Los Padres National Forest Campground Concessionaire

This is a rare opportunity to build an organization from the ground up. You’ll join at the beginning to hire your leadership team, shape company culture, build systems, develop leaders, improve operations, and help define how one of California's largest U.S. Forest Service recreation concessions operates for years to come.

Who thrives here 

You enjoy building organizations, developing people, solving problems, and spending time in the field. You lead with integrity, humility, and accountability while setting high standards for yourself and your team. You treat people with respect, build trust through consistency and follow-through, and aren't afraid to roll up your sleeves to solve operational challenges. 

Location 

Flexible within the Central Coast of California, including Santa Barbara, Ventura, San Luis Obispo, Monterey, or nearby communities. Regular travel throughout the Los Padres National Forest is an essential part of the role. 

What you'll do 

• Lead all day-to-day operations across five ranger districts, including campgrounds, day-use areas, guest services, maintenance, staffing, safety, and financial performance. 

• Serve as the primary liaison with the U.S. Forest Service Supervisor's Office and district personnel. 

• Recruit, hire, mentor, and develop Area Managers, maintenance staff, camp hosts, and seasonal employees, leading a workforce of more than 60 people. 

• Develop operating budgets, monitor financial performance, prepare reports, and ensure contract compliance. 

• Establish performance expectations, monitor key operational metrics, and drive continuous improvement across all recreation sites. 

• Oversee preventive maintenance and capital improvement planning and execution. 

• Lead startup activities, including transition from the previous operator, systems implementation, hiring, training, and opening season execution. 

• Build a culture focused on safety, accountability, customer service, environmental stewardship, and operational excellence. 

• Travel regularly throughout the forest to support field teams and maintain strong agency relationships. 

What you bring 

• Five or more years leading complex, multi-site operations in outdoor recreation, hospitality, campgrounds, parks, ski resorts, property management, facilities management, or other similar service-based industry. 

• Proven experience leading geographically dispersed teams and seasonal workforces. 

• Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills. 

• Experience managing budgets, operational performance, and regulatory compliance. 

• Bachelor's degree in Recreation Management, Hospitality, Business, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience. 

• Experience working with government agencies or public land concessions is preferred but not required. 

• Experience implementing operational systems, scheduling software, or workforce management platforms is a plus. 

• Comfortable leading teams across remote locations and spending significant time in the field. 

What we offer 

• $110,000 to $140,000, depending on experience. 

• 401k plan with match, health insurance, generous time off.  

• Company vehicle for business travel. 

• Significant autonomy and direct access to company ownership. 

To Apply 

Send a resume and a short note about why this role fits you to info@camplospadres.com.  

We're moving quickly - applications reviewed as received. Ideal start date is between September 1st and September 15th, 2026.

LPNF Recreation LLC is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.