9 minute read
There's a moment that happens in a well-prepared suite. It's one that guests rarely have words for. The door opens, the lake is right there, and something in them feels already settled in. The towels, the sightlines, the attention to every surface. Someone cared that this was ready for you, and you can feel it. That instinct, practiced every day on the shores of Okanagan Lake, just earned Summerland Waterfront Resort & Spa the BC Hotel Association's Housekeeping Excellence Award.
If you're an ambitious student or hospitality professional looking for a summer job that actually means something, this post is for you. This role builds your career, sharpens your instincts, and puts you on a team that BC officially recognizes as the best.
By the end of this post, you'll know exactly what it takes to join our award-winning team, what makes working at the lake different from any other summer job in the South Okanagan, and how to get your application in before the 2026 season fills up.
In This Post, You'll Discover
Our housekeeping team, led by Executive Housekeeper Rhonda Allercott, recently received the Housekeeping Excellence Award from the BC Hotel Association for outstanding attention to detail, service consistency, and guest comfort.
The BCHA represents hotels and resorts across the entire province. This award is not given out for effort. It goes to the team that demonstrates the highest standard of care in BC hospitality. We were judged alongside finalists from some of the most prestigious luxury properties in the province. We won.
This award belongs to the people behind it. Every day, our housekeeping team shows up, takes pride in their work, and makes sure every suite at Summerland Waterfront Resort & Spa is prepared to a provincially recognized standard by someone who genuinely cares that it's right.
"This confirms that our team is golden when it comes to attention to detail and takes real pride in their work. It also means our once quiet, hidden-gem resort is getting well-deserved recognition. Most importantly, it reflects a team that truly kicks a** and gets'er done, day in and day out!"
— Rhonda Allercott, Housekeeping Manager | quoted on page 15 of the Spring Edition of InnFocus magazine
That is the culture you would be joining.
For university students and hospitality professionals, the right summer job can genuinely shape where your career goes next. Working under Rhonda Allercott means learning how elite hospitality teams think. Ownership, precision, and a standard of care that guests notice and remember.
This resort does not hire for tasks. We hire for the genuine care and dedication that earned us provincial gold. If you have the right attitude, a heart for service, an eye for detail, and the drive to do your job well, then we can teach you everything else.
Let's be specific, because "work at a resort" doesn't tell the whole story.
This is the South Okanagan. Wine country, lake life, and one of the most celebrated hospitality teams in the province, all in the same place.
The resort is entering 2026 with real confidence. Demand in the first quarter exceeded expectations, and advance bookings for late spring and summer are trending upward. For job seekers, that means a busy, rewarding season ahead with a stable, well-run employer.
We are not looking for someone to simply clock in and check boxes. We are looking for people with the experience, instincts, and leadership qualities that fit the culture that earned us this award.
1. The Genuine Care Factor: You care about the spaces you work in and the people you are working for. You want a guest to walk through the door and immediately feel at home. That instinct is the foundation everything else is built on.
2. Attention to Detail: The kind of focus that earns provincial recognition. You notice what others miss. You get real satisfaction from a complete, flawless reset. You hold yourself to a standard that goes beyond supervision.
Working at Summerland Waterfront Resort & Spa comes with benefits that most summer jobs simply cannot offer.
As one team member shared after her first summer: "I really loved working here because of the awesome staff, good hours, and a great work environment. The staff parties and paddleboarding with my coworkers were my favourite parts of the job. I definitely want to return next summer." — Thea
We hire for the spring and summer tourism season, with scheduling designed to support students and seasonal workers. Specific shift availability varies by role, so check current openings for details when you apply.
The resort will be hiring for the 2026 summer season. Positions fill quickly as the peak travel months approach, and demand is already ahead of early-year expectations. The team will be building out soon.
To express your interest, visit our Careers page at summerlandresorthotel.com/careers, review available roles, and submit your application directly. No tricks required. Just tell us who you are, what you care about, and why this kind of work appeals to you.
We beat out top provincial competition for this award. The people we hire are a big reason why.
If you have been searching for the best summer job in the South Okanagan, this is it. A role that builds your resume, puts you on an award-winning team, and lets you spend a season living the lake life.
We hire people who make guests want to come back year after year. If that sounds like you, we want to hear from you before the season is gone.
Explore Careers at Summerland Waterfront Resort & Spa →
Want to get to know more about the resort? These pages are also worth exploring: Summer Experiences Program | The Resort
Q: Do I need previous hospitality experience to apply?
A: We value experience, and we value the right attitude just as much. Enthusiasm and an ambitious team-focused mindset matter more. We are looking for candidates who already hold themselves to a high standard and are ready to bring that to an award-winning team. We can teach the specifics of our property. What we are looking for is the drive, pride, and professionalism that cannot be trained. If that describes you, we want to hear from you.
Q: What is the BCHA Housekeeping Excellence Award?
A: The BC Hotel Association recognizes hotels and resorts across the province. Their Housekeeping Excellence Award goes to the team that demonstrates the highest standard of attention to detail, service consistency, and guest comfort. Our team received it after competing against luxury hotel finalists from across BC.
Q: What positions are available for summer 2026?
A: We are hiring ahead of the spring and summer tourism season. Visit summerlandresorthotel.com/careers to view current openings and apply directly online.
Q: Where is Summerland Waterfront Resort & Spa located?
A: We are on the southern shores of Okanagan Lake in Summerland, BC, 15 minutes north of Penticton and 45 minutes south of Kelowna. It is one of the most scenic resort locations in the South Okanagan, and yes, you will actually get to enjoy it when you work here.
Posted May 20, 2026
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