Culinary Leader in Training (Internship)

February 9, 2026
$23 / hour

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Job Description

Culinary Leader in Training (Internship)

Are you a master multitasker with a passion for creating memorable experiences? Do you thrive in dynamic, fast-paced environments, delighting guests and solving problems with enthusiasm? This internship offers a unique opportunity to develop leadership skills within the culinary operations of a premier lodge, focusing on delivering exceptional service and unforgettable moments.

What’s In It For You? (The Perks)

At Columbia Hospitality, we believe in supporting our team members both professionally and personally. Here’s what you can expect:

Competitive Compensation:
• Hourly Pay Range: $20 to $23 DOE (Dependent On Experience).
Tip/Tip Pooling Eligible.
Get Paid Daily: Make any day payday for greater financial flexibility.
Work-Life Balance & Time Off:
Paid Time Off & Holiday Pay (Because Balance Matters).
Comprehensive Benefits (Eligibility dependent upon job status):
Medical, Dental, Vision, Disability, 401K.
HSA/FSA Plans with employer contribution.
Exclusive Team Member Benefits:
Eligible for On-Site Team Member Housing.
Discounted Lodging, Dining, Spa, Golf, and Retail across our portfolio (Yes, Discounted Travel!).
Referral Bonus: Get Paid to Recruit great talent.
Support & Development:
Employee Assistance Program.
Online Learning Platform to Help You Grow!
Task Force Work Opportunities: Grow your career in idyllic locations across the globe.
Engaging Culture & Community:
Values Based Culture (#OMGLIFE).
Culture Add: Creating Space for Fresh Perspectives.
“Columbia Cares” Volunteer Opportunities.
Committee Participation Opportunities: Engage in Fun, Philanthropic, and Diversity/Equity/Inclusion initiatives.
Third-Party Perks: Enjoy discounts on Pet Insurance, Rental Cars, Movie and Concert Tickets, Theme Park and Attractions, and so much more!

Our Commitment to You:

Inspired by Maya Angelou’s profound statement, “People never forget how you made them feel,” Columbia Hospitality is fueled by a collective drive to create exceptional experiences. Our people are our purpose, and they embody our brand promise. We seek extraordinary individuals who are passionate about hospitality. As a people-first organization, we foster a tight-knit, inclusive, values-driven team where trust and mutual support are paramount. We show up every day with open hearts, an inclusive mindset, and genuine respect, striving to leave a positive lasting impression on everyone we meet. We have fun, grow together, and ignite success from within.

What You’ll Do: (The Brass Tacks)

This internship provides hands-on leadership training within various culinary outlets and departments, including the Fireside Room restaurant, The Grill restaurant, and Banquets. Your responsibilities will include:

Leadership Application: Learn and apply practical leadership skills in day-to-day operations and special events.
Operational Focus Areas: Gain experience in executing special events, scheduling, purchasing, inventory management, and food cost control.
Guest Experience: Focus on creating an exceptional dining and hospitality experience for all guests.
Departmental Support: Provide comprehensive support to all departments once fully trained.
Relationship Building: Develop and maintain favorable working relationships and open communication across all departments.
Guest Issue Resolution: Effectively manage guest issues, balancing guest needs with business objectives. Conduct thorough follow-up with both guests and team members.
Operational Leadership: Serve as an operational lead in the absence of a direct manager/supervisor, demonstrating discretion and professionalism.
Professional Judgment: Use good judgment to resolve guest conflicts and consult with management for assistance or follow-up when needed.
Culture Contribution: Positively contribute to Columbia Hospitality (CH) and Sage Lodge values and property culture.

What We’re Looking For: (The Nitty Gritty)

We’re looking for enthusiastic individuals ready to dive in and learn!

Experience/Education:
• 2-3 years of related experience and/or training; OR
• A Bachelor’s Degree from a College or University.
Adaptability: The ability to quickly learn and apply new procedures in a dynamic environment.
Communication Skills: The ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, guests, and the public.
Problem-Solving: The ability to solve practical problems where limited standardization exists, and interpret written and oral instructions.
Licenses: Necessary State Food Handler’s License(s).
Work Ethic: Ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced, multi-tasking environment.

Don’t meet every single requirement? At Columbia Hospitality, we are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace. If you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t perfectly align with every qualification, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may just be the right candidate for this or other roles.

Where You’ll Work:

Nestled on more than a mile of Yellowstone riverfront, and just 35 minutes from Yellowstone National Park, Sage Lodge is inspired by anglers but beckons to outdoor enthusiasts of all kinds. Overlooking majestic Emigrant Peak, the Lodge blends the raw and rugged beauty of Paradise Valley with distinctive Montana hospitality. The expansiveness of Montana’s unspoiled terrain is right outside your door for hiking, horseback riding, biking, fishing, and so much more. All conveniently located just 50 minutes from Bozeman.

Sage Lodge offers 50 rustically elegant guestrooms. Guests can take in the views of the Montana horizon while dining in the Fireside Room or experiencing the softer side of the wild west at The Spa with relaxing and revitalizing body treatments.

The Fine Print:

Columbia Hospitality, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer committed to an inclusive environment without regard to age, race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion, disability, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, or any other protected status in accordance with applicable law. We strive for excellence in every position within the company and select the most qualified people who embrace our service philosophy and these values: Accountability | Creativity | Enthusiasm | Honesty | Inclusion | Respect.

Columbia Hospitality is a national management and consulting company with more than 25 years of experience in creating hospitality solutions and delivering exceptional experiences. Our portfolio includes award-winning hotels and resorts, premier residential communities, restaurants and bars, private and public golf clubs, conference centers, and distinctive venues. Columbia Hospitality has been consistently recognized as one of the Top Companies to Work for in Washington by Seattle Business Magazine and Puget Sound Business Journal for their commitment to creating a fun, dynamic, and nurturing work environment for team members.