A Job for the Summer Season, a Community for a Lifetime

Imagine working in a place where the beauty of the landscape is mirrored in the community we foster.

-E.O., Employee

Work Hard, Play Hard

Working at Camp Denali is the ultimate seasonal adventure job. Being a staff member is not the same as being a guest, but it brings you to the same destination without the price tag. As a staff member, you will have the opportunity to settle in and make Denali National Park your summer home for four months of the year. Outside of work, staff cultivate a tight-knit community and fill their free time exploring and adventuring in Alaska’s wilderness.

Working at Camp Denali is not a vacation, but there is ample time for fun and play. Providing active learning experiences is central to Camp Denali’s mission, and that extends to staff. Our owners, Simon and Jenna Hamm, encourage and facilitate outdoor recreational opportunities for everyone. As outdoor enthusiasts themselves, they know that having access to exploring Denali National Park enhances the staff experience. Staff are welcome to participate in guest activities–naturalist-led hikes, evening programs presented by our Special Emphasis Series speakers, and joining guests for breakfast or dinner. Staff are also able to use the gear and equipment we maintain for guests, including canoes on Wonder Lake, bikes, fishing gear, trekking poles, and more.

At Camp Denali, the typical weekly schedule includes five full-days of work and two days off. Most staff use their days off as follows:

  • One day for relaxing–stay on campus and rest, do laundry, communicate with friends and family, research jobs or grad school and spend time on applications, etc.

  • One day for adventuring–make plans with other staff who share the same day-off, join a guided hike with guests, or go on a solo outing.

Some staff are highly motivated to maximize their time in the park, and they squeeze as many hikes and backpacking trips as they possibly can into the season. At the other end of the spectrum, some staff are less outdoorsy and choose to fill both their days off with hobbies like writing, knitting, quilting, or making art.

Free Time

We work long hours, it's true. However, there are ways you will get time back by living at Camp Denali. Here are a few examples that add-up over the course of a week:

  • There is no commute to/from work. It takes less than five minutes to walk from any of the staff cabins.

  • You do not have to menu-plan or go grocery shopping.

  • You do not have to cook your own meals or wash your dishes. Dish duty rotates amongst everyone, but when it is your turn, it’s part of your workday.

  • You will have less personal housework. It doesn’t take long to clean a small cabin and the housekeeping team absorbs some cleaning tasks that will help you out, like washing staff linens, cleaning showers, and cleaning and restocking the outhouses.

Consequently, you are able to spend more of your time-off as free time. At the end of a long workday, being able to use your time to go for a swim in Nugget Pond, hike up the Camp Ridge trail, or pick blueberries instead of cooking dinner goes a long way towards maintaining a sense of well-being.

Opportunities abound for creative, adventurous spirits. Our community is enriched by staff who enthusiastically share their talents, skills, and hobbies with one another. We have seen many groups and extracurricular activities over the years–music nights, dance lessons, writing clubs, woodworking, fiber arts, quilting, butterfly clubs, and more. There always seems to be a social activity on offer or staff who are eager to get something off the ground–volleyball or pick-up basketball games, field days, competitive triathlons, early morning coffee dates, porch hangs timed to coincide with alpenglow viewing, movie nights, solstice parties, and board games.

These shared experiences are how our staff form meaningful connections and lifelong friendships. As one staff member aptly pointed out, “I used to think Camp Denali was 70% about the place and 30% about the people, but coming back has shown me it’s actually the reverse.”

We hope you'll embrace Denali National Park as your workplace, playground, and home.

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Frequently Asked Questions

  • 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.

  • IDo 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.