Cook
Mount Rushmore National Memorial
Keystone, South Dakota
Live. Work. Explore. as a Cook for Mount Rushmore National Memorial!
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
We offer:
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.
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.
Keystone, South Dakota
Live. Work. Explore. as a Cook for Mount Rushmore National Memorial!
Keystone, South Dakota
Live. Work. Explore. as a Food Outlet Lead for Mount Rushmore National Memorial!
Keystone, South Dakota
Live. Work. Explore. as a Retail Associate for Mount Rushmore National Memorial!
Keystone, South Dakota
Live. Work. Explore. as a Employee Shuttle Driver for Mount Rushmore National Memorial!
Keystone, South Dakota
Live. Work. Explore. as a Security Guard for Mount Rushmore National Memorial!
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: July 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:
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.
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 Food Outlet Attendants to Live. Work. Explore. this summer!
Job Summary:
The Food Outlet Attendant is responsible for assisting guests as the purchase items from the Food and Beverage outlets, including greeting guests, answering questions related to the food and menu items, and following procedures to capture the sale and purchase if items.
The Details:
Position Type: Seasonal
Season Dates: Starting in July and ending in late September or October 2026
Pay: $13.85/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:
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.
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 Team Leads for our food court to Live. Work. Explore. this summer!
Job Summary:
Are you in a food and beverage role but looking to grow your front of house and leadership experience? This position assists with providing training to Food Outlet Attendants and ensuring standards and policies are followed, while ensuring excellent guest service. It is a great way to gain more knowledge of restaurant operations and move up in food and beverage.This position may also perform the duties of the Food Outlet Attendant as needed.
The Details:
Position Type: Seasonal
Season Dates: June 2026 to October 2026
Pay: $16.00/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:
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.
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 - November 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:
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.
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 Food Service Supervisor to Live. Work. Explore. this summer!
Job Summary:
Food Outlet Shift Supervisor coordinates food service activities at the different outlets while meeting or exceeding company and regulatory standards.
The Details:
Position Type: Seasonal
Season Dates: June 2026 to early November 2026
Schedule: Typical schedule is 40 hours, 5 days per week (may include weekends, evenings, and holidays)
Housing: Employee housing is not available
Pay: $21.65/hour
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:
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.
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 Kitchen Supervisor to Live. Work. Explore. this summer!
Job Summary:
Assists in culinary operations, including the planning, ordering and preparation and cooking of food for both customer and employee outlets, while ensuring all standards are met and processes/procedures are being followed.
The Details:
Position Type: Seasonal
Season Dates: June 2026 to early October 2026
Pay: $24.45/hour
Schedule: Typical schedule is 40 hours, 5 days per week (may include weekends, evenings, and holidays)
Housing: Employee housing is not 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:
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.
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 Food & Beverage Inventory Specialist to Live. Work. Explore. in Mount Rushmore!
Job Summary:
The Food and Beverage Inventory Specialist will place orders, unload and put away deliveries, receive items in the system for the Food & Beverage department.
The Details:
Position Type: Seasonal
Seasonal Dates: June 2026 to September 30, 2026
Pay: $15.05/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:
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.
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 Team Leads for our food court to Live. Work. Explore. this summer!
Job Summary:
Are you in a food and beverage role but looking to grow your front of house and leadership experience? This position assists with providing training to Food Outlet Attendants and ensuring standards and policies are followed, while ensuring excellent guest service. It is a great way to gain more knowledge of restaurant operations and move up in food and beverage. This position may also perform the duties of the Food Outlet Attendant as needed.
The Details:
Position Type: Full-time, Year-Round
Pay: $19.00/hour
Schedule: Typical schedule is 40 hours, 5 days per week (may include weekends, evenings, and holidays)
Housing: Employee housing is not 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:
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.
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.
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