Mount Rushmore Fall Helping Hands Program 2026

Live, work, and explore as part of our team at Mount Rushmore National Memorial! Located in the beautiful Black Hills region of South Dakota, Mount Rushmore is open year-round and operates retail shops and a variety of dining outlets serving convenient grab-and-go meals and coffee. No matter your role, you will be a proud steward of the park and play an essential part in providing warm and friendly hospitality to all guests.

About the role

This seasonal part-time position is part of our Helping Hands Program, assisting customers in either the Parking or Food & Beverage departments.

Season dates: September – October 2026 (must work at least a 6-week agreement). Pay: $13.85–$14.70 per hour.

Responsibilities

Food Outlet Attendant

• Take guest and/or employee orders and process payment.
• Maintain assigned cashier drawer and follow all cash-handling and payment procedures.
• Provide guests and/or employees with orders, including serving hot and cold beverages.
• Ensure service areas are clean, sanitized, and properly stocked.
• Clear dining areas of dirty dishes, dispose of trash, and sanitize surfaces.
• Clean floors by sweeping, mopping, and vacuuming.
• Replenish clean linens, silverware, glassware, and dishes in the dining room.
• Replenish condiment bar with items such as ketchup, mustard, butter, and jelly.
• Remove and dispose of trash and recyclables.
• Follow company and departmental environmental and safety practices, policies, and procedures.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Parking Attendant

• Act as a positive first contact with guests as they arrive.
• Provide clear direction and information to guests and vehicles on where to park.
• Respond to guest questions and inquiries in a professional manner.
• Assist guests at Pay-on-Foot stations.
• Maintain cleanliness and clear surfaces of the parking facility, including booths, grounds, parking spaces, and walkways.
• Follow proper cash-handling and payment procedures.
• Act as a crossing guard at the pedestrian walkway between the parking facility and the Memorial.
• Follow company and departmental environmental and safety practices, policies, and procedures.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Food Outlet Attendant

• Previous food service experience is preferred.
• Previous cash-handling experience is strongly preferred.
• Ability to provide excellent guest service.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment where tasks and priorities can change quickly and with little notice.
• Willingness to “pitch-in” and help the team with tasks.
• Must be a positive team player with a flexible schedule who enjoys having fun and has a passion for work.

Parking Attendant

• Previous hospitality experience is preferred.
• Ability to provide excellent guest service.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment where tasks and priorities can change quickly and with little notice.
• Willingness to “pitch-in” and help the team with tasks.
• Must be a positive team player with a flexible schedule who enjoys having fun and has a passion for work.
• Ability and willingness to work outside in various weather conditions and temperatures at elevations over 5,000 feet.

Physical Requirements

• Constantly walking, standing, and handling.
• Frequently reaching outward, reaching above shoulder, lifting/carrying 10 pounds, and pushing/pulling 12 pounds.
• Occasionally reaching over shoulder, climbing, crawling, squatting/kneeling, bending, lifting/carrying 10–50 pounds, and pushing/pulling 13–25 pounds.

Benefits

• Employee Assistance Program
• Wellness Program
• Learning and Development Program

Perks

• Black Hills VIP Training Pass
• Discounts for local attractions
• Retail, lodging, and travel discounts
• Planned employee trips and activities
• $350 Referral Bonus Program
• No South Dakota state income tax deductions

Life in Mount Rushmore

• Employee housing (dormitory-style) and on-site employee meals (cafeteria-style)
• Free on-site laundry facility and employee shuttle service
• Wi-Fi (limited bandwidth)
• A fast-paced, exciting work environment with plenty of upward mobility and growth opportunities
• Opportunity to meet people of all ages from all over the country and world