Job prerequisites:

• English: Proficient You will speak with guests from around the world all day.
• You must arrange and pay for your own housing in New York City or New Jersey before you arrive. Evelyn Hill does not provide housing.
• You must accept any department and any work location willingly.
• Almost everyone is assigned to Food Service: kitchens, the cafeterias, or the outdoor concession stands such as the lemonade cart and grab-and-go.
• Outdoor assignments mean working outside on Liberty Island or Ellis Island from February through July: cold, wind off the harbor, mist and rain in early spring, heat and sun by summer. Dress in layers.
• You may not work on the same island, in the same department, or on the same schedule as your friends. You must be prepared to work independently.
• You ride a ferry across New York Harbor to and from work every day, in all weather. You must not be prone to seasickness.
• You pass through airport-style security every day and must be on the clearance list or carry a Park Service ID.
• You must be able to lift and carry up to 50 pounds (22 kg), bend, stoop, twist, reach, and stand for 8 hours per shift.
• You must not have any food allergies. Kitchens are not air-conditioned, and food preparation tasks such as cutting onions are part of the job.
• Available to work Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays, which are the busiest days.
• Attendance is everything. Arrive on time for every shift. A no-call no-show can end your job.
• You must commit to your DS end date. Evelyn Hill requires all participants to work until their DS end date, without exceptions.
• Some tasks are not glamorous, such as washing dishes and handling garbage. Every task is part of the job.
• New York City has a very high cost of living.

Job description:

Evelyn Hill Inc. assigns departments to new hires on their first day, so it’s important to remain flexible and understand that the position assigned may not be your first choice. Demonstrating an open and adaptable mindset is key, as it shows your willingness to embrace new opportunities and contribute effectively to your assigned department.

Food Service

The Food Service department offers a range of positions at locations such as Crown Café on Liberty Island, Ellis Café on Ellis Island, and outdoor spots like Bartholdi Café, Dessert Bar, Skyline, Grab n’ Go on Liberty Island, and the Kiosk on Ellis Island. Positions include front-line staff, kitchen staff, bussers, dishwashers, and cashiers. This department, being the largest, will be the assignment for most Work & Travel participants. It provides excellent opportunities for cross-training in various roles such as dishwashing, food preparation, and cashiering. Through this role, participants will gain skills in customer interaction, teamwork, and time management, all while working in some of the world’s most iconic locations.

Retail

If you enjoy interacting with people and providing excellent service, the Retail team might be the perfect fit. Opportunities exist in the gift shops on both Liberty Island and Ellis Island, where you’ll assist guests in finding the perfect souvenir to commemorate their New York experience. While previous retail experience is preferred, it’s not required—what’s essential are strong guest service skills and attention to detail. The retail role is limited, and only a few Work & Travel participants will be selected.

Maintenance/Distribution

For those who prefer working behind the scenes to ensure a clean and welcoming environment, the Maintenance/Distribution role may be ideal. This position requires a strong work ethic and dedication to preserving the historical integrity of the landmarks. Maintenance staff manage tasks like recycling, waste removal, and cleaning, contributing to the visual appeal and environmental conservation efforts of the sites. Distribution staff play a vital role in restocking stores and cafes, managing deliveries, maintaining inventory, and handling replacements. These positions are physically and mentally engaging and are crucial to supporting the overall visitor experience. Typically, only 1-2 participants per season are assigned to Maintenance or Distribution, often those with earlier start dates.

Important: By accepting this role with Evelyn Hill Inc., you acknowledge that you will not be able to choose your department. Assignments are made based on the company’s needs, and you must be prepared to work in any role or department to which you are assigned. Flexibility and adaptability are essential, as your assigned position may differ from yourpersonal preferences.

Your willingness to accept and succeed in any department demonstrates your readiness to contribute to the team and make the most of this unique experience.