Hospitality Internship Program 2027

ExplorUS Corporate; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 21,000 - 30,000; Part time

Job summary

ExplorUS Corporate offers paid summer hospitality internships across multiple locations, including Illinois and several national parks. Students gain hands-on experience in operations, retail, food & beverage, lodging, and campground management, with room for learning and professional development.

Housing options are limited and vary by site; applicants should review location-specific details and be prepared for diverse responsibilities while contributing to a collaborative team environment.

Qualifications

• Ambitious and eager to learn new skills.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Effective communicator and team player.
• In locations where housing may be available, comfortable living with a roommate in employee designated housing.

Responsibilities

• Actively participate in departmental training programs as directed
• Contribute to departmental success by gaining exposure in retail, food and beverage services, lodging, marina operations, and campground management
• Demonstrate a commitment to continuous learning
• Participate as an active team member to the collective success of the department
• Have fun and embrace this one‑of‑a‑kind opportunity
• Other duties as requested

Skills

Ambitious learner

Attention to detail

Team player

Education

High school graduate

Minimum two years of relevant education in a dedicated major or degree program

Job description

Company Overview:

We are a family-owned company with more than 30 years of experience managing concessions in National, State, and local parks, marinas, forests and museums. We specialize in revitalizing small to medium-sized operations, enhancing visitor experiences, and stewarding natural and cultural resources across the U.S.

Summary of Position:

We are offering career-minded students the opportunity to gain hands‑on experience in hospitality through paid internships during the summer season. This role provides exposure to both operational "floor" work and management within our diverse portfolio for the following location options:

• Acadia National Park, Bar Harbor Maine (limited housing options available)
• Camp Richardson, South Lake Tahoe
• Cedar Pass Lodge Badlands National Park, Interior SD (limited housing options available)
• Crater Lake National Park, Crater Lake OR (limited housing options available)
• Fiesta De Reyes, Old Town San Diego CA
• Johnson Shut Ins, Middle Brook MO
• Katherine Landing, Bullhead City AZ
• Mammoth Cave Lodge, Mammoth Cave KY (limited housing options available)
• Montauk State Park Lodge, Salem MO (limited housing options available)
• Muir Woods National Monument, Mill Valley CA
• Olympic National Park, Port Angeles WA (limited housing options available)
• Sam Baker State Park, Patterson MO
• Starved Rock Lodge, Oglesby IL (limited housing options available)
• The Dunes Hotel at Illinois Beach, Zion IL (limited housing options available)
• Thousand Hills, Kirksville MO
• Uintah Wasatch National Forest, Pleasant Grove, UT

We offer limited housing opportunities for college students who are passionate about the outdoors and interested in pursuing careers in Hospitality Management, Travel, and Tourism. Housing availability varies by location, and each internship site provides a unique program experience with different responsibilities, learning opportunities, and professional development offerings. Studentsare encouraged to review the specific location options to determine which opportunity best aligns with their career goals and interests and where they are located/able to commute, please be as specific as possible within your application.

Responsibilities:

• Actively participate in departmental training programs as directed
• Contribute to departmental success by gaining exposure in retail, food and beverage services, lodging, marina operations, and campground management
• Demonstrate a commitment to continuous learning
• Participate as an active team member to the collective success of the department
• Have fun and embrace this one‑of‑a‑kind opportunity
• Other duties as requested

Requirements:

• Ambitious and eager to learn new skills
• Strong attention to detail
• Effective communicator and team player
• In the limited cases where housing may be available, should be comfortable living with a roommate in employee designated housing.

Education and Experience:

• High school graduate
• Pursuing a career in Hospitality, preferred
• Minimum two years of relevant education in a dedicated major or degree program.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.