Stone House Lodge & RV – El Vado Lake, New Mexico

About the Opportunity

Spend your summer working at lodge overlooking El Vado Lake in Los Ojos, New Mexico, gaining real-world experience in a fast-paced, hands-on culinary environment.

This is not a classroom kitchen — you’ll be part of a small team running a restaurant, bar and event space serving guests, weddings, and music and dancing and weekend crowds.

You’ll leave this internship with experience in:

• High-volume service
• Menu prep and execution
• Event and catering support
• Lodge and hospitality operations

Position Overview

The Culinary Intern supports all kitchen operations during peak summer season. You’ll work directly with the Operations Manager and team to prepare and serve simple, consistent, high-quality meals for guests and events.

This role is designed to give you variety and real responsibility, not just prep work.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist with daily food prep and service (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
• Cook and assemble menu items during service
• Support pavilion events (weddings, group dinners, live music nights)
• Maintain a clean, organized kitchen and prep areas
• Assist with inventory, stocking, and basic ordering tasks
• Help with dishwashing and closing duties as part of the team

You will also be exposed to:

• Weekly Special management
• Menu management
• Food cost awareness
• Small business kitchen operations
• Marketing

What You’ll Gain

Hands-on culinary experienceExperience working in a real hospitality business, not just a kitchenExposure to events, catering, and lodge operationsMentorship from an experienced operatorA well-rounded understanding of how a small hospitality business runs

Ideal Candidate

• Strong desire to pursue a career in culinary or hospitality
• Positive attitude and strong work ethic – reliable
• Willing to jump in wherever needed — no ego
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment
• Interested in learning beyond just cooking (events, operations, guest experience)

Compensation & Perks

• Texas Tech Internship – 400 credit hours
• Paid internship ($14/hr)
• Participation in Tip Splits – our customers are very generous
• Meals included during shifts
• We can schedule longer days to make it worth the commute
• Unique experience working at a lodge and event venue
• Opportunity for future seasonal or full-time roles
• Free kayak and paddle board rentals
• Family discounts on accommodation

Schedule

• Summer Vacation
• Primarily Thursday–Sunday operations (with some flexibility)
• Peak activity on weekends
• Potential to continue working during school breaks and weekends

About Stone House Lodge

Stone House Lodge & RV is a growing hospitality property overlooking El Vado Lake in Northern New Mexico.

The business includes cabins, RV sites, a restaurant, and an event pavilion hosting weddings, reunions, and live music throughout the summer.

This is a hands-on, immersive experience — ideal for someone who wants to learn by doing and be part of a growing hospitality business.