Will I have a roommate?
Yes. All first-year staff and most returning staff share a room with one or two roommates. Housing assignments are made based on seniority and company needs, with preference given to supervisory and senior staff. A few single cabins exist but are in high demand among returning staff. Flexibility is key—living arrangements balance both individual and community needs.
Can I bring my dog or cat?
No pets are allowed for seasonal staff. Year-round staff may petition the President to bring a well-behaved dog, provided it does not impact the guest experience or wildlife. Dogs must always be leashed or kept in living spaces. Cats are not permitted under any circumstances.
Do I need to be worried about bears?
We live among wildlife, and occasionally bears pass nearby—especially during blueberry season. Denali has a strong record of safe bear management, and generally bears want nothing to do with us. A ranger provides bear-safety training during orientation, and staff have access to bear spray and horns for backcountry hikes.
What is the weather like?
Unpredictable. Summer can bring sun, rain, frost, or even snow—sometimes all in the same day. Expect temperatures from below freezing in May and September to warm afternoons in June and July. Pack plenty of layers and be ready for anything.
Is it really light 24 hours a day?
Around the solstice (June 21), yes—you can hike at midnight in broad daylight. Days shorten gradually through the summer, and by mid-September nights are dark enough for a chance at seeing the Northern Lights.
Are meals provided?
Yes. Staff meals are prepared daily by our professional cooks, who also prepare guest meals. Expect hearty, sustainable food—local produce, our on-site greenhouse harvest, and Alaskan meats. Lunches often feature creative takes on leftovers, and snacks are always on hand.
Can you accommodate a special diet?
Our kitchen regularly accommodates dairy-free, gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan diets, as well as most allergies. However, we cannot provide for all personal preferences or highly complex diets. If you have dietary concerns, email the Manager, People & Culture before applying.
Can I use marijuana on your property?
No. Although marijuana is legal in Alaska, it is illegal to transport it across federal land—including Denali National Park—making it inaccessible to our lodge. In addition, some positions (e.g., CDL drivers) are subject to random drug testing.
How many hours will I work each week?
Most staff average 45–60 hours over five days per week during peak season. Some roles work longer shifts (11–12 hours). Overtime pay applies for work beyond 8 hours per day or 40 per week. Early and late season can be especially busy, sometimes requiring 7-day weeks. Staff usually receive two consecutive days off each week mid-season.
Will I have cell phone or internet access?
There is no cell service at Camp Denali. Staff have access to one landline in a public space, though most staff use wifi-based phone calls (e.g. WhatsApp or FaceTime). Staff-only internet is available in the staff room (not cabins). Guest areas are internet-free, so staff use must remain discreet.
How often can I go to town?
With the Park Road closed at Mile 43, access is only by air until at least 2027. Most staff spend the summer on-site, enjoying hiking, biking, and canoeing right out the back door. Trips out of Camp during the season are incredible rare and are typically only for emergencies.
Can I go hiking and camping on my days off?
Absolutely. Staff are encouraged to explore the park. A ranger provides backcountry safety training each spring, and staff can borrow bear spray and other gear to get out into the backcountry.
Can I use guest bikes and canoes?
Yes. Guests have first priority, but staff are welcome to use bikes, canoes, and fishing gear when available—usually there’s plenty of opportunity.
Do you hire J-1 or H-2B visa workers?
No. Applicants must already have legal authorization to work in the U.S.
Can I apply with my significant other?
Yes. Each must apply separately. Note your partner’s name in your cover letter and whether you’d like to be considered together or independently.
I’m a college student and can’t work the full season. Can I still apply?
Full-season availability is preferred, but exceptions are occasionally made for strong candidates. Be sure to note your availability in your cover letter.
What do you look for in a Naturalist Guide?
Academic background in natural sciences (BS required, MS preferred) and professional guiding experience are required. WFR and CPR certifications are also required. Guides must be skilled at route-finding in trail-less terrain, leading groups safely, and teaching ecology in the field. Strong communication and professional guiding experience are essential.
Can I be on the Operations Crew?
Yes, if you bring skills in trades such as plumbing, mechanical maintenance, construction, painting, or landscaping. You don’t need to know everything, but some relevant experience is expected.
What do staff do in the off-season?
Staff pursue a wide variety of paths—some save money to travel or live simply, others work at ski lodges or in Antarctica, while some pick up flexible seasonal jobs like substitute teaching or holiday work. Staff are generous about sharing pro tips, contacts, and ideas.
