Job Overview: Seasonal Guest Services & Yurt Staff (Palmer, AK)

Starhold, an outdoor recreation organization based in the scenic Matanuska-Susitna Valley, is seeking Guest Services and Yurt Staff for the 2026 ski season. This is a unique, rugged hospitality role that combines barista duties with mountain operations in Palmer, Alaska.

Unlike a traditional indoor café, you will be operating out of a yurt, serving as a warm hub for skiers and outdoor enthusiasts. This role is perfect for someone who loves the winter outdoors and thrives in a non-traditional, high-altitude work environment.

Key Responsibilities & Daily Tasks

Food & Beverage Service

Yurt Operations: Manage daily food and beverage service, including preparing coffee, hot drinks, and light meals for guests.
Guest Relations: Act as the face of the mountain, providing friendly and helpful service to visitors and recreationists.
Cash Handling: Process payments and manage transactions in a remote POS environment.

Mountain Hospitality

Environmental Upkeep: Ensure the yurt remains clean, organized, and a welcoming refuge from the cold.
Safety & Standards: Maintain high food safety standards and adhere to all health certifications in a rustic setting.
Logistics: Assist with stocking supplies and managing inventory for the yurt.

Qualifications & Requirements

Core Requirements

Age: Must be 21 years of age or older.
Certifications: Must possess necessary food safety certifications (Alaska Food Worker Card).
Environment: Ability to work comfortably in cold outdoor conditions and stand for long periods.
Experience: Prior experience in food service or as a barista is highly preferred.

Schedule & Availability

Shift Pattern: Fixed Thursday through Monday schedule (must be available for all weekends).
Hours: Full-time seasonal role, averaging 30–40 hours per week.

Why This Role?

Working in Palmer offers direct access to some of Alaska’s best winter recreation, including Hatcher Pass and the Chugach Mountains. This is an ideal “lifestyle job” for a winter sports enthusiast; since you are off on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, you can enjoy the mountains when they are less crowded. The yurt setting offers a more relaxed, community-focused vibe compared to high-volume city coffee shops.

Application Information

Interested candidates should apply through the Starhold outdoor recreation portal or via the CoolWorks platform (Job ID: #J-18808-Ljbffr). Your application should highlight your resilience in cold weather and any experience you have working in remote or “off-grid” hospitality settings.

Full Job Description

Starhold is a specialized healthcare and social assistance provider in Palmer, Alaska, focusing on residential and community-based support for individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities. Working at Starhold involves more than just “caregiving”; it is about fostering independence, dignity, and community integration for residents. Because Palmer is a tight-knit community, the role often involves helping residents engage with local events, parks, and agricultural activities unique to the Mat-Su Valley.

Typical Responsibilities:

Individualized Care: Assisting residents with daily living activities (ADLs), including personal hygiene, meal preparation, and medication administration in accordance with state regulations.
Goal Implementation: Executing Individual Support Plans (ISPs) designed to help residents reach personal milestones, such as learning a new skill or improving social communication.
Community Integration: Providing transportation and accompaniment to local appointments, grocery stores, and community events in Palmer and Wasilla.
Documentation: Maintaining accurate and timely digital logs of resident progress, behavioral notes, and health incidents to ensure compliance with Alaska DHSS standards.
Crisis Management: Utilizing de-escalation techniques and providing emotional support during high-stress situations to ensure the safety of all residents and staff.

Qualifications:

Education: High School Diploma or equivalent required.
Requirements: Must be at least 18 years old and able to pass a comprehensive State of Alaska background check and fingerprinting.
Certifications: Must have (or be willing to obtain) CPR/First Aid and OMA (Overmedication Administration) certifications.
Skills: Strong empathy, patience, and the ability to work independently in a residential setting.
Driving: A valid driver’s license and a clean driving record are often required for transporting residents in company or personal vehicles.

Company Benefits:

Flexible Scheduling: Often offers various shifts, including days, “swings,” overnights, and weekends to accommodate different lifestyles.
Paid Training: Comprehensive onboarding that covers state-mandated training and specific behavioral support strategies.
Career Growth: Opportunities to move into Lead DSP, House Manager, or Case Management roles within the organization.
Local Impact: The satisfaction of working for a Mat-Su based company that directly improves the quality of life for local neighbors.

To apply for this job please visit starholdings.lk.