Work and Play at a Premier Alaska Cruise Ship Destination!

The Mill at Ward Cove

Currently recruiting for the season from April 19th, 2026 to October 9th, 2026.

Join us for the 2026 summer season! Whether you're looking to build experience, explore Alaska, or start a new adventure, we have a role for you. Our opportunities include retail, tour sales, maintenance, security, van drivers, CDL drivers, and tour guides. A summer in Alaska offers unforgettable experiences and lasting memories.

Located at the southern gateway to Alaska’s famed Inside Passage, Ketchikan is surrounded by the Tongass National Forest—17 million acres of lush temperate rainforest filled with Sitka spruce, waterfalls, wildlife, and towering cedars. The area is celebrated for its breathtaking scenery, exceptional fishing, and deep Alaska Native heritage.

Location
Alaska
Season
Spring, Summer, and Fall
Staff size
120+
Housing
Whether included in the compensation package or provided at a cost, housing is provided for staff.
Housing details
Comfortable dorm-style housing is available aboard the MV Malaspina, complete with an on-site cafeteria. Your daily rate covers rent, utilities, Wi-Fi in shared areas, and regular cleaning of common spaces. Residents also enjoy access to bikes and kayaks for personal use.
Family housing available
No
Single occupancy housing available
Yes
Pet friendly
No
Meals
Some meals / discounts
Cell phone service
Yes, most carriers
Internet access
Good

About The Mill at Ward Cove

The Mill at Ward Cove sits on the historic site of the Ketchikan Pulp Mill—the longest-operating pulp mill in Alaska—just seven miles north of downtown Ketchikan.

Built in 1954 and active until 1997, the Mill was once the economic engine of Southeast Alaska. Timber was harvested from the surrounding forests and processed into products such as rayon, cellophane, pharmaceuticals, food additives, and even explosives. As this destination continues to grow, The Mill at Ward Cove is once again becoming a vital contributor to the local economy, offering year-round employment for residents and exciting seasonal opportunities for those coming from outside the area.

Now a thriving cruise ship port, The Mill at Ward Cove is quickly emerging as a premier stop for visitors to Alaska. At our Welcome Center, guests enjoy an authentic Alaska atmosphere with artisan retail kiosks, a full-service restaurant, and museum exhibits that celebrate the history of logging and the legacy of the Mill.

We offer a diverse lineup of adventure tours, including kayaking, hiking, e-bike excursions, sea cycle outings, and self-drive zodiac adventures. Guests are also treated to storytelling, live music, and other cultural and artistic experiences.

Join our team and help shape a destination unlike any other!

The Employee Experience

Working in Alaska is an experience you’ll carry with you for a lifetime. You’ll explore the outdoors, build lasting friendships, and immerse yourself in the region’s rich history and culture.

As an Alaska-owned and operated company, we take great pride in sharing this destination not only with our guests but also with our employees. Our team is essential to our success, and as we continue developing this world-class destination, we seek skilled, motivated individuals who want to be part of something meaningful.

At The Mill at Ward Cove, employees form strong connections while working hard and enjoying everything Alaska has to offer. We’re committed to creating a high-quality workplace that is both professional and fun. Beyond teaching you how to operate a register or lead a kayak tour, we focus on mentorship and leadership development—skills you can use in any future career.

Ideal Candidate

We aim to build a workplace that is inclusive, respectful, and truly adventurous—a place where teamwork and experience go hand in hand.

Ideal candidates will:

  • Be team-oriented with a strong work ethic and a positive, can-do mindset

  • Adapt easily to changing routines and unexpected situations

  • Bring public speaking experience and a strong customer service background

  • Prioritize guest needs and safety above all else

  • Be able to stand for extended periods and work outdoors in varying weather conditions

  • Communicate important information clearly and confidently in person

  • Be a U.S. citizen, green card holder, or visa holder with proof of eligibility

  • Be available for the full season (April through October) — though all availability will be considered

Room and Board

Employee Housing

Live aboard the historic MV Malaspina, the first ferry ever commissioned by the State of Alaska. During the day, you’ll work in a vibrant tourism environment, and on your days off, you can explore Ketchikan by bike or kayak. It’s a one-of-a-kind living experience where you’ll make friends and memories that last a lifetime.

Housing is dorm-style with an on-site cafeteria. Most rooms are shared with at least one other employee and include twin beds and a private bathroom.

Coin-operated laundry facilities are available on board for your convenience.

Employee Perks

We provide paid training at the beginning of the season and offer competitive pay, partially subsidized housing, and a fun team environment.

  • Sign-On Bonus:  If signed-on prior to January 15, 2026, employee will receive $500 paid at the end of their contract
  • Retention Bonus:  Employees will receive $1 per hour bonus at the end of their contract
  • Travel Reimbursement:  Up to $300 travel reimbursement with receipts paid at the end of the probationary period (3 weeks)
  • Referral Bonus:  Employees who refer other applicants that are hired and complete their contract receive $200 per employee, paid at the end of the season
  • Free tours and activities at Ward Cove on a space-available basis
  • Four complimentary tour tickets for friends and family, additional tickets may be purchased at the crew rate
  • Discount at Ward Cove retail shop

Getting Here and Getting Around

Alaska Airlines provides multiple daily flights between Seattle and Ketchikan, and the Alaska Marine Highway System offers ferry service from Bellingham. Employees are responsible for arranging their own travel, but after one month of employment, you’ll receive a travel stipend of up to $300.

Bringing a vehicle is optional, though it makes exploring the area much easier. You’re welcome to transport a car on the Alaska State Ferry or purchase one locally once you arrive. Bicycles are also a great way to get around!

For Fun

Endless Adventure

Ketchikan is a scenic coastal town in Southeast Alaska, surrounded by mountains, rainforest, and ocean. With long summer days, there’s plenty of time to work and explore. Just minutes from Ward Cove, you’ll find trails perfect for hiking, biking, kayaking, and fishing.

Sightseeing & Scenery

Bring your camera—spectacular views are everywhere. On rare but magical nights, you may even catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights dancing across the sky.

Arts & Culture

As spring arrives and the skunk cabbage blooms, so does the local art scene. Creativity runs deep here, from traditional cedar weaving to modern galleries, and locals are always eager to share their craft and culture.

Shopping & Essentials

Though Ketchikan is small, it stays well supplied with regular shipments of groceries, household items, auto parts, and more. You’ll find everything you need—plus a few unexpected treasures you didn’t know you were looking for!

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Current Job Openings

    Whistle Stop

    Whistle Stop Cashier

    $16.00 - $20.00 / hour
    Ketchikan

    Job Summary:

    The Cashier will use cash registers, electronic scanners, and related equipment to conduct monetary transactions with customers.

    Supervisory Responsibilities: None

    Duties/Responsibilities:

    • Serves drinks and foods such as sandwiches, salads, and dressings according to customer specifications;
    • Refills condiments or other supplies;
    • Accepts money in the form of cash, and credit or debit cards for items purchased;
    • Assists customers in locating various products, resolving complaints, and providing information;
    • Bag, box, and wrap purchased items;
    • Follows all safety and sanitation guidelines and regulations to ensure quality food service;
    • Performs other related duties as assigned.

    Required Skills/Abilities: 

    • Excellent customer service skills;
    • Good verbal communication skills;
    • Ability to operate available equipment, such as cash registers, calculators, or scanners;
    • Basic mathematical skills, as needed to make change and give refunds;
    • Knowledgeable about companies products and services, and customer-related policies.

    Education and Experience:

    • High School diploma or equivalent, preferred;
    • Successful completion of on-the-job training.

    Physical Requirements:

    • Prolonged periods standing and working on cash register or related equipment;
    • Must be able to lift up to 25 pounds at times;
    • Must be flexible to shifts, including but not limited to, weekends and holidays;
    • Ability to perform repetitive over long periods of time.
    Whistle Stop

    Whistle Stop Cook

    $16.00 - $20.00 / hour
    Ketchikan

    Job Summary:

    The Whistle Stop Cook is responsible for preparing all food items needed for the Whistle Stop. This includes batch prepping, assembling simple dishes, stocking the service area, and ensuring all items are ready for quick grab-and-go or short-order service. This role supports the Head Cook and contributes to efficient, high-quality food service for guests and employees.

    Supervisory Responsibilities: None

    Duties/Responsibilities:

    • Prepares all meal ingredients needed for Whistle Stop service as directed by the Head Cook
    • Preps fresh produce by washing, peeling, cutting, and portioning
    • Portions meats and proteins based on menu or service requirements
    • Prepares simple menu items such as sandwiches, salads, soups, baked goods, or breakfast items
    • Mixes and prepares condiments, dressings, sauces, and toppings
    • Stocks the Whistle Stop station with prepped items, grab-and-go meals, and supplies
    • Assists with receiving, inspecting, and storing food items and dry goods
    • Labels, dates, and rotates inventory to maintain freshness and reduce waste
    • Ensures workstations, prep areas, and food storage locations remain clean and organized
    • Adheres to all food safety, hygiene, and health codes and kitchen procedures
    • Performs dishwashing and cleaning tasks as needed
    • Provides support during service to ensure items remain stocked and ready
    • Performs other related duties as assigned


    Required Skills/Abilities:

    • Basic knowledge of, or willingness to learn, food safety and sanitation standards
    • Ability to follow food prep and handling procedures
    • Efficient, accurate, and able to work at a steady pace
    • Team-oriented with good communication skills
    • Ability to maintain cleanliness and personal hygiene
    • Able to adapt in a fast-paced or changing environment

    Education and Experience:

    • High school or vocational school coursework in kitchen basics, such as food safety, preferred.
    • Current Alaska Food Workers Card, or ability to obtain within 30 days of employment.
    • Driver’s License Preferred
    • One year of related experience preferred.

    Physical Requirements:

    • Prolonged periods of standing and working in a kitchen.
    • Exposure to extreme heat, steam, and cold present in a kitchen environment.
    • Must be able to lift up to 25 pounds at times.
    • Manual dexterity to cut and chop foods and perform other related tasks.
    Malaspina

    Line Cook

    $16.00 - $20.00 / hour
    Ketchikan

    Supervisory Responsibilities: None

    Duties/Responsibilities:

    • Prepares meal ingredients as directed by the head cook.

    • Prepares fresh produce by peeling, cutting, and portioning.

    • Prepares meat by trimming, cutting, and portioning.

    • Prepares simple dishes such as breads or salads.

    • Mixes or prepares condiments, dressings, and sauces.

    • Assists with unloading, inspection, and storage of raw ingredients and supplies.

    • Maintains compliance with applicable health, safety, food handling, and hygiene codes and standards;

    • Performs other related duties as assigned.

    Required Skills/Abilities:

    • Basic understanding of or the ability to learn basic sanitation and regulations for workplace safety.

    • Basic understanding of or the ability to learn food handling techniques, preparation, and cooking procedures.

    • Ability to function well in a high-paced and at times stressful environment.

    • Ability to work quickly and efficiently.

    • Ability to work well as part of a team.

    • Ability to maintain personal hygiene.

    • Ability to function well in a high-paced and at times stressful environment;

    Education and Experience:

    • High school or vocational school coursework in kitchen basics, such as food safety, preferred.

    • Current Alaska Food Workers Card, or ability to obtain within 30 days of employment.

    • Driver’s License Preferred

    • One year of related experience preferred.

    Physical Requirements:

    • Prolonged periods of standing and working in a kitchen.

    • Exposure to extreme heat, steam, and cold present in a kitchen environment.

    • Must be able to lift up to 25 pounds at times.

    • Manual dexterity to cut and chop foods and perform other related tasks.

    Maintenance & Facilities

    Maintenance Staff

    $16.00 - $20.00 / hour
    Ketchikan

    The maintenance staff will help maintain overall cleanliness and maintenance of the port.  Your duties will include maintenance and upkeep of all projects necessary to keep the entire site operation looking its very best.

    Supervisory Responsibilities: None

    Duties/Responsibilities:

    • Always keep safety foremost in your mind and actions when on the job;
    • Ground’s landscaping and maintenance as required;
    • Properly and confidently operate shop equipment;
    • Basic carpentry, plumbing and painting on construction and building projects as directed;
    • Operation of forklift;
    • Communicate comfortably with guests and colleagues;
    • Deliver a first-class experience to all guests and visitors;
    • Ongoing cleaning of all bathroom facilities;
    • Building and maintaining fires;
    • Cleaning and maintenance of museum;
    • Upkeep of employee housing;
    • Restocking of supplies as needed;
    • Trash collection;
    • Wash down of docks and facility grounds as needed;
    • Removal of cobwebs on exterior and interior of buildings and fences;
    • Start up and shut down of all facilities on site;
    • Performs other duties as assigned.

    Required Skills/Abilities:

    • Work outside, in all kinds of weather;
    • Willing to do whatever it takes to get the job done;
    • Able and willing to work long days if necessary;
    • Able to think and move with a sense of urgency;
    • At ease working independently and as a team member;
    • Properly use basic hand and power tools;
    • Safely work on roofs, ladders and other high places;
    • Must understand that exemplary customer service is a top priority and be able to communicate in a professional, friendly, and accurate manner;
    • Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

    Education and Experience:

    • At least 18 years of age.
    • Driver’s License Preferred.
    • Current CPR/First Aid Certification, or ability to obtain.

    Physical Requirements:

    • Prolonged periods standing and walking.
    • Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds at times.

How to Apply

Thank you for your interest in applying for a job at The Mill at Ward Cove.  Please click Apply Now to begin our online application process.

Apply Now
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