How to Apply for a Summer Job on Mackinac Island

Published: Monday, February 13, 2023 12:00 pm
By: Tanda Gmiter, MLive

Mackinac Island, MI - Guiding vacationers on and off the ferry boats. Tucking slices of fresh fudge into those deliciously telltale little boxes. Serving up the Pink Pony’s signature Rum Runners. Flying demo kites on a windy stretch of island shoreline.

All these summer jobs and many more are in the application process now as Mackinac Island starts prepping for a busy tourist season ahead.

“Working on the island is a unique experience. The memories and friendship you make last a lifetime,” said Tim Hygh, executive director of Mackinac Island Tourism.

This year, about 5,000 workers are needed to make all areas of the island run smoothly. About 1,000 of those are typically jobs supported by the United States’ H-2B visa program, which allows international workers to come here for temporary employment.

Many of the island jobs run from late April through fall. But there are shorter work windows available, accommodating student workers and those looking for summer-only employment. Retirees looking for seasonal work can also land island jobs.

Housing and meal situations can vary by position, so if you’re new to the island summer work scene, you’ll want to make sure you get all the details before you show up for a job.

Here’s how to get started: Here are the three best ways to land an island job this summer.

Follow the Mackinac Island Job Posting Page on Facebook, where island employers post help-wanted messages. Some are very transparent about the hourly pay, job details, and whether the position comes with housing or a meal plan.
Check out the island-wide jobs portal on the Mackinac Island Tourism Bureau’s website . It has an “Apply Now” link that lets people to enter their contact information, upload their resume and select the types of jobs they’re most interested in. Once uploaded, this information is shared with all the tourism bureau’s members on the island, so job opportunities can be matched with people’s preferences.
If you are really interested in a specific job or business, your best bet is to reach out to businesses directly. Here is a link to all of the businesses on the island, so you can call or email them directly.

It’s still early in the 2023 season application process, but here is a sampling of the employers already lining up summer staff:

Shepler’s Ferry: “Looking for a fun, fast-paced summer gig for 2023? Shepler’s offers a variety of seasonal summer opportunities from Dock/Deckhand and Ticket Office Assistant to Transportation Drivers and Receptionists. Starting positions at $15.50 - $20.00 per hour with limited housing options available to crew. Visit us, and apply, online at sheplersferry.com/employment to learn more about what we do here at Shepler’s.”

The Island Bookstore: “Are you a book lover? A people person? Self- motivated? Would you like to work in a peaceful environment where a customer is able to escape to relax and chill? The Little Island Bookstore is looking for someone with excellent customer service skills, strong organizational skills, with a genuine love for people all while living on our beautiful island. May to October. Some housing available. Interested? We’d love to share more details with you. Introduce yourself and send your resume to Diane at [email protected]”

The Pink Pony Shop + Club: “We are looking for retail sales associates to work full season April-October or just for the summer months May-August. This is the perfect chance to spend your summer on Mackinac Island, we provide housing and a meal plan. If interested send your resume to [email protected].”

Wings of Mackinac: “Wings of Mackinac is a live Butterfly Conservatory. Free flying butterflies inside an all glass Conservatory located at Surrey Hill on Mackinac Island, a short walk or bike ride from downtown. Room and Board available. Full and Part-Time positions. Competitive Pay. Apply to wingsofmackinac.com or [email protected] 231.881.3530 Face Time interviews along with Resume and application filled out online.”

Patrick Doud’s Irish Pub: “Hiring servers, bartenders, and cooks. Must be a team player, self-motivated, people person, work weekends and able to work in a high-energy, fast-pace environment. If interested please email [email protected] with your resume + references. Must be available April-October and/or May-Labor Day.”

tags: Lake Huron, Michigan