Redwood Forest & Central Coast - Your Backyard!
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!
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.
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.
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.
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
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.