Work, play and adventure with us in the BWCAW on the shores of beautiful Clearwater Lake along the Gunflint Trail this summer!
Clearwater Lodge & Canoe Outfitters is looking for exceptional summer staff who are passionate about wilderness, the outdoors and customer service. Completed in 1926, Clearwater Lodge is the oldest and largest free standing whole log structure in the region and is listed on the National Historic Registry. Clearwater Outfitters has operated since 1915, making it the original outfitter on the Gunflint Trail. Along with general lodge and outfitting services, we also offer 11 lakeside cabin rentals which capture the spirit of the Northwoods.
We are now accepting applications for the 2025 summer season!
Based on business needs you will be assigned work duties weekly. The following tasks and responsibilities will give you an idea what you would most likely be working on as a Clearwater Staffer.
Front Desk/Store – Our staff are the first friendly face of our lodge & Resort! Staff may work desk shifts that include guest check-ins, store purchases, and general hospitality duties (answering questions, providing provisions, helping with issues). Staff are responsible for restocking store inventory and maintaining a clean, organized front desk area.
General Outfitting – Staff are expected to maintain a high level of cleanliness & order concerning all things outfitting (i.e., outfitting room, outfitting porch, food room, tent hanging rack/cleaning table and shuttle vehicles). Staff are expected to maintain awareness of upcoming canoe trips, guests on the water, and returning trips.
Housekeeping – All staff will clean cabins and lodge rooms during weekend shifts. For general housekeeping shifts, you may be asked to clean cabins, lodge rooms, shower houses, bunkhouses, or any of the common areas in the lodge. There may be times where you are asked to assist the Outfitting Manager in cleaning canoes or outfitting gear as guests check the equipment back in.
Laundry – With 12 cabins, 5 lodge rooms, bunkhouses and shower houses, there is no shortage of laundry. It will be ongoing throughout the week and all staff will assist with this task.
Outfitting Packages – Staff are responsible for maintaining sufficient inventory on outfitting food and preparing/packing food & gear for outfitted trips.
Kitchen – We serve breakfast daily for our B&B guests and walk-ins. You may be asked to assist in preparation of meals, serving, and general meal clean-up. All staff participate in daily post staff dinner kitchen cleanup.
Outfitting Packages – Staff are responsible for maintaining sufficient inventory on outfitting food and preparing/packing food & gear for outfitted trips. Staff are also responsible for inspecting and checking rental equipment back in once returned and preparing for next rental.
Lodge / Common Areas – Help in the oversight of the lodge porch/common areas. This includes cleaning the main lodge, sweeping and cleaning the porch, and maintaining outdoor areas (fire pit, grills).
Waterfront – Staff will assist guests at our waterfront dock with gear rentals, preparation and directions, water safety, and excursion maps/advice. Staff will maintain waterfront equipment (fueling boats, cleaning and stowing waterfront gear, organization of boathouse).
Shuttle/Tow – Designated Outfitters are responsible for shuttling guests to and from various BWCAW entry points along the Gunflint Trail. Staff will utilize resort vehicles and canoe/gear trailers. Planning for and performing shuttle services to various entry points along the Gunflint Trail.
Other duties as assigned
Employment Information
Dates of Employment: Season runs approximately May 10, 2025 – October 15, 2025. Actual employment dates will vary on an individual basis to accommodate school schedules, etc.
Wages and Schedule: We pay an hourly wage starting at $12/hr and provide your housing and meals at no cost to you. Employees are scheduled for approximately 40 to 45 hours each week, scheduled days and hours may vary. All staff will be working Saturdays & Sundays. Staff are provided 2 consecutive weekdays off per week (may vary at certain times based on business needs). On your time off, you are welcomed and encouraged to use our watercraft, canoeing and outfitting gear at no cost to explore the area on your own. We believe the more you learn about the area, lakes and trails the more helpful you can be to our guests.
Room and Board: Housing and all meals are included. Each staff housing unit is private and there is a WiFi network in the staff housing area. Staff utilizes the resort laundry facilities after hours for personal laundry. The staff uses the main shower house restrooms and showers. Breakfast and lunch items are provided for you to eat on your own schedule. Dinner is prepared and served family style and we all eat together.
Remote Location: We are located 26 miles north of Grand Marais, MN, halfway up the Gunflint Trail, in the heart of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. Clearwater Lake is an entry point into the BWCA. Our remoteness caters to folks who want to take a break from the constant connectivity of a 21st century lifestyle. Cellular service is extremely limited on the Gunflint Trail (there is no cell signal at Clearwater) and WiFi is only available in a few resort buildings including the lodge. If you can’t handle a summer away from all the conveniences of modern life, then this is probably not going to be a good fit for you. If you can appreciate working hard during your shifts, and then slowing down, disconnecting, and heading out to explore in the heart of an untouched wilderness, we’d love to hear from you!
