other assigned areas.
The Details:
Position Type: Seasonal
Season Dates: Immediately to October 29, 2026
Pay: $14.70/hour
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:
Benefits:
Perks:
Responsibilities
Qualifications
Physical Requirements include:
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.
How to Apply
Employees must be 18 years old to live in the housing facilities at Mount Rushmore National Memorial.
AVAILABILITY DATES: Our busy season begins in May and lasts into September. Some positions start in early April and last until mid-October. Your employment chances improve if you can arrive early and work through September or later. Be realistic and specific about the exact dates you will be available, as these dates become part of your Employment Agreement.
INTERNATIONAL APPLICANTS: Applicants must have a J-1 visa through CIEE or Janus International. We are unable to sponsor applicants for employment.
Contact Info
- Audrey Bruno
- audrey.bruno@xanterra.com
