Adventure, Nature, and Community!

Working here is a unique experience, it's not a typical job, and it's not the right fit for everyone. But for the right person, it can be incredibly rewarding. Small community, staff live and work on the property. Shared housing and daily life is quieter and more nature-focused than city environments. Employees should be familiar and comfortable with a slower pace, limited nightlife, and spending extended time alone and on-site. 

Because we are a small team, everyone wears multiple hats. Depending on the day, you may help with housekeeping, kitchen support, event set up, guest services, and light grounds/maintenance support. We are looking for people who are self-directed, flexible and willing to step in wherever needed to support the team and guests.  The work is active and hands-on. Retreats and group events mean busy days, physical tasks, and a shared responsibility to create a welcoming, clean, and well-run environment. 

Pay ranges from $18 per hour with housing included. 

The ideal Buckhorn team member is comfortable living and working in a small community. 

• Communicates respectfully and works well with others.

• Is emotionally mature, dependable, and drama-free, and can work independently without constant supervision.

• Flexible, positive, and willing to help where needed.

• Appreciates nature, simplicity, and meaningful work.

• Is comfortable with quiet, isolation periods, as well as busy retreat weekends.

 Buckhorn is best suited for people who enjoy a simpler lifestyle, value community, and take pride in contributing to something bigger than themselves. If you're adaptable, flexible, grounded, and looking for a peaceful mountain environment where your work truly matters,  you may find this to be a great fit. 

Life at Buckhorn Camp is dynamic, hands-on, and sometimes unpredictable. Retreat schedules change, guest needs arise, weather shifts, and priorities can move quickly. We are looking for people who can stay flexible, calm, and solution-oriented when plans change. The ideal team member understands that camp life is NOT a typical 9am to 5pm job. Some days are quiet and self-directed, periods of significantly reduced hours, while others are fast-paced and physically demanding. Being adaptable, willing to jump in where needed, and maintaining a positive attitude are essential. 

You will do well here if you are comfortable with change and shifting priorities. Stay steady and positive when the day doesn't go as planned, take initiative, and don't wait to be told what to do (but also follow directions and respect leadership) are dependable, emotionally mature, and team-oriented. Communicate respectfully, and handle small community living well. Can balance independence with collaboration. Appreciate meaningful work, nature, and a simpler lifestyle.  A great fit for someone who is resourceful, grounded, and resilient. Enjoys variety, being helpful, and understands that in a camp environment, everyone contributes to the bigger picture. 

If you're looking for predictable routines and clearly defined roles every day, this may not be the right environment for you.

Buckhorn provides on-site staff housing, which allows employees to live where they work and significantly reduces living expenses.  For many team members, this is a great opportunity to save money while enjoying life in a beautiful mountain setting.  Housing is shared and rustic.  Living here is similar to a shared apartment or dorm-style environment.  You will have close neighbors, shared common spaces, and shared bathrooms. Sound carries, and privacy is more limited than in a private home, so consideration for others and respectful communication are essential.  

Because staff live in close proximity, creating a positive living environment is a shared responsibility. This includes being mindful of noise, maintaining cleanliness in shared areas, and contributing to a respectful, drama-free environment.  This living situation works best for people who: are comfortable and familiar with living simply, value community and getting along with others, communicate respectfully, and understands people have different preferences. Are considerate of noise and maintaining respectful shared spaces.  Appreciate a simple, nature-focused lifestyle.  For the right person, shared housing can be one of the most rewarding parts of the Buckhorn experience. Simplicity of on-site living allows you to focus on work, nature, and personal savings.  

If you are looking for private, highly independent living with a high level of personal space, this may NOT be the right fit for you. But if you enjoy simplicity, rustic living, and the opportunity to save money while you work in a beautiful environment, you will feel at home here.  Housing is seasonal, and limited availability.  

• Housing included

• Beautiful Natural Setting

• Community Living

• Simplicity

• Meals during retreats

• Variety & Skill Building

• Simple Living, Real Savings

• Peaceful Environment

• Meaningful Work

Buckhorn Camp is located in the Mountains of Idyllwild, California, about one hour from Palm Springs and two hours from major Southern California cities.  Because of our rural location, having your own reliable transportation is strongly recommended.  Personal vehicles make it much easier to run errands, explore the area, and manage day-to-day needs and time off.  The camp is approximately a 30-minute walk along Highway 243 with heavy traffic. Not ideal for regular daily travel. Ride options and transportation are very limited, and there are no regular buses or shuttle services available.  Idyllwild is a small mountain town with basic amenities and limited resources.