Back of House positions are the unsung heroes of seasonal hospitality. Whether you’re a skilled line cook crafting memorable meals, a lightning-fast prep cook, or a reliable dishwasher keeping the kitchen humming, your work directly supports guests who spend their days exploring mountains, rivers, and trails.
Join kitchens in stunning locations with staff housing and meals — where the views are as good as the food and the crew becomes family.
What will you do in this job? Safety, anticipating guest needs, honoring our surroundings and bring...
What will you do in this job? Safety, anticipating guest needs, honoring our surroundings and bring...
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Kitchens can't operate without them. From prep chefs to dishwashers, back of house staff are the driving force that makes food happen and keeps returning guests coming back. It's hard work, but with good pay and the added benefit of working at seasonal resorts, ranches, and lodges, back of house jobs offer excellent opportunities for those looking to make a living in the food service industry.
The term "back of house" (or BOH) refers to restaurant, hotel, and catering staff that work away from the front counter. This includes line cooks, prep cooks, dishwashers, lead cooks, expo staff, and others working in the kitchen area. Unlike front of house staff, they don't interact directly with guests, but play an essential role in food preparation nonetheless. Any staff members working in the kitchen area can be considered back of house employees.
From line cooks and prep cooks to dishwashers and lead chefs, everybody has their part to play. If one member of the team falters, the entire kitchen operation grinds to a halt. This is why it's so important for back of house staff to remain focused and work cohesively as a unit.
Many seasonal back of house jobs are located in national parks, ski resorts, lakeside lodges, and working ranches. In addition to good pay and benefits, they offer the added appeal of working in beautiful surroundings.
Some of the best parts of seasonal back of house jobs include:
Back of house positions at seasonal employers can be found across the country, from Alaska to Vermont, Colorado, Idaho, and Wyoming, among others. Employment opportunities vary depending on the season.
Most BOH employers are seeking dependable workers with at least some experience in a professional kitchen. They're looking for people who know how to handle the pace and pressure of a commercial kitchen, follow food handling and safety procedures, work well with others, and have the commitment to stay for the season.
If you have previous experience working in a commercial kitchen, you should have no problem finding employment as a back of house staff. Even if you're new to the food service industry, you can still acquire the necessary skills once you start working in a professional kitchen. If you're just starting out, take a look at these jobs that provide housing without requiring experience.
If you're looking for a seasonal or year-round position as a back of house employee, start by browsing through current job listings. If housing and meals are important to you, be sure to view the listing details, as they will state this information clearly. You can apply for the jobs that interest you right away, as most listings feature an "Apply" button at the end.
If you're a first-time applicant, it's a good idea to narrow your search by choosing the job location and time of year first. Our guide on how to find seasonal jobs in 2026 walks through the process step by step.
Most job listings for prep cooks and dishwashers do not require any previous experience. However, line cooks and lead positions looking for more experienced workers may ask for prior culinary experience.
Many employers offering seasonal employment also provide housing and meals, but this information is included in the listing details. Certain jobs, such as the brewpub dishwasher position, do not include lodging, but resort and ranch employers are more likely to offer these benefits. You can filter for these directly on our jobs with housing page.
Prep cooks prepare ingredients and portions for the line cooks to use when making meals and other dishes. Line cooks assemble and prepare individual meals and typically work at a cooking station. While both are suitable entry-level jobs for aspiring chefs, line cooks usually earn more than prep cooks. Browse all job categories to see how these roles compare to other kitchen and hospitality positions.