Join Our Team!
Help us create the Fair Hills magical experience!
Check out the link below & apply with us online
Learn more about the resort on our YouTube channel!
Fair Hills employs a seasonal staff of about 150 people to help run the resort from May-September. We offer both seasonal summer jobs and seasonal internships. Fair Hills also offers on-site housing for up to 60 staff members.
For all positions:
- Hiring is done on a rolling basis as applications come in.
- Submit your online application (APPLY HERE!) early for a better chance of getting your first job choice.
- Applications are accepted beginning September 2025 to July 2026.
- Send questions or request a paper application form by emailing [email protected]
- Paper applications can be sent to [email protected] or mail to: PO Box 6, Detroit Lakes, MN 56502
General Information
Each employee plays an essential role at the resort. Each department works together to create a memorable experience for our guests. On average, a full-time employee works about 35-40 hours per week. Schedules vary based on the nature of resort business. We serve our guests in some capacity from 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. each day. This requires flexibility among our staff. Fair Hills staff work hard and sometimes schedules can change. While we work hard all summer, we also encourage our staff to play hard and enjoy the resort amenities when not working.
Our employees have a lot of fun, as they work with an energetic staff of over 100 people. Employees also meet many interesting people; the resort typically has 150-250 guests per week. Our employees provide a wonderful service to many people: Making their vacation and relaxation time very pleasurable and memorable (some of our guests have come to Fair Hills for over 50 years). Best of all, they work at a beautiful resort on a beautiful lake in Minnesota.
Staff Reviews
Brett – Golf Management Intern
“This is a great internship for people who are seeking experience working in a golf environment and who are trying to learn more about managing basic golf course operations. Interns are responsible for many different things at wildflower. If [the GM] is not at the course interns usually have to act as the manager and make sure that everything is being run correctly and smoothly, and also make sure that the other employees are doing what they are supposed to be doing and not just sitting around. This internship also gains you a lot of customer service skills as you are talking and interacting with customers and golfers all day long.”
Musab – Resort Worker from Turkey
Musab worked with us in 2019 and shared his experience via video. Checkout his full video documentary here (24:20) and his feature with his work & travel agency here (2:38).
Angela – Event Management Intern
“As we flip the calendar to November and watch the orange and yellow leaves fall in anticipation of winter, I cannot help but reflect on my summer in Minnesota. I had the privilege to spend four months in Detroit Lakes, MN as the Events Intern at Fair Hills Resort. It was an experience like no other – I mean, where else would I get to help set up for weddings, give tennis lessons, swim in the lake, perform in the weekly staff show, work the front desk, expedite orders in the kitchen, and provide guests with an unforgettable summer experience?! I am so thankful for the exposure to the events industry, but more importantly, the staff and guests that made this truly one of the best summers ever! Accompanied by Liz Jeppesen, the Events Coordinator at Fair Hills, I attended the college career fair in September at University of Wisconsin – Stout. What a full circle moment considering I was attending my own college career fairs only a few short years ago!”
What our 2024 J1 employees said about their experience!
- They care about much [and] listen all our requests
- Nature, scenery, food options and fun activities to do in the campsite.
- Everyone in Fair Hills is so nice, the owners, staffs, and the guests. We have a song here and it’s called Fair Hills is your home, and it is, indeed.
- I would say the set of staffs they had this year because we’re all open to each other, and we all help each other out. This is also a non-toxic environment which is good because if people are nice, you can work properly without worrying things and stressing yourself too much.
- For being a accommodating and approachable.
- The employer is the best! All the staff are kind and welcoming. A lot of international co-staff to bond with like Mongolian, Taiwanese, Chinese, Romanian, Thai, Jamaican, and of course, the Americans!
- Whenever I want to buy something to the shop and Walmart. My employer always says it’s ok, it’s no problem. And when I sick, my employer take care of me.
- There are many activities here, you can learn about different countries and make a lot of good friends.
Position Availability
The resort opens mid-May and closes the last weekend of September. From mid-May – June 20, we run our conventions, meetings and wedding season; hosting a variety of groups and events. From June 20 – August 27, we run our weekly family vacation season. Then from August 28 – the end of September, we host conventions, meetings and weddings again.
All positions start full-time between June 4-11, depending on the department. There is the option to start earlier than June 4-11 and work full-time on the Utility Crew as well as start training into your position part-time. If you’re available and you elect to come earlier than June 6th, you’ll be assigned to the Utility Crew. The Utility Crew completes a variety of tasks at the resort – nothing is off limits! Tasks can include, but not limited to: painting, cleaning cabins, lawn care, dishwashing, boat upkeep, general cleaning, inventory, and serving meals. The Utility Crew is a great way to get to know the resort, become proficient in a variety of tasks and get to know the team. While working on the Utility Crew, you’ll have part-time opportunities to start your departmental duties. Starting June 4-11, full-time position duties and training begin. If you’re available to start earlier than June 4, you’ll have the option to come earlier and work on the Utility Crew, or defer your arrival to June 4-11 to start your position first. Regardless of when you start, there will be times when you are required to help out in other departments. We are one big team and not constrained by single departments. Cross training is vital to the success of your employment and the resort.
Room & Board
We have room for about 50-60 staff to live at the resort (this is on a first come, first serve basis). Staff housing is approximately $70/week ($10 per day). This includes your cabin, cabin furnishings, utilities, Wi-Fi, parking and resort amenities; 27 holes of golf, driving range, swimming pool, hot tub, sailboats, shuffleboard, Frolf, tennis courts, pickleball courts, basketball court, paddleboats, etc. During our all-inclusive vacation season from June 20 – August 27, the resort offers 3 meals per day to staff who live on-site. Prior to June 20 and after August 27, meals are available when we have groups on-site. All staff that live on-site will have access to a communal kitchen for personal cooking and food storage. A $50 room deposit will be taken from your first paycheck. This deposit will be refunded to you on your last day provided your room passes inspection.
Compensation and Activity Money
Wages for seasonal staff start at $11.50 per hour and at $12.00 for internsthips. The amount of your wage will depend upon your job and your relevant experience; returning employees may qualify for a pay increase. If the resort decides to extend an offer to you for summer employment, your contract will specify your rate of pay.
Bonus: Some staff will be eligible for our bonus program. A bonus of up to $2.00 for every hour worked can be earned and will be paid on the last paycheck to all eligible employees, provided that they meet certain conditions, e.g., staying through their contract date, above & beyond work, etc. The bonus does not apply to short-term employees (less than 6 weeks or less than 300 hours) or Wildflower employees (people working in ground maintenance or the pro shop). An additional $1.00 will be added to all hours worked in the housekeeping and dishwashing departments. The bonus is discussed in greater detail in the employee handbook that is sent to everyone we hire.
Contact Tanner at 218-847-7638 or [email protected] if you have any questions.
