Job Description

The Food Service Internship is a structured six-month learning opportunity designed to introduce individuals to a wide range of food service roles within a commercial kitchen and remote camp environment. This internship provides firsthand training, exposure to multiple departments, and skill development in sanitation, food preparation, dining services, and camp operations. This is an entry-level internship designed for individuals with an interest in food service or remote camp operations.

 

Interns will rotate through several key positions, each hitch focusing on a new skill set—while receiving guidance, support, and shadowing opportunities from experienced kitchen staff. This is a six (6) month internship learning program and experience. The hired candidate must be a resident of Nuiqsut, AK. This position will support the Alpine Camp on the North Slope. The rotation schedule is 2x2.

 

Rotational Learning Experience

Throughout the internship, participants will spend time shadowing, learning, and working in a variety of food service roles, including:

• Pot Washing - Introduction to sanitation practices, kitchen flow, and industrial equipment.
• Dish/Dining Room Attendant - Dining room service, guest support, dishwashing, and restocking.
• Spike Attendant - Maintaining remote site snack and hydration areas.
• Spike Prep - Assisting with food and beverage preparation for spike rooms and specialty stations.
• Cook’s Helper - Working alongside cooks to develop basic culinary and prep skills.
• Shadow Lunch Cook - Observing and supporting hot line cooking, production timing, and kitchen coordination.

 

These rotations are designed to give interns a comprehensive understanding of food service operations and help them identify areas of interest for future career opportunities.

Responsibilities

Kitchen Operations & Support

• Assist cooks and team members with basic food prep and daily tasks.
• Learn and practice techniques for preparing simple menu items.
• Help maintain stock levels in preparation, serving, and storage areas.

Sanitation & Cleanliness

• Wash dishes, pots, pans, utensils, and kitchen equipment.
• Clean and maintain dining areas, kitchens, storage rooms, spike rooms, and floors.
• Participate in scheduled deep-cleaning projects.
• Learn to recognize and report safety and sanitation concerns.

Dining & Customer Service

• Set up, stock, and break down dining rooms, serving lines, and snack areas.
• Support a clean, organized, and welcoming environment for guests.
• Work collaboratively with team members to meet daily operational needs.

Shadowing & Development

• Observe experienced cooks and food service staff to understand workflow and best practices.
• Participate in skill-building opportunities across multiple departments.
• Receive coaching and mentorship throughout the program.
• Other duties as assigned and qualified for.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma, GED, or active progress toward completion.
• Willingness to learn new tasks and follow directions.
• Ability to work cooperatively with others in a team environment.
• Ability to stand and work long shifts (up to 12 hours).
• Ability to live in dormitory-style housing and meet camp cleanliness expectations.
• Must meet all pre-employment requirements including drug testing and fit-for-duty assessment.
• Must obtain an Alaska Food Worker Card and/or ServSafe certification (support provided).
• Ability to speak, read, write, and understand English per contract requirements.
• Commitment to following all company and client safety guidelines.

 

Skills and Abilities

What Interns Will Gain

• Exposure to a variety of food service roles.
• Hands-on training in kitchen operations, sanitation, and basic culinary skills.
• Experience working in a commercial kitchen and remote camp setting.
• Mentorship from experienced food service professionals.
• Foundational knowledge that supports future employment in kitchen helper, prep cook, cook’s helper, or other food service positions.

 

CANDIDATES RESIDING OUTSIDE ANCHORAGE AREA:

Candidates residing in Alaska & the Lower 48 for any contract: For the purposes of pre-employment testing, Anchorage will be considered the point of hire (with the exception of drug testing, which will be conducted near the candidate’s place of residence). Employee is responsible for any travel expenses and needed accommodations related to pre−employment tasks that need to be completed in Anchorage, AK. This includes, but is not limited to, any safety training requirements, required pre−employment testing and/or training such as physical, DOT physical/medical card, fit for duty, audiogram, and/or other testing required by contract/company (NSTC, APICC training, security licensing requirements, etc.).

Candidates residing in Alaska for Alyeska Contract: pre-employment testing will be scheduled near the candidate’s area of residence within the state. The only exception is when the candidate lives in a region without the necessary service providers to complete all requirements.

 

Flights to Remote Locations: All employees are responsible for all expenses related to reporting to point of hire (Anchorage, AK) for scheduled trips paid for by the company for remote locations.

 

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements

Weather: Indoors and Outdoors, frequently exposed to outdoor/Arctic weather conditions.

Noise level: Moderate to Loud.

Description of environment: Environment will vary based on the facility assigned to.

Physical requirements: Employee is required to lift and/or move up to 50 lbs. Frequently to constantly required to sit, stand, walk, use hands/fingers to handle or feel, climb, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl, talk/hear, see, taste/smell, and carry weight/lift.

Travel:  Must be able to travel by plane and/or bus to remote camps. 

Physical requirements: Fit For Duty Test

• Lift: Lift 50 lbs. from floor to knuckle x 2
• Lift: Lift 50 lbs. from floor to waist x 2
• Lift: Lift 35 lbs. from floor to shoulders x 2
• Stoop & Twist: Perform alternate cross over toe touches x 10 each side, self-paced but continuous.
• Kneel: Kneel on one knee and stand. Return to kneel on opposite knee.  Repeat alternate kneeling sequence x 5 for each knee, self-paced but continuous.
• Squat Test: Functionally squat x 5, self-paced but continuous.
• Stairs: Climb up and down 10 steps x 6 for a total of 60 steps;
  • Allow 30 second rest after climbing up and down each set of 30 steps, self-paced.
• Stairs & Carry: Climb up and down 10 steps x 6 for a total of 60 steps while carrying 10 lbs. in one hand and using the other hand to grasp a railing for safety, self-paced.
  • Allow a 30 second rest period after climbing up and down 30 steps while carrying.

CompentenciesNMS Core Values

Safety guides our behavior.

Honesty and integrity govern our activities.

Commitments made will be fulfilled.

All individuals are treated with dignity and respect.

The environment will be protected and sustained.