Culinary & Pastry Internship

Welcome to the Kalahari Experience

At Kalahari Resorts & Conventions, we don’t just create vacations—we craft unforgettable experiences. Home to America’s Largest Indoor Waterparks, our African-inspired resorts offer world-class dining, luxurious spas, thrilling entertainment, and cutting-edge convention centers that redefine hospitality.

But we’re more than a resort. As a major employer, we provide thousands of jobs and career growth opportunities while delivering exceptional service. Our associates take care of millions of guests each year, making every visit special.

Beyond our walls, we’re making a difference. Through our partnership with charity: water, we’re committed to bringing clean water to one million people in Africa.

Culinary Internship Program

Kalahari Resorts & Conventions is seeking a Culinary Internship Program. This track offers on-the-job training, mentoring relationships with regular coaching, and an opportunity to connect and build life-long relationships with culinary leaders and peers. There are a select number of spots available in this program. This internship is front-line work, mixed with learning various supervisory roles. This experience does rotate between different areas/kitchens, but you may be asked to help in other areas as business volumes vary. If you’re interested in learning systems, working in multiple concepts, scratch cooking and finding out how Kalahari feeds the masses – down to an intimate dinner – this is for you! Previous cooking experience is necessary.

Culinary Art Focus

All Kalahari properties have multiple concepts, from coffee and scratch-pastry shops, sit-down restaurants, a beverage operation, to a full-service convention center. As a Culinary Intern you will gain the unforgettable experience of being part of our back-of-the-house teams in either: Double Cut Steak House, Sortino’s, Cinco Niño’s, B-Lux Bar & Grill, Cinco Nino’s, waterpark eateries, banquets, baking/pastry, and the production kitchen.

Baking & Pastry Arts Focus

All Kalahari properties have a from-scratch production bake shop. Baking and Pastry Arts Program will rotate through a variety of roles, including bulk recipe batching, bread production, pastry/cakes, displays/plating.

Payrate: $18.00/hr.

What We’re Looking For

One or more of these criteria must apply to be eligible:

• A student enrolled at the Culinary Institute of America in a Culinary or Pastry Arts Program. (Kalahari is a Certified Externship Site for CIA externs)
• A student enrolled in a culinary or pastry arts program at a community college or university.
• No formal schooling but has at least one year of experience in a commercial kitchen or restaurant. Someone seeking hands-on work experience and gaining invaluable industry knowledge

Kalahari’s Culinary Intern program is typically a minimum of 12 weeks but can be customized according to curriculum requirements.

We view this experience as a chance for you to showcase your talents and to make a positive difference. Successful interns will be strongly considered to remain with the company after graduation.

We accept applications year-round for our Culinary Internship Program.

A Sampling of Our Benefits

Our team enjoys a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Career growth opportunities with promotion from within
• 401(k) matching, paid time off, and holiday compensation
• Health, dental, and vision coverage for full-time associates
• Employee appreciation events, discounts, and perks at all resorts
• Education assistance programs to help advance your career

Be Part of Something Extraordinary

At Kalahari, we’re proud to be recognized by Forbes as one of America’s Best Midsize Employers and by USA TODAY as the #1 Best Indoor Water Park. These awards reflect our commitment to both our guests and team members.

Here, careers thrive, innovation is encouraged, and every day brings new opportunities to create meaningful moments. Whether you’re delivering incredible guest service, crafting memorable meals, or leading a team, your work makes a real impact.

Current locations include Wisconsin Dells, WI (2000), Sandusky, OH (2005), Pocono Manor, PA (2015), Round Rock, TX (2020), and Spotsylvania County, VA (2026).

Kalahari Resorts & Conventions is an Equal Opportunity Employer.