All of our roles are physically demanding and involve long days, with staff typically averaging 45–60 hours per week. The standard workweek is five days, with two days off for most of the summer, though the start and end of the season are predictably busier.
Staff must be able to lift and carry up to 50 lbs., stand and walk for long periods on uneven trails, and independently traverse the one- mile, 500-foot vertical driveway from the park road to Camp Denali. Walking is our primary mode of transportation, and the nature of our fly-in operation requires flexibility, versatility, and a willingness to take on multiple responsibilities. During the application and interview process, we work with each candidate to determine the combination of roles that will be the best fit.
Position-specific wage information is provided in each job description (descriptions will be posted once the application process is open). In addition to wages, employees receive a share of pooled tips (averaging approximately $500/month), a uniform stipend, free room and board for the summer season, and a travel stipend upon completion of a full season.
Bonus: Adventure included.
Scroll down for an overview of the roles at Camp Denali!
Grower & Groundskeeper
The Grower & Groundskeeper at Camp Denali makes the wilderness bloom. This role is at the heart of our food and our sense of place—responsible for cultivating organic greens, vegetables, microgreens, and flowers in our off-grid greenhouse and outdoor raised beds. From planning crops in the spring to harvesting produce for the kitchen, the Grower ensures a steady supply of fresh, beautiful ingredients that define our meals.
But this position goes beyond vegetables. The Grower & Groundskeeper also tends to lawns, lodge grounds, trails, flower boxes, and native perennial plantings—keeping Camp Denali vibrant and welcoming. Composting, soil development, crop rotation, and creative seasonal plantings are all part of the mix. This role also includes supervising part-time assistants, collaborating with the owners and Executive Chef on greenhouse and flower planning, and ordering plants, tools, and materials each spring.
The Grower also plays a unique part in our mission: welcoming curious guests and staff into the greenhouse, explaining the growing operation, and sharing the story of how we bring fresh produce and sustainability to the backcountry.
Operations Crew & Skilled Operations Crew
At Camp Denali, our Operations Crew keeps the heart of our wilderness lodge beating. From building helicopter sling loads to managing off-grid water and solar systems, this team does all the behind-the-scenes magic that makes life in the backcountry possible.
As part of the Operations Crew, you’ll take on a wide range of projects: maintaining trails, repairing vehicles, keeping buildings and grounds in shape, and troubleshooting everything from plumbing to electrical systems. Some days you’ll work solo, other days alongside a tight-knit crew of 2–4, tackling projects that are as varied as the landscape around you.
We welcome people with a mix of skills, experience, and curiosity. Those who bring professional trade experience join us as Skilled Operations Crew members and are compensated at a higher rate. Whatever your background, if you’re ready for hands-on work, creative problem-solving, and the satisfaction of keeping an off-the-grid lodge thriving in the middle of Denali National Park, this is the role for you.
Naturalist Guide
Naturalist Guides are the heart of the Camp Denali experience. They lead guests off the beaten path—literally—into the trail-less backcountry of Denali National Park, creating personalized outings that bring our educational mission to life.
Our guides are more than just seasoned hikers and skilled drivers—they are passionate teachers of experiential learning. With a solid background in the natural sciences, they transform every outing into an opportunity for discovery. Professional guiding experience and a wildnerness medicine certification are required for this position.
The best Naturalist Guides are lifelong learners with an endless curiosity about the world around them. During the short summer season, they dive deep into Denali’s six million acres, geeking out about everything from geology and glacial history to bird migrations and wildflower blooms. Along the way, they inspire guests to see the wilderness not only with their eyes, but with a deeper sense of connection and wonder.
Breakfast Cook
Imagine waking up surrounded by breathtaking wilderness and fueling adventurers for their days in the park. As a Breakfast Cook at Camp Denali, you’re not just making meals—you’re leading the charge in the morning kitchen.
You'll work with the AM crew (Baker and Kitchen Helper), craft hearty breakfasts for guests and staff, whip up delicious staff lunches, and lend your skills to other food prep projects. Along the way, you’ll help keep our kitchen running smoothly, cleanly, and with plenty of good energy.
This role can also pair with other food service opportunities depending on your background and interests—perfect for someone who wants to dive in, grow, and play a role in the best part of waking up at Camp Denali.
Baker
At Camp Denali, our bakers are nothing short of legendary. Guests and staff alike rave about the treats that come out of our kitchen—proof that even in the heart of Alaska’s wilderness, baked goods can be extraordinary. We’re looking for bakers who thrive on creativity, consistency, and the joy of surprising people with what’s possible off the grid.
As Camp Denali’s Baker, you’ll be the mastermind behind everything from flaky breakfast pastries and tender sweet breads to crusty focaccia, chewy sourdough baguettes, golden challah, cookies, bars, and decadent dinner desserts. You’ll craft delights for about 30 guests and 30 staff each day, fueling adventures and celebrations alike.
Baking here means early mornings (typically starting between 4–5 a.m.), but the rewards are as sweet as the creations themselves: a kitchen filled with the aroma of fresh bread, the gratitude of a community, and the satisfaction of mastering your craft in one of the most remarkable places on earth.
East End Host & Expeditor
The East End Office is the gateway to Camp Denali, and this staff member is the welcoming face at the door. Serving as host, you’ll greet arriving and departing guests, help organize and tag their luggage, and escort them across the street to catch their flights with Denali Air.
When guests aren’t around, you’ll be the hub of logistics for Camp Denali—managing the flow of food, gear, and supplies that keep our lodge running. Weekly deliveries will arrive under your watch, and you’ll unpack, organize, and maintain the inventory system in our East End Office. A key part of the job is coordinating with pilots, loading and unloading planes for regular cargo runs into the backcountry.
This role blends hospitality with logistics: part greeter, part problem-solver, part airstrip wrangler. If you enjoy keeping things organized, working closely with people, and being at the center of the action, this is a rewarding way to contribute to Camp Denali’s mission in Denali National Park.
Assistant Cook
The Assistant Cook position is ideal for someone who loves good food, enjoys teamwork, and is excited to grow their kitchen skills in a truly unique setting. While working alongside the Breakfast or Dinner Cook, the Assistant Cook also shines in their own right—taking the lead on several key tasks that help make our meals memorable.
From crafting hearty snacks for guests’ adventures, to preparing and plating vibrant salads, to serving up fresh bread and desserts straight from the baker’s instructions, the Assistant Cook keeps both creativity and consistency at the forefront.
This is a hands-on role in a collaborative kitchen where every meal matters. If you’re eager to contribute, learn, and be part of a team that produces inspired food in the heart of Denali’s backcountry, this could be the perfect fit.
Server & Housekeeper
Joining Camp Denali as a Housekeeper & Server is a wonderful way to become part of our team and gain meaningful experience in the heart of Alaska. This role offers a unique mix of behind-the-scenes and guest-facing work: from ensuring that guest cabins and common spaces are spotless to serving hearty meals to those gathered around our tables.
Our housekeeping team plays a vital role in creating the foundation for unforgettable guest experiences. Attention to detail matters here—whether it’s the gleam of a freshly cleaned cabin or the thoughtful touches that make guests feel truly cared for. As a server at breakfast and/or dinner, you’ll also have the chance to connect directly with guests, helping make their time at Camp Denali feel special.
Sustainability is a key part of life at Camp Denali, and you’ll be right in the middle of it. Our team tracks food waste, sorts trash and recycling, and continuously challenges ourselves to reduce our impact on the land. You’ll get to see your efforts make a real difference and be part of a culture that celebrates doing more with less.
This position is perfect for those who value teamwork, take pride in high standards, and enjoy balancing independent tasks with personal interactions. If you’re looking for a way to contribute meaningfully, help care for our environment, and soak up the magic of Denali, this is it.
Kitchen Helper & Dishwasher
The Kitchen Helper is an essential part of our back-of-house team at Camp Denali. This entry-level food service position keeps our kitchen running smoothly, spending part of the day washing dishes and keeping the space sparkling.
Beyond dishes, the Kitchen Helper tackles a daily checklist of organizational and cleaning tasks, assists the Breakfast Cook with preparing components for guest breakfast, helps plate meals, and contributes to basic food prep—including building our signature sandwiches and other tasty items to travel with guests on their adventures.
This is a great role for someone eager to gain hands-on experience in a commercial, collaborative kitchen, learn the rhythms of a backcountry lodge, and be part of a team that makes every meal special for guests and staff alike.
