Hospitality Intern

The Boot Hill Museum Summer Hospitality Internship is a hands-on learning experience that immerses students in the day-to-day operations of a historic tourism destination. Interns will gain real-world experience in guest services museum operations retail food & beverage support special events and fundraising/community-based programs while developing professional skills in hospitality communication and customer service - all within an authentic Old West setting.

This internship is ideal for students pursuing studies in hospitality management tourism marketing history or related fields.

Internship Details

• Duration: MayAugust (flexible start/end dates)
• Schedule: 3240 hours per week. Tuesday to Saturday. Includes evenings and weekends.
• Compensation: Two Options
  • Comp Package #1: $12.00/hr. Includes a housing stipend (details below)
    • Housing/Utilities: Museum pays 50%. Your portion for a 1BR/1BA including all utilities except internet would be $450-$500 a month. The lease would be a dual lease with the museum.
  • Comp Package #2: $14.00/hr. No housing stipend.
• Location: Boot Hill Museum Dodge City Kansas
• Primary Supervisor: Event Coordinator. Secondary Supervisor: Office Manager.
• Flexibility: Boot Hill Museum provides interns with hands-on experience across multiple departments with the flexibility to tailor each internship to specific areas of interest.

Key Learning Areas & Responsibilities

Gift Shop Experience

• Provide information on exhibits schedules and attractions
• Support ticket sales and admissions
• Handle guest questions and resolve concerns professionally
• Assist with daily opening and closing procedures

• Learn merchandising and inventory basics
• Maintain visual standards of retail areas
• Help manage guest flow during peak visitation
• Learn safety and operational procedures

Events and Development Programs

• Support the Event Coordinator with scheduling group tours of the museum
• Support event setup guest coordination and breakdown
• Gain exposure to event planning and execution including menu pricing and food ordering
• Assist with planning and execution of development programs:

1. Cowpoke Camp June 13^th 2026
2. Golf Tournament June 20^th 2026
3. Hoover Day June 20^th 2026
4. Community Days June 6^th June 27^th July 11^th August 8^th
5. 4^th of July Celebration
6. Bull Fry & Bash July 24^th 2026
7. Traveling Exhibits Abuelitas Kitchen July 30^th 2026
8. Dodge City Days Activities July 24^th - August 2^nd 2026
9. High Noon Gunfight August 1^st 2026

• Support guests donors and participants hospitality during development programs
• Help with registration check-in and on-site coordination

Marketing & Outreach

• Create social media content for upcoming events and summer programs
• Assist with flyers posters and email promotions
• Photograph events
• Collect guest feedback and visitor data
• Deliver flyers to local businesses hotels and the casino
• Attend community meetings with staff (Chamber Coffee Main Street Cultural Advisory etc.)

Food & Beverage Service (Optional)

• Assist with front-of-house hospitality for the Beatty and Kelley Restaurant & Ice Cream Parlor
• Menu planning pricing and ordering
• Learn the basics of food service operations and guest interaction
• Hands-on experience in management

Skills Gained

• Event planning and coordination
• Community relations and networking
• Marketing content creation and branding/messaging
• Workplace professionalism time management and teamwork
• Gain insight into careers in hospitality tourism and museum operations

Application Process

Applicants should submit:

• Resume:Highlight relevant experience skills and education. Include any part-time jobs volunteer work or school projects that demonstrate your abilities and interests related to the hospitality industry.
• Cover Letter:Write a tailored cover letter. Explain why youre interested in the internship how your background aligns with the role and what you hope to gain from the experience.
• References:Provide two references. Professors previous employers or mentors who can vouch for your work ethic and capabilities. Choose individuals who know you well and can provide specific examples of your skills and accomplishments. Include name relationship phone number and email address.
• Applications may be submitted via email to Amy Guerrero at or in person at Boot Hill Museum.

Desired Qualifications

• Current student or recent graduate in hospitality tourism marketing history or related field
• Friendly outgoing and customer-service oriented
• Strong communication skills
• Well organized with efficient time management skills

Evaluation & Completion

Interns will:

• Complete a presentation that:
  • Reflect on their learning
  • Demonstrate their contribution to Boot Hill Museum
  • Share ideas to improve future events and fundraisers
• Receive supervisors feedback
• Be awarded:Letter of recommendation (upon request)

Why Should You Intern at Boot Hill Museum

• Unique opportunity to work at a recognized historic site serving more than 60000 annual visitors
• Hands-on exposure to multiple areas of hospitality operations
• Engaging fast-paced summer environment
• Opportunity to build professional skills while bringing the Old West to life for guests