ANNUAL SEASONAL POSITIONS – “PELICANS”
Thank you for your interest in applying to be a Pelican for 2023! My summers as a Pelican, the affectionate term used for our summer employees, were some of the most enriching and enjoyable experiences of my life. It is always rewarding to see Pelicans bond with our guests, the island, and each other in ways that can last a lifetime.
So, what makes a successful Pelican? In addition to normal qualifications, like being reliable, responsible, and hard-working, we seek candidates (18 years or older) who will be especially safe, cooperative, and respectful, and who can thrive in the close working and living quarters of our remote setting.
Beyond these essential attributes, we will be strongly focused on candidates who would contribute to our mission of hospitality and participate in forming a healthy island-wide community.
We appreciate your consideration of what we are looking for in our Pelicans. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us.
Sincerely,
Joe Watts
Chief Executive Officer
Pelican Applications
Applicants who have not worked for Star before, click here to begin the online application process. Learn more about the application process for potential first years.
Returning Pelican applicants, click here to begin the online application process. Read more about the application process for potential returning pels.
Reference Forms
If you have never worked on Star Island, you must submit two reference forms. These could be from an employer/supervisor, professor, advisor or school guidance counselor, principal, teacher, minister or religious education director, etc. References from family members will not be considered. Additional peer or character references (beyond 2 required references) are encouraged.
Your application will not be considered complete until both references are received.
Please provide your references the link to our online reference form or download a hard copy of the reference form.
General Information for Star Island Applicants
Click here to learn more about working on Star Island and for a description of each of the positions.
Selection Criteria
Click here to learn how we select our staff from amongst a large pool of applicants.
At Star Island we appreciate the value and richness of different perspectives and experiences. We constantly strive to be a more diverse and inclusive workplace. We work to make you feel welcomed and engaged as a valued member of the team. We provide equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. In addition, Star Island will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities.
Tell Your Friends About Being a Pelican
We encourage people interested in working on Star Island to share this opportunity with their friends, as well. Download our hiring flyer to share, or direct people to this website for more information.
Hiring Process Timeline
Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis after the January 23rd priority deadline for full season, partial season, and end of season applicants.
A letter of interest regarding supervisory-level positions should be emailed to office@starisland.org (in addition to your application) should be sent in shortly after your application if applicable
Reference Form Deadline (for new applicants) must be submitted before your application will be considered
Hiring Decisions Emailed to Applicants - by mid-March 2023 for full season applicants, and on a rolling basis after that for partial season and end of season applicants
Please note: email communications regarding your application will be sent by our Office Manager, Kate Brady (kbrady@starisland.org). Please be sure you add her email address to your safe senders list so you do not miss out on any messages regarding employment with Star Island.
Video: What it's like to be a pelican
Video: What it means to be a pelican
Video: Q&A Session with Pelicans
Being a Pelican is more than a summer job on Star Island– it is about joining a community of interesting, talented, and hard working individuals. We seek staff members who will commit to doing a good job, whether that job involves providing direct services to conferees (such as making beds, cooking food, or working at the front desk) or serving on our support crews (such as repairing trucks, painting buildings, or running our wastewater treatment facility). The powerful Pelican community that arises each season is an outgrowth of common goals, hard work, and mutual support.
A Pelican on Star Island is both a worker and a member of the island community. We share a small island with people who come for rest and relaxation. Our job is to make a good week on Star possible for our guests.








Thanks to Anna Solo for the photos!
#pelicansarepelicans
Hear from past Pelicans about their experiences on Star Island:
Why You Should Become a Pelican
A Pelican Summer: Music Director
A Pelican Summer: Bellhop Supervisor
Pelicans Take Flight (pg 38)
share our hiring flyer with friends or post it in your community to spread the word about jobs on Star Island