Employment
Join the premier wilderness lodge in Minnesota and live, work, and play in the Minnesota Northwoods, just steps away from the Boundary Waters and Superior National Forest. At Gunflint Lodge & Outfitters you will provide excellent service and quality to our guests and interact with people who enjoy hospitality and luxury and who love the outdoors!
Gunflint is located 43 miles up the Gunflint Trail from Grand Marais, Minnesota. (43 miles from the nearest town!) We are surrounded by over 1 million acres of wilderness in the Superior National Forest. Guests come from all over the world to relax, fish, swim, canoe, and explore in the Northwoods atmosphere.
Over the years our guests have come to expect a friendly and helpful staff. They come to have a relaxed vacation and we’re dependent upon our team to see that they have the best time possible. Often this means a little extra work, or time, to help a guest but we feel it’s worth it and you should too!
Perhaps the two most important qualities we look for in our team are a cheerful attitude and the willingness to go the extra mile. The schedules are set for 40 hours per week with two consecutive days off. Although you may be hired for a specific position, there are times when you may be called upon to fulfill other job duties. In a resort atmosphere we all pitch in wherever necessary to get the job done. With that in mind, we are looking for applicants who are extremely flexible and like a variety of work.
Pay varies depending on the position being filled, and the previous experience a new employee has. Recreational equipment is available for use at a minimal charge. However, all of our facilities and equipment are for guests’ use first.
Housing
We offer onsite staff housing with shared 2 and 4 person efficiency apartments, all with a private kitchen and bathroom. Other housing options may include shared apartments and a central bathroom.
High speed internet is available in the Lodge and in staff housing. We do not receive any cell phone, TV or radio reception. You may bring your own TV/DVDor CD player if you would like.
We hope that you’ll join our team in the Northwoods for a summer…or two. Please fill out our Online Employment Application or print a copy (pdf) of our application, fill it out and mail or email to:
Gunflint Lodge and Outfitters- HRO
143 South Gunflint Lake
Grand Marais MN 55604
Email: hr@gunflint.com
Staff Employment Information and Benefits
Work as part of the kitchen team enabling our restaurant to perform as smoothly and efficiently as possible. You will be expected to help with food preparation, kitchen cleaning, and dishes.
Take part in food preparation, teamwork as well as individual effort, creative ideas, and an fast-paced work environment. You will be expected to assist in prepping, preparing, and plating breakfast and lunch in the finest restaurant?in the area.
Create memories and experiences for our guests through preparing and providing memorable meals in our resort restaurant. May prepare breakfast, lunch, and/or dinner time meals.
Responsibilities include:
- Setting up and stocking stations with all necessary supplies
- Preparing food for service (including chopping vegetables, preparing sauces, etc.)
- Cooking menu items in cooperation with the rest of the kitchen staff
- Familiarity with a variety of cooking tools and methods, including grilling, smoking, and baking
- Clean up station and take care of leftover food
- Stock inventory appropriately
- Ensure that food comes out simultaneously, in high quality and in a timely fashion
- Comply with nutrition and sanitation regulations and safety standards
- Maintain a clean kitchen in accordance with food and health safety standards
- Maintain a positive and professional approach with coworkers and customers
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team
Create memories and experiences for our guests through preparing and providing outdoor meals and activities. You will prepare trail and shore lunches. Must be able to cook over an open fire or using a smoker or wood-fire oven in an outdoor environment. Must be able to hike or travel to remote locations. Teamwork as well as individual effort and creative ideas is required.
We are looking for an enthusiastic Bartender/Server to take orders and deliver them to our restaurant guests to provide superior customer service and a memorable dining experience. You will work in close collaboration with colleagues and follow established health and safety standards.
Responsibilities
- Prepare tables and drink with special attention to sanitation and order
- Present menus and help customers select food and beverages
- Promote sales of beverages
- Take/serve orders and answer questions or make recommendations for other products
- Collaborate with other restaurant servers and kitchen/bar staff
- Mix drinks and serve wine and beer as well as food
- Deal with complaints or problems with a positive attitude
- Issue bills and accept payment
- Promote dedication from customers
Requirements
- Proven?customer serving/ bartending experience
- Knowledge of beers, wine, and liquor and mixed drinks
- Customer-oriented approach and patience
- Problem solving and decision making skills
- Hands on experience in cashier duties
- Excellent people skills
- Responsible and trustworthy
- Attention to cleanliness and safety
- Food safety training will be considered a plus
- Excellent communication skills
Must be a team player! Flexible and willing to work split shifts and/or work in other areas of resort; attention to detail. This position is paid minimum wages plus tips. The tips are significant. We do not guarantee 40 hours per week, but it will be close most of the time.
We are looking for an enthusiastic Restaurant Server to take orders and deliver them to our restaurant guests to provide superior customer service and a memorable dining experience. You will work in close collaboration with colleagues and follow established health and safety standards.
Responsibilities
- Prepare tables with special attention to sanitation and order
- Attend to customers upon entrance
- Present menus and help customers select food/beverages
- Promote sales of beverages, appetizers, and desserts
- Take/serve orders and answer questions or make recommendations for other products
- Collaborate with other restaurant servers and kitchen/barstaff
- Deal with complaints or problems with a positive attitude
- Issue bills and accept payment
- Promote dedication from customers
Requirements
- Proven?customer serving/ waiting experience
- Customer-oriented approach and patience
- Problem solving and decision making skills
- Hands on experience in cashier duties
- Excellent people skills
- Responsible and trustworthy
- Attention to cleanliness and safety
- Food safety training will be considered a plus
- Excellent communication skills
- Ability to walk up and down stairs carrying heavy trays of dishes/food
Must be a team player! Flexible and willing to work split shifts and/or work in other areas of resort; attention to detail. This position is paid minimum wages plus tips. The tips are significant. We do not guarantee 40 hours per week, but it will be close most of the time.
In this position you will be part of a guest services team where the guest is your top priority. You will be a key component in assuring that we deliver the best possible experience for our guests, since you will be face to face with them on a daily basis. All of their questions and concerns will be directed to you and we want to be able to trust you to represent our resort in these situations. Job duties include guest orientation of our property, review of guest package, reservation processing, data entry, telephone communications, answering guest questions, and any other duties that may be asked of team members. We are seeking an organized, logical, and level-headed person with very good communication skills and a beaming personality. You must have basic typing skills and be computer literate. Must keep clear and comprehensive records of guest room bookings and all billings for accountability and future reference and process. Must check in guests and take deposits and payments. Will be responsible for communicating with guests in person, over the phone, in writing and by email. Excellent written and verbal communication and basic math skills are required. Must attend to all methods of room bookings to ensure that reservations are attended to promptly. Must report issues to housekeeping, maintenance or management to resolve all guests? issues and ensure their comfort and satisfaction. Varied shifts including morning and evening shifts are required.
Varied daytime shifts as part of a housekeeping team. Responsibilities include cleaning 24 rental cabins, main lodge guest areas and bathrooms, reporting maintenance issues immediately and able to communicate with guests. As a housekeeper you will take care of the general cleaning of the cabins in the resort. You will use a vacuum cleaner, duster and cleaning detergent. Responsibilities extend to making the bed, changing the bed clothes, dusting the furniture?and cleaning kitchens, fireplaces, hot tubs, and bathrooms. You will also walk to cabins to change linens and empty trash for guests. To be a housekeeper at Gunflint, you have to be a self-starter. You must have the ability to work on your own and as part of a team. You will be lifting heavy equipment, moving heavy furniture and you will be on your feet for large parts of your day, and will need to walk between cabins and up and down stairs. Must be detail-oriented, willing to take direction/work well on own and be a team player. Previous housekeeping experience a plus but willing to train. Driver?s license and clean driving record preferred but not required. Must submit to a background check.
Oversee daily operations of our Boundary Waters canoe outfitting business. Answer guest questions, reserve trips and permits, route camping trips, provision food and gear, and maintain cleanliness of accommodations and grounds for canoe outfitting guests. Responsible for daily operation of outfitting team including scheduling, organizing daily workload, supervising and assisting work crews, keeping canoes and gear in good repair, and transporting guests to and from BWCAW entry points by truck, van, or boat. Must have ability to take direction from manager, motivate/train others, and lead by example. Looking for a cheerful person with extreme attention to detail. Over 21 with a valid driver’s license required. Familiarity with canoe camping in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness and Wilderness First Aid and/or Wilderness First Responder strongly preferred.
Be a part of families’ and groups’ Boundary Waters canoe trips. Responsibilities include packing of food/equipment; transporting canoes, equipment, and people to various landings in the area by vehicle or boat;?cleaning returned equipment;?providing group meal service;?cleaning bunkhouse and bathrooms, and other activities to prepare for canoe trips. Must be 21 to drive our guests.
Gunflint Lodge & Outfitters, the premier Northwoods Resort and Boundary Waters outfitter on the Gunflint Trail, is seeking a full-time musher to give dog sled rides to our guests. This person will also be responsible for the care of 12 sled dogs, maintaining trails, and upkeep of the dog yard.
A Musher?s primary responsibility is to entertain guests and to ensure the well-being of our guests as well as our dogs at all times. Guides need to be upbeat and have exceptional people skills as well as dog team management skills. Summer seasonal work may be available in other areas depending on interests and experience.
The Musher will lead guests on dogsled rides through the Superior National Forest, providing interpretive information about the area. Other responsibilities include daily care of 12-16 dogs: Feeding, watering, grooming, dog yard maintenance and repair. Clear, maintain and groom trails using a snowmobile and groomer. Responsible for 1 ? 3 guests during 30 minute to one-hour-plus dog sled rides. This is only a summary of the typical functions of the job, not an exhaustive or comprehensive list of all possible job responsibilities, tasks, and duties. The responsibilities, tasks, and duties of the guide will change to meet the needs of our company and our clients.
Experience running and working with sled dogs and friendly and outgoing nature are a must. Must be able to successfully complete MN snowmobile training and dog sled training. The ability to lift 50 lbs bags of dog food and 5-gallon buckets of water or food is essential. Mushers should be prepared to work in various weather conditions and should have suitable gear to withstand the elements. Current certification in Wilderness First Aid preferred.
Become a Sky Guide and escort guests as they zip above the Boreal forest of northern Minnesota with views into Canada! We are currently looking for energetic, enthusiastic individuals to join our Canopy Tour guide team. Attention to safety and top quality customer service are essential.?Season is May through October, so only candidates that can work through October will be considered.
Lead our guests on rock climbing adventures on our premises or paddle into the Boundary Waters! You must demonstrate a high level of professional competence and ability to instruct technical skills such as belaying, anchoring, and climbing. Knowledge of climbing equipment and safety practices is essential. Must be punctual and reliable and maintain a high regard for guest safety and overall experience. Must have the ability to relate local knowledge including natural and cultural history.?Demonstrate and promote Leave No Trace principles and environmental awareness. Must be safety-conscious and be able to provide leadership, instruction and medical care during an emergency.
Preferred Qualifications:?
- Minimum of 3 years climbing experience
- Wilderness First Responder and CPR certification
- AMGA or other climbing certification
Instruct guests on boat usage, preparing motors, canoes, kayaks, and pontoons for guest usage, Upkeep of the marina area and equipment. You may be expected to help with the sale of bait and cleaning and filleting of fish. Additional duties include: wood/kindling delivery to cabins, fire tending, daily trash pick-up, etc.
Take our guests out fishing, either angling or fly fishing. Use your skills to bring in trophy walleye, trout, small-mouth bass, and Northern pike–they’re all here in our lakes, streams, and rivers. If you have your own boat and gear–great. If not, we’ll provide them. Come spend the summer up North, get acquainted with our world-class waterways, then start introducing them to?our guests!
Take children fishing and teach them a life-long love of the outdoors! This person will help our youngest guests hook up a line and take them out on the lake to fish, then will clean the fish for the child to have with dinner. Must be responsible, safety conscious, and able to interact with people of all ages. Fishing and cleaning experience is required.
Develop and lead interpretive nature program to help guests explore and enjoy the nature and history of the Boreal forest and Gunflint Trail. Programs may include guided hikes and paddles, crafts, music or story programs, presentations, and children’s programs.
Lead our guests on river tour adventures on flat water up to Class III Rapids! You must demonstrate a high level of professional competence . Knowledge of rafting equipment and safety practices is essential. Must be punctual and reliable and maintain a high regard for guest safety and overall experience. Must have the ability to relate local knowledge including natural and cultural history.?Demonstrate and promote Leave No Trace principles and environmental awareness. Must be safety-conscious and be able to provide leadership, instruction and medical care during an emergency. Must be 21 to drive our guests.
- Guiding through flat water through Class III?rapids with groups of varying size, age and number; understanding and implementing risk-reduction in navigation, communication, and decision-making
- Communicating with guests about local area information, other available activities in the area, and providing an overall quality guest experience
- Providing top-notch guest service to all guests, before, after, and during their trip
- Participating in off-the-water tasks, including moving, loading and unloading rafts, assisting guests with gear, delivering instructional talks, and washing and organizing gear and equipment
- Other tasks, such as driving vehicles, repair and maintenance of gear or facilities, guest check-in, and assisting other departments, as qualified and as assigned
River Guide applicants must be physically capable of steering and helping carry rafts, and be comfortable working outside in varying weather conditions. Applicants should expect to work in a team environment, and be able to take direction well and exhibit good judgment in decision-making.
Preferred Qualifications:?
- Minimum of 3 years river experience
- Life Guard, Wilderness First Responder and CPR certification
Daily care of 17 to 19 horses: Feeding, watering, grooming, barn maintenance and repair. Responsible for 1 ? 8 guests during 1 ? 6 hr long trail rides. Season is May thru Oct so only candidates that can work through Oct will be considered. Must be 21.
Many of these positions are available for year round employment unless specifically noted as summer only.
Please note – You may be hired for a specific position, but we all work together in a resort atmosphere to cover the responsibilities. At times you may be called upon to do a job other than those specifically outlined. We look for employees who have a wide variety of interests and experiences and are extremely versatile.
Personal Benefits
Walk to work! Minimal wear and tear on your vehicle. Varying free use of water equipment depending on guest needs. Canoe trips in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area, area hiking trails and fishing.
- Use of canoes and kayaks on the waterfront
- Use of boat/motor at a reduced rate
- Use of camping equipment at a reduced rate (not food)
- 25% off either gift shop
- 25% off restaurant meals (not alcohol)
- Participation in our Nature Activity program is always free
- One free horseback ride and canopy tour, additional rides at reduced rate
- Staff lounge area with phone for use with calling cards
- TV/VCR/DVD for staff in staff lounge area
- Pool table
- Excellent opportunity to meet new friends from all over U.S. and other countries
- Excellent opportunity to explore the Boundary Waters Canoe Area of northern Minnesota
(see www.gunflintoutfitters.com)
Family Benefits
Your parents and siblings can stay in a cabin and receive 25% off rack rates.