- Wages/Pay
- $17.00 - $21.00 / hour + tips
- Experience Level
- No experience required
- Job Start Date
- ASAP
Full hiring information located here: https://boydencavern.com/hiring-information
Boyden Cavern is seeking 1-2 new Cavern Tour Guides to complete our team for our 2026 season! Guides do not need previous cavern knowledge, just a willingness to learn and ability to speak to groups ranging from 2-40 guests.
Cavern Tour Guides will lead 2-6 tours each day. Other duties include: running cash register in the gift shop, cleaning, stocking, organizing, litter pick up, cleaning restrooms, chatting with guests about the area. Everyone helps with every task as needed.
Our company culture emphasizes respect and teamwork. We value our guides and strive to pay and treat them in a way that demonstrates that. We had a full staff of 10 for our 2024 season who all had previously worked for us and chose to return, and think that is a great example of our work culture.
Staff housing is included at low to no cost. We may charge $1/day during the length of employment but often waive this cost as long as things are being taken care of and there aren't any staff roommate issues. Housing is primitive in a double-wide mobile home with 2 shared bathrooms. The kitchen is also shared with propane refrigerators (new as of 2024), a gas stove and oven, and cooking supplies, utensils, and plates. We can reimburse for shared supplies that need to be replaced. Most rooms are private, but depending on staffing can be shared. Couples will be considered; please give us a heads up during the interview. Power comes from generators at the staff house and cavern, and generators don't typically run all day and are off at night. We have a solar and battery generator system (Jackery) to be used as well. Groceries and meals are not provided; some staff will share cooking duties and meals, but that is not required. There are small NPS concession stores located 10 and 20 miles from the cavern. There are supplies at the nearest out-of-park gas station, 40 miles from the cavern, and a Dollar General 45 miles from the cavern. A regular grocery store is located 70-80 miles from the cavern (about 2 hours away). That is also the closest town for any other errands like banks, DMV, REI, etc.
Our season is based on the road reopening. Hwy 180 is seasonally closed, and the earliest opening date is the 3rd Friday in April (4/17/26). Many staff start in May. Season runs until mid-November unless conditions close the road earlier (snow/ice/smoke/fire risk). Most staff work until just after Labor Day Weekend. Smaller staff remains until closing. The 3 big summer holiday weekends are mandatory and required: Memorial Day, 4th of July, and Labor Day. As of May 16th, I am hiring 1-2 guides to complete our team, and they may start anywhere between now and mid-June.
Hours vary based on staff preference and cavern needs. We can't guarantee 40 hours every week the entire season, but for those who want to work, we can always find projects and will do our best to give you as many hours as we can. Most staff prefer to work 28-35 hours per week on average. We can work with you on time off in season for backpacking or family and friends visiting. We always try to give at least 2 days off consecutively. Overtime is not required; we don't have it available often, but don't mind paying it if business needs require it. California overtime is over 8 hours in a day or 40 hours in a week. Daily schedules are between 8 am and 7:30 pm; the most frequent scheduling is 10-6.
Please view the website linked at the top for the most detailed information - also email me (Maria) with any questions info@boydencavern.com
How to Apply
Send resume and answers to the screening questions listed below to info@boydencavern.com and I will schedule phone interviews.
In the body of the email, please include your responses to the following questions:
What experience do you have in public speaking? Tell me about anything you’ve done (school or work presentations, teaching, camp counselor getting 15 kids’ attention, etc.)
Do you enjoy camping? Are you able to live in a remote area without many modern conveniences?
Are you available from April 24 – November 8th? List any periods or days you would not be available.
What are your hobbies? (Especially any relating to the outdoors) Please tell me what you like to do in a few sentences.
Do you have any experience running a cash register?
Do you have a reliable car? This is a must for those working, as you will need to get yourself to town for your supplies. The cavern is within walking distance of the staff house, but it is not on a very walk-friendly road, and many staff members drive or carpool to work.
Are you over 18? Employees must be at least 18 years of age or older to live in staff housing.
Contact Info
- Maria Baker
- info@boydencavern.com
- (888) 965-8243
- boydencavern.com
Boyden Cavern
Boyden Cavern is a marble cavern located in the deepest canyon in the US - Kings Canyon. We offer guided tours during our season from late Apr to mid Nov. Our guides love meeting people from all over the world, exploring the beauty and wilderness of our remote area, and making lifelong friends with other guides. We treat guides with respect and value teamwork and responsibility. Housing included.
- Location
- California
- Season
- Spring, Summer, and Fall
- Staff size
- 8-10
- Housing
- Whether included in the compensation package or provided at a cost, housing is provided for staff.
- Housing details
- Rustic and Remote staff housing available. Mostly private rooms with shared bathroom and kitchen. No large RV spaces but pitching a tent or parking a van is OK. Low to no cost. Shared items provided (TP, cleaning supplies, cooking supplies).
- Family housing available
- No
- Pet friendly
- No
- Meals
- None
- Cell phone service
- None
- Internet access
- Intermittent
