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Big Sur Lodge
Big Sur Lodge
Big Sur Lodge
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Redwood Forest & Central Coast - Your Backyard!

Big Sur Lodge

Current Job Openings

    Retail Clerk

    Big Sur Lodge
    $16.00 / hour

    JOB SUMMARY

    The Retail Sales Associate is responsible for assisting customers in making purchases. The Retail Sales Associate is responsible for merchandising and display, receiving money from and disbursing money to customers, and maintaining a high level of customer service at all times.

    ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

    • Smile and greet customers entering unit; answer customers’ questions, and provide information on company products, promotions, and policies.  Thank each customer.
    • Describe merchandise and explain use, operation, and care of merchandise to customers.
    • Recommend, select, and help locate or obtain merchandise based on customer needs and desires.
    • Compute sales prices, total purchases and receive and process cash or credit payment.
    • Issue receipts, refunds, credit, or change due to customers accurately.
    • Maintain cash register and contents within.
    • Maintain clean and orderly cash station area; stock and maintain sales area with various supplies and products.
    • Maintain neatness and cleanliness of the retail operation.
    • Turn in cash drawer and sales reconciliation at shifts’ end.
    • Assisting with special events.
    • Maintain awareness of safety issues, and report them immediately to your manager.

    SKILL AND KNOWLEDGE REQUIREMENTS INCLUDE

    • Partial High School education; High School Diploma/G.E.D. preferred. 
    • Mathematic Skills.
    • Interest and knowledge in Washington, DC’s landmarks, monuments and memorials preferred.
    • Excellent sanitation habits.
    • Professional appearance.
    • Ability to communicate and attend to guests with the highest standard of service.
    • Ability to pass cash handling training.
    • Problem sensitivity and the ability to recognize when a problem has occurred and communicate it to management. 

    Front Desk Agent

    Big Sur Lodge

    JOB SUMMARY

    The Front Desk Agent must have the ability to perform all desk attendant functions including checking guests and vendors in and out, reservations, and switchboard. Must have strong customer services skills.

    ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

    • Provide administrative, reception and program support to management and staff. 
    • Manage phone activity including providing general knowledge to callers.
    • Manage walk-in traffic.  Sign in customers as needed.  Smile and greet customers in a welcoming manner.
    • Register and assign rooms to guests. 
    • Provide quotes for room rates and up-sell the guest when possible. 
    • Assist in coordinating the Front Desk and the Housekeeping Department.
    • Verify that the correct charges and credits are posted to the corresponding guest folio.  Collect payment for charges on the guest folio. 
    • Ensure all cash and cash equivalents are accounted for and balanced at the beginning and end of each work shift.
    • Responds to guest inquiries. 
    • Resolves guest complaints within scope of authority, otherwise refer the matter to the management.
    • Maintain awareness of safety issues, and report them immediately to your manager.

    SKILL AND KNOWLEDGE REQUIREMENTS INCLUDE

    • High School Diploma preferred.  Minimum of at least 16 years of age.
    • Clerical skills including typing, filing, office machine operations, cash register operation, maintenance of records, and the ability to undertake multiple tasks simultaneously.
    • Computer proficiency.
    • Demonstrated talent for interacting with a wide variety of people; ability to effectively organize and coordinate multiple priorities; ability to learn and develop new skills; ability to problem solve.
    • Ability to arrange and coordinate schedules for reservations.    
    • Excellent interpersonal, administrative, telephone and other communications skills.

    A full job description can be found on our career site.

    Maintenance Specialist

    Big Sur Lodge

    JOB SUMMARY

    The Maintenance Specialist assists by performing all aspects of maintenance and repair work on all mechanical, structural, and electrical equipment and systems on assigned locations. 

    ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

    • Receive direction from the Maintenance Manager and assist in the overall maintenance and repair of the assigned unit’s operations. 
    • Conduct scheduled inspections of designated buildings and equipment; check and repair equipment malfunctions.
    • Make major repairs to electrical, plumbing, heating, air conditioning and refrigeration equipment as needed.
    • Respond immediately and resolve emergency facility needs/issues regarding safety/security/business requirements, including fire alarm systems; disengage electrical, water, or gas systems as necessary.
    • Lock and secure all buildings and facilities; monitor, activate and reset automatic security systems as appropriate.
    • Assist Manager with inventory/security of supplies is adequate for the maintenance of units.
    • Maintain and ensure safe facility environment including standards for maintenance and upkeep of facility’s equipment.  Notify Manager of all unusual events, circumstances, or other safety or quality control issues.    
    • Represent the company in a professional and positive manner at all times. Maintain and enhance the company’s image when interacting with clients, guests, associates, and vendors.

    SKILL AND KNOWLEDGE REQUIREMENTS INCLUDE

    • Partial High School education; High School Diploma/G.E.D. equivalent preferred.
    • Valid Driver’s License and a clean driving record required. 
    • Strong customer service abilities; actively looks for ways to assist customers and coworkers. 
    • Ability to recognize when a problem has occurred and communicate it to management. 

    Groundskeeper

    Big Sur Lodge

    JOB SUMMARY

    The Groundskeeper performs skilled and routine maintenance, grounds, and housekeeping tasks necessary to maintain the cleanliness, appearance, and sanitation of the facility.  The Groundskeeper performs custodial and maintenance activities for park grounds, landscaping areas, equipment, and facilities.

    ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

    • Pull trash from trash receptacles.  Replace trash bags as needed.  Clear trash from tables and floors/grounds.
    • Clean patios and sidewalks, and all outdoor areas.  Pick up leaves and litter from grounds.
    • Trim and prunes tree branches.  Pull and remove weeds, mow lawns, and maintain landscaping.    
    • Operate and perform maintenance on lawn mowers such as changing oil, and parts lubrication and adjustment.
    • Maintain exterior of unit; paint as directed and needed.  Repair exterior benches and sprinklers.
    • Irrigate gardens and lawns.  Dig up ground for flower beds, ditches and holes for sign posts.
    • Clean offices, recreation rooms, restrooms and locker rooms. Replenish supplies as needed.
    • Set up or remove folding tables, chairs, barricades, traffic cones or similar objects as directed for special events.
    • Maintain awareness of safety issues, and report them immediately to your manager.

    SKILL AND KNOWLEDGE REQUIREMENTS INCLUDE

    • Partial High School education; High School Diploma/G.E.D. equivalent preferred.
    • Strong sanitation habits.
    • Strong customer service abilities; actively looks for ways to assist customers and coworkers. 
    • Ability to recognize when a problem has occurred and communicate it to management. 
    View 7 more job openings

    Lead Front Desk Agent

    Big Sur Lodge

    JOB SUMMARY

    The Lead Front Desk Agent must have the ability to perform all desk attendant functions including checking guests and vendors in and out, reservations, and switchboard. Must have strong customer services skills.

    ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

    • Provide administrative, reception and program support to management and staff. 
    • Manage phone activity including providing general knowledge to callers and making group reservations.
    • Manage walk-in traffic.  Sign in customers as needed.  Smile and greet customers in a welcoming manner.
    • Oversees front desk and lobby area.
    • Assist in coordinating the Front Desk and the Housekeeping Department.
    • Verify that the correct charges and credits are posted to the corresponding guest folio. Collect payment for charges on the guest folio. 
    • Ensure all cash and cash equivalents are accounted for and balanced at the beginning and end of each work shift.
    • Responds to guest inquiries. 
    • Resolves guest complaints within scope of authority, otherwise refer the matter to the management.
    • Maintain awareness of safety issues, and report them immediately to your manager.
    • Responsible for the distribution of employees paychecks.
    • Manage and maintain a current contact list and extension list.
    • Audit daily guest ledger of the hotel to verify and balance entries. Investigate and correct any discrepancies. 
    • Create daily deposit and ensure correct starting cash amount at the front desk for the morning. 
    • Update reservations system with occupancy of guests as they come as they check in and out. 
    • Provide administrative, reception and program support to management and staff. 
    • Manage phone activity including providing general knowledge to callers.
    • Act as front desk attendant ensuring guests are satisfied with service requests. 
    • Ensure a safe environment, and respond to guest complaints accordingly.
    • Maintain awareness of safety issues, and report them immediately to your manager.

    Housekeeper

    Big Sur Lodge

    JOB SUMMARY

    The Housekeeper performs skilled and routine maintenance and tasks necessary to maintain the cleanliness and sanitation of the unit. 

    ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

    • Clean assigned areas as directed by management and in compliance with the Company’s “green” initiatives.
    • Change linens and make beds. 
    • Dust and clean all furniture, picture frames, mirrors, windows, baseboards, carpet edges, inside and outside door panels, door ledges, and thresholds.
    • Pull trash from trash receptacles.  Replace trash bags as needed.  Clear trash from tables and floors/grounds.
    • Clean and vacuum under beds, desk, gaming tables, and behind night stands.
    • Check and replace all missing items in rooms, including soaps, shampoos, conditioners, hangers, clocks, ice bucket liners, hair dryers, brochures, and stationery, etc.
    • Clean and ensure bathtubs, tub ledges, sinks, vanity shelves, toilets, bathroom scales, tissue box covers, and soap dishes are spot, mold, mildew, and dust free. 
    • Sweep and mop all bathroom floors.
    • Dust all lights and sconces, make-up mirrors, and lampshades.
    • Perform laundry duties as assigned. 
    • Notify Supervisor of all quality control issues or needed repairs pertaining to the housekeeping of the facility.
    • Maintain awareness of safety issues, and report them immediately to your manager.     

    SKILL AND KNOWLEDGE REQUIREMENTS INCLUDE

    • Partial High School education; High School Diploma/G.E.D. equivalent preferred.
    • Strong sanitation habits and an ability to learn and follow important safety precautions.
    • Strong customer service abilities; actively looks for ways to assist customers and coworkers. 
    • Ability to recognize when a problem has occurred and communicate it to management. 

    Cook

    Big Sur Lodge

    JOB SUMMARY

    The Cook assists the Chef or General Manager by preparing, cooking, and serving food.

    ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

    • Prepare and cook food items according to recipes, daily menus, and supervisor instructions. 
    • Clean and inspect kitchen equipment, kitchen appliances, and work areas in order to ensure cleanliness and functional operation.
    • Operate food station, including performing station checklist, temperature log, counter meeting, and signage. 
    • Requisition food supplies, kitchen equipment, and appliances, based on estimates of future needs.
    • Monitor menus and spending in order to ensure that meals are prepared economically.
    • Maintain awareness of safety issues, and report them immediately to your manager.

    Cafe Attendant

    Big Sur Lodge

    JOB SUMMARY

    The Cafe Attendant is responsible for assisting in all areas of customer service. The Cafe Attendant is involved in most aspects of day to day operations, such as inventory, sales, cash handling, sales reconciliation, line service, etc., while maintaining a high level of customer service at all times; and must be cross-trained in areas related to cashier, cook, line server, and general utility.

    ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

    • Take orders from customers and cook foods requiring short preparation times, according to customer requirements.
    • Perform food preparation tasks, such as making sandwiches, carving meats, making soups or salads, baking breads or desserts, and brewing coffee or tea.
    • Responsible for setting up, restocking, and breaking down of the food preparation equipment, work areas, and counters or tables.
    • Restock kitchen supplies and rotate food.
    • Accept payments and issue receipts, refunds, credit, or change due to customers accurately as necessary.
    • Maintain clean and orderly cash station area; stock and maintain cash station area with various supplies and products.
    • May be assigned to other duties as required by the Shift Supervisor or Manager(s).

    Dishwasher/General Utility

    Big Sur Lodge

    JOB SUMMARY

    The General Utility is responsible for cleaning all dishes, glasses, utensils, pots and pans and related food preparation/serving items and equipment, as well as the service and dining areas. The General Utility performs skilled and routine maintenance, grounds, and housekeeping tasks necessary to maintain the cleanliness and sanitation of the facility.  

    ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

    • Wash dishes, utensils, trays, and cooking supplies using proper sanitation procedures.
    • Pull trash from trash receptacles.  Replace trash bags as needed.  Clear trash from tables and floors/grounds.
    • Clean floor area of any spillage of water, detergent and/or food stuffs per safety and sanitation guidelines.
    • Fill condiments, utensils, and other supplies with stock as needed.
    • Loading and unloading of inventory from trucks.  Stocking storeroom. 
    • Maintain the kitchen, serving, and dining areas in clean and orderly condition at all times by sweeping, mopping, emptying trash, wiping counters and equipment and organizing shelves in order to maintain a sanitary work station and to meet mandated health compliance requirements.
    • Maintain awareness of safety issues, and report them immediately to your manager.

    Houseperson

    Big Sur Lodge

    JOB SUMMARY

    The Houseperson maintains clean, orderly, and attractive public areas within the unit and responds to guests’ requests in an efficient and pleasant manner.

    ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

    • Ensure assigned areas are clean and neat as directed by management. 
    • Clean ash urns constantly.
    • Clean and dust lamps, mirrors, pictures, etc. 
    • Deliver requested items, such as refrigerators, pillows, rollaways, cribs, etc., to guest rooms as directed.
    • Deliver supplies to assigned areas of facility. 
    • Follow bio-hazard, safety, general clean room, and quarterly mattress-flipping procedures.
    • Clean restrooms in assigned areas.
    • Vacuums all halls, lobbies, and edges.  Mop and clean all floors in assigned areas. 
    • Clean all hall railings, marks on wallpaper, stairwells, and lockers.
    • Pull trash from trash receptacles.  Replace trash bags as needed.  Clear trash from tables and floors/grounds.
    • Maintain awareness of safety issues, and report them immediately to your manager.

    Housekeeping Supervisor

    Big Sur Lodge

    JOB SUMMARY

    The Housekeeping Supervisor assists the General Manager and Operations Manager in all aspects of housekeeping operations and property management to facilitate the fulfillment of financial goals, company initiatives, and guest satisfaction.  In addition, the Housekeeping Supervisor assists in cultivating a team environment that provides exceptional customer service while ensuring all staff members perform at a consistently high level.

    ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

    • Manage and coordinate housekeeping functions for unit.  Analyze and plan housekeeping programs and schedules to ensure adequate manning, supplies, and equipment for routine and scheduled duties. 
    • Ensure complete guest satisfaction at all times.  Handle guests’ complaints and solve them according to customer service standards. 
    • Manage recruiting, supervising, training, scheduling, disciplining, reviewing, and directing the housekeeping staff at the direction of the General Manager.
    • Assist with determining fiscal requirements and preparing departmental budget; monitor, verify, and reconcile expenditure of budgeted funds. 
    • Evaluate and make recommendations concerning cleaning products and equipment; order and maintain sufficient inventory of housekeeping supplies and equipment.    
    • Maintain and ensure safe facility environment including standards for maintenance and upkeep of unit’s equipment, housekeeping, sanitation, dress, cash control, and employee safety and hygiene.  Notify General Manager of all unusual events, circumstances, or other safety or quality control issues.  Ensure all printed material on chemicals are posted and that the facility is in compliance with OSHA requirements. 
    • Maintain awareness of safety issues, and report them immediately to your manager.        

About Big Sur Lodge

Nestled in the mighty redwood forest of Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, Big Sur Lodge, managed by Guest Services, has long been a haven for artists, seekers of beauty, and weary travelers in search of the peace and majesty that the ancient redwoods bestow on body and soul. Join our amazing team at the Big Sur Lodge, which is well known for exquisite beauty, dramatic vistas, and temperate climates.
Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park is often called “mini-Yosemite” for its natural splendors. With the rugged central California Pacific coastline to the west and the dramatic Santa Lucia mountain range to the east, Big Sur Lodge offers a rejuvenating escape from the hectic pace of everyday life. We work together every day to provide an amazing experience for our guests and team members alike!
More about Big Sur Lodge

COVID-19 Information: The Health and safety of our team members, community, and park visitors is our first priority. Some of the things you can expect this season when working with us:

  • Enhanced PPE program
  • Team members are required to wear a mask while working
  • Shields are provided at cash registers and registration desk
  • Enhanced cleaning in all of our operations
  • Housekeeping services are provided upon guest request in addition to after check out.
  • Hand sanitizer is provided at all work stations and throughout all Lodge areas
  • Social distancing is encouraged at all of our locations.

Guest Services operates the Big Sur Lodge under a concession contract with the State of California - Department of Parks and Recreation. 

Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park features redwoods, conifers, oaks, sycamores, cottonwoods, maples, alders and willows - plus open meadows. Wildlife includes black-tail deer, gray squirrels, raccoons, skunks, and birds, such as water ouzels and belted kingfishers. Hikers can enjoy the many scenic trails, including a self-guided nature trail. 

Working Here

The Employee Experience

Big Sur Lodge is managed by Guest Services, Inc., which is consistently rated as one of the “Best Places to Work” by its valued employees. We are always interested in hearing from talented, energetic individuals who would like to join our team. Our peak season is April thru October, but we operate year-round and accept applications for both seasonal and full-time year-round employees throughout the year. 

We typically hire housekeepers, house persons, retail clerks, front desk agents, servers/wait staff, cooks, dishwashers, bussers/hosts, and groundskeepers. Our average rate of pay is $16-20 per hour depending on experience. 

When new team members arrive, they can expect to meet with our Facilities Manager to get settled into housing. On their first scheduled workday, team members will meet with their Department Manager for a tour of the property, introductions to the staff, and assistance with pending onboarding documents before starting their shift. Team members can arrive up to 1 day before their first scheduled shift.

While working at the Big Sur Lodge, team members can expect to work 8-hour shifts 5 days per week, with weekends and holidays being the busiest times. Seasonal team members may request off one extra day per month. 

When not working, Big Sur Lodge team members may spend time in the conference center, which includes bean bag lounge chairs, a TV, a ping pong table, and board games. Many team members also like to take advantage of the many hiking trails located right at their doorsteps with hiking passes available for all 3 state parks in Big Sur. During the summer months, team members can enjoy the Gorge and swimming holes in the Big Sur River as well as a summer softball team!

Ideal Candidate

Candidates must be highly service-oriented and attentive to our guests. We are also seeking team players who are flexible to assist in other areas as needed. 

Team members must also be willing and able to deal without consistent cell phone coverage and wi-fi. Part of the enjoyment that comes with working in a State Park stems from the changes in lifestyle represented by working in remote and rustic surroundings. If accepted for employment, you will be working in a coastal environment approximately 30 miles from the nearest city. Our facilities are more rustic than those found in the city or urban environment and because of our remoteness, we have fewer conveniences than many are accustomed to. 

Employee Perks

$500 sign on bonus (conditions apply)

All Team Members can enjoy the following perks:

  • Complimentary plated lunch/dinner offered in the Employee Dining Room
  • 50% off retail gift items in our retail shop
  • 50% off restaurant/cafe food
  • 50% off room rates, based on availability
  • Various discounts available at many of the restaurants and businesses in the area
  • Hiking passes for all 3 state parks in Big Sur
  • Complimentary camping opportunities

Seasonal Team Members can enjoy the following perks:

  • $300 Bonus for staying through the season

Year round Team Members can enjoy the following perks:

  • Healthcare options (available for full time team members)
  • 401K savings plan
  • PTO
  • Employee Discounts at recreation and lodging facilities nationwide

Living Here

Room and Board

Please note: due to COVID restrictions, housing is limited. We encourage incoming team members to also look into alternate housing options. The cost of living in this area can be high so we recommend finding a shared housing option such as roommates or renting a room. Commuters qualify for a generous stipend to assist with commuting expenses!

Limited housing is available within walking distance of the worksite. Low-cost Team Member housing available for qualifying full-time employees.

Non-supervisor housing is dorm-style, shared housing with up to 4 people in a room, and a shared bathroom and shower. Each housing facility also includes shared laundry. There are no kitchens in dorm-style housing; 2 meals per day are provided at set times in the Employee Dining Room. Wi-fi is available in dorm housing and team members are able to make phone calls, text, and do basic web browsing. The bandwidth does not support gaming or streaming TV or videos.

Supervisor housing is a private studio with a bathroom and a shared kitchenette and laundry facility. Wi-fi is not available in supervisor housing.

Bed, mattress, closet, and dressers are provided. Team members will need to bring bedding, pillows, and hangers. Supervisors will need to provide kitchenware and cooking accessories for the shared kitchenette.

Pets are not allowed in employee housing.

Cell phone coverage is unreliable in team member housing.

We do not have RV sites available.

Room inspections are held regularly to check for cleanliness and compliance with safety rules.

Getting Here and Getting Around

Team member parking is available at no charge for local candidates as well as seasonal candidates who plan to drive themselves. We highly recommend team members bring a car. 

For team members that will be flying, the closest airport is the Monterey Airport (MRY). Team members should contact Big Sur Lodge at least one week prior to their arrival with the date and time their flight/bus arrives, at which point pick up can be arranged. We can only arrange to pick up in Monterey. If team members would prefer to fly into San Francisco or San Jose, they may take the Monterey Airbus to Monterey, at which point we can arrange to meet them at the bus depot in Monterey.

The closest city for grocery shopping, movie theaters, and other entertainment is Monterey, CA which is about an hour's drive. The closest major metropolitan area is San Francisco which is about a 3 hour drive.

For Fun

Big Sur offers a wide range of hiking trails for all levels of hikers. Pull on your boots and hike deep into the tree lined canyons of beautiful redwoods thought to be seen only in postcards. And there is nothing that can compare to the experience of climbing a mountain path that leads you to a ridge top where the clean air fills your lungs and at the same moment takes your breath away as you look out over the panoramic views of the Big Sur valley.  All these trails of wonders in Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park are all right outside your door. Step off the porch and begin your adventure.

Additional adventures include:

  • Beaches
  • Birding
  • Historic Sightseeing
  • Whale Watching
  • Monterey Aquarium

How to Apply

Click on APPLY HERE to be re-routed to our career site and view a list of our current openings.

Guest Services, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer with a strong commitment to diversity.

Apply Now
About CoolWorks

Since 1995, CoolWorks has connected adventure-seekers with job opportunities in amazing places—from national parks to ski resorts, summer camps to dude ranches. We help people trade screen time for real time—meaningful experiences that spark connection and growth. Your next great adventure is waiting. More About CoolWorks

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