What are the responsibilities and job description for the Waterfront and Grounds Staff - Summer 2026 position at Coon’s Franklin Lodge?
Coons Franklin Lodge is excited to announce an opening for Waterfront and Grounds Staff for the summer of 2026! Located on the stunning shores of Trout Lake, our historic lodge provides a unique and enriching environment for both our guests and our team members. This position offers a fantastic opportunity to work in a vibrant outdoor setting, providing exceptional service in two essential areas: the waterfront and the grounds.
As part of the Waterfront and Grounds Staff, you will be responsible for maintaining the beauty and functionality of our outdoor spaces, while also ensuring the safety and enjoyment of our guests on the water. Your role involves a mix of tasks in both areas, from landscape maintenance and grounds keeping to assisting guests with waterfront activities.
If you are enthusiastic about outdoor work, have a passion for guest service, and are eager to work as part of a dedicated team, we encourage you to apply for this rewarding summer position!
Responsibilities:
The Employee Experience
One of the best parts of working at Coons is that we offer dorm-style housing. Some of our rooms are right on the water with breathtaking views of the lake.
Mornings are busy for our staff with our wood and ice service to each cabin, breakfast and lunch service, waterfront and housekeeping. Most staff is off in the afternoons before dinner service. This is the best time to be off work and either sitting on the dock, waterskiing or hitting the bike trails. Our most successful employees return year after year because of the hospitality and respect they are shown by the Coons family.
Ideal Candidate
An ideal candidate is someone who can take ownership over their job duties and operates with integrity and respect for themselves and their co-workers. The Coons family wants you to enjoy this little slice of heaven as much as our guests do.
Room and Board
We provide dorm-style housing and 3 staff meals a day. We can accommodate most dietary requests. Room and board will be deducted from your paycheck at the rate of $65 per week.
Employee Perks
Fun Things to Do at Coons When Off Duty
We highly encourage all our staff to make use of the beautiful Northwoods and the resort activities available while not working. How often do you get to live at a resort?
Activities:
There is a beautiful trail winding throughout the resort property. Biking, jogging, and hiking are very popular. Everyone is welcome to explore. Basketball is a favorite.
Tennis Courts:
There are four courts on the premises. During the time the courts are not in use, all employees are welcome to take advantage of the courts. We ask the following things: Permission is needed, proper tennis attire is required (whites), tennis shoes only, no running shoes. Should any guest want to come and use the courts, vacate the court promptly and courteously.
Waterfront:
Trout Lake is one of Wisconsin's finest. There are two docks located on the waterfront. The swimming dock is for guest use only. All employees are welcome to use the boat dock. Employees are welcome to use the following equipment: sailing, water-skiing, canoes, rowboats, and kayaks. No motor boats. You must check out all equipment with the proper resort personnel. Once again, guests have first preference.
Golf:
Trout Lake Golf Course is located 2 miles north of the resort off HWY 51. We get a 20% discount! For more information see: http://www.troutlakegolf.com/main.html
Yoga: Staff can join in our guest Yoga class In the Lodge, Tuesdays at 10am. You must pre-register with Emily or Sarah due to limited spots available.
Getting Here and Getting Around
We are located about 10 miles from the towns of Woodruff and Minocqua. I would say about 50% of our bring an automobile with them. There is minimal public transportation and biking on the highway is discouraged.
For Fun
Fun Things to Do in the Area
Music in The Park- Sunday Nights in Manitowish
https://manitowishwaters.org/things-to-do/music-in-the-park/
Big Top Chautauqua- Although a little bit faraway, but world-renowned musical venue:
https://www.bigtop.org/
Hiking
Map it Vilas County. Great app to find hiking spots to meet your needs:
https://apps.apple.com/us/app/map-it-vilas-county/id881933385
Biking
As part of the Waterfront and Grounds Staff, you will be responsible for maintaining the beauty and functionality of our outdoor spaces, while also ensuring the safety and enjoyment of our guests on the water. Your role involves a mix of tasks in both areas, from landscape maintenance and grounds keeping to assisting guests with waterfront activities.
If you are enthusiastic about outdoor work, have a passion for guest service, and are eager to work as part of a dedicated team, we encourage you to apply for this rewarding summer position!
Responsibilities:
- Maintain grounds, including mowing, trimming, edging, and general landscaping tasks
- Ensure all waterfront areas are clean, safe, and well-maintained for guest use
- Assist with the setup and operation of waterfront activities such as canoeing, swimming, and fishing
- Perform routine inspections of equipment and grounds for safety and functionality
- Engage with guests to provide friendly and knowledgeable assistance regarding activities
- Help coordinate special events and activities held at the lodge
- Previous experience in groundskeeping, landscaping, or recreational water activities preferred
- Strong knowledge of safety protocols in outdoor and waterfront settings
- Physical fitness to perform outdoor labor in various weather conditions
- Ability to operate groundskeeping equipment and waterfront activity equipment
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for guest engagement
- Team-oriented attitude with the ability to work collaboratively
- Flexibility to work weekends and holidays when needed
The Employee Experience
One of the best parts of working at Coons is that we offer dorm-style housing. Some of our rooms are right on the water with breathtaking views of the lake.
Mornings are busy for our staff with our wood and ice service to each cabin, breakfast and lunch service, waterfront and housekeeping. Most staff is off in the afternoons before dinner service. This is the best time to be off work and either sitting on the dock, waterskiing or hitting the bike trails. Our most successful employees return year after year because of the hospitality and respect they are shown by the Coons family.
Ideal Candidate
An ideal candidate is someone who can take ownership over their job duties and operates with integrity and respect for themselves and their co-workers. The Coons family wants you to enjoy this little slice of heaven as much as our guests do.
Room and Board
We provide dorm-style housing and 3 staff meals a day. We can accommodate most dietary requests. Room and board will be deducted from your paycheck at the rate of $65 per week.
Employee Perks
Fun Things to Do at Coons When Off Duty
We highly encourage all our staff to make use of the beautiful Northwoods and the resort activities available while not working. How often do you get to live at a resort?
Activities:
There is a beautiful trail winding throughout the resort property. Biking, jogging, and hiking are very popular. Everyone is welcome to explore. Basketball is a favorite.
Tennis Courts:
There are four courts on the premises. During the time the courts are not in use, all employees are welcome to take advantage of the courts. We ask the following things: Permission is needed, proper tennis attire is required (whites), tennis shoes only, no running shoes. Should any guest want to come and use the courts, vacate the court promptly and courteously.
Waterfront:
Trout Lake is one of Wisconsin's finest. There are two docks located on the waterfront. The swimming dock is for guest use only. All employees are welcome to use the boat dock. Employees are welcome to use the following equipment: sailing, water-skiing, canoes, rowboats, and kayaks. No motor boats. You must check out all equipment with the proper resort personnel. Once again, guests have first preference.
Golf:
Trout Lake Golf Course is located 2 miles north of the resort off HWY 51. We get a 20% discount! For more information see: http://www.troutlakegolf.com/main.html
Yoga: Staff can join in our guest Yoga class In the Lodge, Tuesdays at 10am. You must pre-register with Emily or Sarah due to limited spots available.
Getting Here and Getting Around
We are located about 10 miles from the towns of Woodruff and Minocqua. I would say about 50% of our bring an automobile with them. There is minimal public transportation and biking on the highway is discouraged.
For Fun
Fun Things to Do in the Area
Music in The Park- Sunday Nights in Manitowish
https://manitowishwaters.org/things-to-do/music-in-the-park/
Big Top Chautauqua- Although a little bit faraway, but world-renowned musical venue:
https://www.bigtop.org/
Hiking
Map it Vilas County. Great app to find hiking spots to meet your needs:
https://apps.apple.com/us/app/map-it-vilas-county/id881933385
Biking
- Trails:
- Bike Rentals: Coontail: https://coontail.com/pages/rent
Salary : $65