Summer 2026 Culinary Internships - Grand Canyon South Rim

XANTERRA TRAVEL COLLECTION; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 18,241 - 25,979; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

In-park employee housing

Discounted mule rides

Free Grand Canyon Railway train rides

Paid day off on your birthday

Job summary

XANTERRA TRAVEL COLLECTION in Chicago, Illinois, is seeking Culinary Interns for a seasonal full-time internship. This immersive 12-week program involves training across various restaurants at the Grand Canyon South Rim, where interns will complete extensive cross-training while fulfilling diverse roles. Candidates must be enrolled in or have completed a Bachelor's degree in Hospitality. The internship includes hands-on experience, regular feedback, and various employee benefits such as housing, meals, and discounts.

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled or recently graduated from a Bachelor's degree program.
• Able to lift up to 50 pounds and push up to 100 pounds.
• Must maintain high energy while taking over 15,000 steps daily.

Responsibilities

• Cross‑train in Food & Beverage operations.
• Train as a Line Cook and Prep Cook.
• Attend Culinary and Hospitality learning classes.

Skills

Strong communication skills

Ability to work in a fast-paced environment

Organizational skills

Team coaching

Education

Bachelor's degree in Hospitality or related field

Job description

Overview

Create lifelong memories while learning about high-volume hospitality at Grand Canyon National Park's South Rim!

Our Culinary Interns will complete an intense 12-week culinary work program with cross‑training in different roles across various restaurants within Grand Canyon Village.

The Details

Position Type: Seasonal, Full‑time Internship
Wage: $16.05 per hour
Season Dates: Must complete 12‑week program between May 2026 – September 2026
Schedule: Typical schedule is 40 hours, 5 days per week (may include weekends, evenings, and holidays)

Why Grand Canyon South Rim?

We are a welcoming community who work hard, share a passion for the environment, and enjoy crafting memorable experiences for our guests. As part of the Xanterra Travel Collection®, we are the primary authorized concessionaire at the Grand Canyon South Rim, and proud stewards of the park.

Life at the South Rim

• In‑park employee housing (dormitory‑style) and on‑site employee meals (cafeteria‑style)
• Free on‑site laundry facility, free shuttle service, and WiFi (limited bandwidth)
• A fast‑paced, exciting work environment
• Meet people of all ages from all over the country and world!

Benefits and Perks

• Rec Center – Fitness Equipment, Computers, and Free WiFi
• Paid day off on your birthday with restaurant & retail discounts
• Discounted mule rides
• Summer Property Olympics
• Free Grand Canyon Railway train rides
• Exclusive retail, lodging, and dining discounts at other Xanterra properties
• 15% Verizon service/products discount
• $350 referral bonus program
• The adventure of a lifetime!

Responsibilities

• Cross‑train in Food & Beverage operations
• Learn to write schedules for kitchen and dining staff
• Train as a Line Cook and Prep Cook in multiple dining outlets
• Shadow a Sous Chef and assist with daily prep and service
• Attend Culinary & Hospitality Learning & Development classes
• Attend a departmental management meeting with Chefs and F&B leaders
• Work shifts in different dining venues serving a combined total of hundreds of guests daily
• Train as a Lead Cook or Kitchen Supervisor
• Learn about inventory management, food cost control, team coaching, guest recovery, and more

Completion Benefits

• A supervisor critique with a performance scorecard
• A certificate of completion recognizing your achievements

Qualifications

• Be currently enrolled or recently graduated from a Bachelor's degree program in Hospitality or a related field
• Able to meet all physical requirements of the job, which include repetitive motion of all extremities and the back, kneeling, bending, twisting; lifting up to 50 pounds; pushing up to 100 pounds; and long periods of standing/walking
• Ability to maintain high quality of work and high energy while taking more than 15,000‑20,000 steps per work day at an elevation of 7,000 feet
• Must have good communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to professionally and courteously interact with a broad cross‑section of diverse guests and employees
• Ability to balance and prioritize multiple tasks while remaining organized and efficient to meet required production standards
• Maintain the company's Core Values and Mission Statement in everyday work and project this level of service to our guests

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.