Live, Work and Play in the Mountains!

Current Job Openings

Kitchen
Kitchen & Culinary Team Leader
$14.00 - $15.00 / hour
Black Mountain
About YMCA Blue Ridge Assembly
Located on 1,200 acres in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains, YMCA Blue Ridge Assembly is a premier non-profit conference and retreat center. We are committed to delivering exceptional experiences for our 33,000 annual guests who hail from a wide variety of backgrounds. We believe our guests’ experiences help shape them into the leaders of tomorrow.
Our kitchen and culinary department are responsible for preparing meals for a wide variety of dietary needs and conference group sizes. This position is essential to the operations of YMCA Blue Ridge Assembly and plays a critical role in ensuring a pleasant experience for our guests.
Position Overview
We are seeking a dynamic, solution-oriented candidate who truly enjoys working with and serving our diverse clientele. The Kitchen & Culinary Team Leader will bring a blend of formal culinary training and professional hospitality experience to our fast-paced food service operations. In this role, you will help lead food preparation, maintain high sanitation standards, and craft high-quality meals ranging from Southern homestyle to international cuisine, ensuring every guest leaves nourished and satisfied.
This position is a fit for young adults, dorm policies will only accept candidates between (18 years old - 28 years old).
Qualifications & Skills
• Education: A degree or certificate in Culinary Arts, Kitchen Management, or a closely related culinary field is required.

• Experience: Proven experience working in a kitchen environment specifically for a conference center, retreat, resort, or large-scale hospitality operation.

• Culinary Proficiency: Proficient in a wide variety of cuisines, including Southern homestyle, upscale vegetarian, allergen-conscious cooking, and international cuisine.

• Leadership Style: Approachable, genuine, and solution-oriented. Possession of an outgoing and engaging personality along with the ability to connect with and serve people from a diverse array of backgrounds.

• Professionalism: A professional demeanor and the ability to develop and maintain meaningful relationships with staff, international students, volunteers, stakeholders, and partner organizations.

• Work Ethic: Highly motivated, self-directed, and able to work independently. Thrives in a fast-paced and often rapidly changing environment using critical thinking and sound judgment.

• Mission Alignment: Deep commitment to the mission of the YMCA and upholding its values and ethics.

• Schedule Flexibility: Willingness to consistently work a flexible, varied schedule as needed, including mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays.
Core Responsibilities
• Food Excellence: Ensure that the quality, quantity, presentation, and timeliness of food preparation consistently meet our organizational standard of excellence.

• Sanitation & Safety: Ensure strict compliance with all local and state sanitation regulations, proper food handling, correct temperature logging, and safe storage and service standards.

• Facility Stewardship: Maintain an immaculate and organized kitchen, dish room, storage rooms, service lines, and walk-in coolers.

• Menu Development: Collaborate with the food service leadership team to help develop new, creative menu items that accommodate diverse dietary needs (gluten-free, vegan, etc.).

• Cost & Waste Control: Minimize food costs by reducing food waste, tracking inventory, and efficiently managing kitchen supplies.
Compensation, Benefits, & Perks
We believe in taking care of our staff by offering a robust benefits package designed to completely eliminate your monthly living expenses:
• Competitive Pay: $14.00 - $15.00 per hour. (Depending Experience)

• FREE Meals: Enjoy complimentary meals in our dining facilities whenever conference groups are being served.

• FREE On-Grounds Housing: Live for free in a furnished room in our staff housing facilities.

• All Utilities Included: Complimentary Wi-Fi, electricity, water, and climate control. (NO BILLS EACH MONTH!)

• YMCA Membership: Free individual membership to the YMCA of Western North Carolina (following a 14-day review period).

• Discounts: Significant discounts on YMCA Blue Ridge Assembly staff recreational activities and discounted on grounds stays for friends and family.

• Contract: This job will start earliest (August 9th), latest (September 1st) till November 30th. Possibility of extending contract to the next season.
  
To Apply
If you are ready to live, work, and grow in a historic mountain community while building an incredible multi-disciplinary resume, we want to hear from you! Please send you resume to Esteban Andrade, HR Recruiting Coordinator eandrade@yblueridge.org. 
Read more
Conference Services, Dining Room, Adventure Programs, Kitchen, Retail
Hospitality & Adventure Field Leader
$13.00 - $15.00 / hour
Black Mountain
Hospitality & Adventure Field Leader (Cross-Trained Experience)
About YMCA Blue Ridge Assembly
Located on 1,200 acres in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains, YMCA Blue Ridge Assembly is a premier non-profit conference and retreat center. For over a century, we have hosted youth groups, schools, civic organizations, and conferences from all over the world. We are dedicated to cultivating a strong, inclusive community focused on youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.
Position Overview
Are you looking for a dynamic opportunity where no two days are the same? Do you love the outdoors and want to explore a career in hospitality while living in a tight-knit community?
Our Cross-Trained Hospitality & Adventure position offers a comprehensive, immersive look into the operations of a major retreat center. Instead of being restricted to one department, you will be trained across all core areas of our campus. This role is highly active, versatile, and ideal for motivated individuals who possess a service-oriented mindset and a strong work ethic.
This position is a fit for young adults, dorm policies will only accept candidates between (18 years old - 28 years old).
Core Rotational Responsibilities
As a cross-trained team member, your weekly schedule will adapt dynamically to our conference and group calendar, giving you hands-on experience in seven distinct departments:
• Adventure Programming: Serve as a field leader facilitating personal development and youth teamwork on our high and low ropes challenge courses. Safely guide groups through outdoor activities including archery, mountain biking, night hikes, and environmental education.

• Dining Room & Food Service: Work in a high-energy environment alongside a diverse international team. Tasks include managing buffet and table-side service, basic food preparation, clearing/bussing tables, and running high-volume commercial dishwashers.

• Retail & Ice Cream Shop: Deliver friendly customer service in our seasonal campus shop. Take guest orders, craft menu items to specification, manage cash/card point-of-sale transactions, and maintain inventory.

• Housekeeping: Act as the critical backbone of guest satisfaction. Maintain lodging facilities to the highest standards of cleanliness and comfort by cleaning, sanitizing, and resetting guest rooms for arriving conferences
• Conference Services: Coordinate the logistics behind our conferences. Read floor plans to physically arrange tables, chairs, and stages, and set up audio-visual (AV) equipment like projectors and microphones.

• Groundskeeping: Steward our historic mountain property. Assist with outdoor campus upkeep, trail maintenance, landscaping, mowing, and debris removal.
Qualifications & Requirements
• Mission-Driven: A strong commitment to the mission, values, and ethics of the YMCA.

• Physical Stamina: This is highly active, physical labor. Candidates must have a high level of physical fitness, comfort working at significant heights (for ropes courses), the ability to routinely lift and carry up to 50 lbs., and the stamina to stand or walk for long stretches.

• Adaptability & Focus: A meticulous eye for detail, speed, and accuracy, with the capability to switch tasks fluidly and work under limited supervision.

• Professional Skills: Strong communication, interpersonal, and customer service skills. Previous outdoor recreation or hospitality experience is a plus.
• Schedule Flexibility: Willingness to work a varied schedule tailored to business needs, including mornings, weekdays, weekends, and occasional evenings.

• Hospitality Experience: Worked at least in hospitality before.

• Outdoor Experience: Preferred experience working outdoor and experience with young staff.
Compensation, Benefits, & Perks
We believe in taking care of our staff. This seasonal contract includes a robust benefits package designed to completely eliminate your monthly living expenses:
• Competitive Pay: $13.00 - $15.00 per hour. 

• FREE On-Grounds Housing: A private or shared furnished room in our staff housing facilities (including Younts Hall).

• All Utilities Included: Complimentary Wi-Fi, electricity, water, and climate control.

• Communal Amenities: Full access to a fully equipped staff kitchen, laundry facilities, and common dining/lounge areas. (No rent or utility bills each month!)

• YMCA Membership: Free individual membership to the YMCA of Western North Carolina (following a 14-day review period).

• Discounts: Significant discounts on YMCA Blue Ridge Assembly staff recreational activities and on-grounds stays for friends and family.

• Contract: This job will start earliest (August 9th), latest (September 1st) till November 30th. Possibility of extending contract to the next season.
To Apply
If you are ready to live, work, and grow in a historic mountain community while building an incredible multi-disciplinary resume, we want to hear from you! Please send you resume to Esteban Andrade, HR Recruiting Coordinator eandrade@yblueridge.org. 
Read more
Maintenance
Maintenance Second Shift
$13.00 - $15.00 / hour
Black Mountain
YMCA Blue Ridge Assembly – Black Mountain, NC
Located in the heart of the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains of Western North Carolina on a picturesque 1,200-acre campus, YMCA Blue Ridge Assembly is a nonprofit conference and retreat center. For more than a century, we have welcomed churches, schools, colleges, families, and youth groups from across the country. As a hospitality-focused YMCA, we are committed to delivering exceptional experiences for our guests while developing future leaders through meaningful work experiences.
Position Summary
Under the guidance of the Maintenance Director, the Maintenance Assistant supports the upkeep and operation of facilities across the YMCA Blue Ridge Assembly campus. This part-time position is ideal for a recent graduate, trade school student, college student, or early-career professional seeking hands-on experience in facilities management, hospitality maintenance, and building operations.
The Maintenance Assistant performs routine maintenance tasks, assists with repairs, completes preventative maintenance projects, and responds to campus work orders. This role provides valuable experience in plumbing, electrical, HVAC, carpentry, and general facility operations while working in a team-oriented environment. Housing is provided on campus as part of the position.
---
Qualifications and Skills
• High school diploma required; technical school, trade program, or recent college graduate preferred.

• Previous maintenance, construction, landscaping, mechanical, or facilities experience preferred.

• Basic knowledge of hand tools and power tools.

• Interest in building maintenance, engineering, trades, or facilities management.

• Ability to learn plumbing, electrical, HVAC, and general repair skills.

• Strong work ethic and willingness to take initiative.

• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

• Good communication and customer service skills.

• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and perform physically demanding work.

• Valid driver's license preferred.

• Flexible schedule including occasional evenings, weekends, and holidays.

• Positive attitude and willingness to learn.

• Background check required.

• Living on grounds requirement
---
Responsibilities and Duties
• Assist with routine maintenance and repair requests across campus.

• Perform preventative maintenance tasks in guest rooms, meeting spaces, and common areas.

• Support basic plumbing, electrical, carpentry, and HVAC repairs under supervision.

• Help maintain furniture, fixtures, equipment, and building interiors.

• Assist with painting, room inspections, and facility improvement projects.

• Complete grounds and exterior maintenance tasks as needed.

• Maintain tools, equipment, and work areas in a safe and organized manner.

• Support event setup, room turnover, and campus operational needs.

• Provide excellent customer service to guests, conference groups, and staff.

• Document completed work orders and maintenance activities.

• Work Schedule (1pm-9pm)
---
Learning Opportunities
This position offers hands-on experience in:
• Facilities Management

• Hospitality Operations

• Preventative Maintenance Programs

• Building Systems (HVAC, Plumbing, Electrical)

• Project Management

• Customer Service and Guest Relations

• Team Leadership Development
This role is ideal for individuals considering careers in facilities management, engineering, construction management, property management, hospitality operations, or skilled trades.
---
Compensation and Benefits
• Part-Time Position (30–40 hours per week)

• Starting Pay: $13.00 - 15.00 per hour, depending on qualifications and experience

• On-Grounds Housing Provided

• Utilities and Wi-Fi Included

• Free meals in dining facilities whenever conference groups are being served

• Free YMCA Membership

• Professional development and hands-on training opportunities

• Opportunity for advancement into full-time maintenance roles
  


Read more
Conference Services
Conference Services
$12.00 - $15.00 / hour
Black Mountain
Located in the heart of the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains of Western North Carolina in Black Mountain on a picturesque 1,200-acre campus, the YMCA Blue Ridge Assembly is a non-profit conference and retreat center. For more than a century we have hosted a diverse array of group churches, schools, colleges, family reunions and youth groups, among others. As a hospitality-focused YMCA, we are committed to delivering exceptional experiences for our 33,000 annual guests while developing a team of value-driven leaders.

 
SUMMARY
Under the supervision of the Conference Services Director, the Conference Services Associate plays a key role in ensuring meeting spaces are properly prepared and guest needs are met throughout their stay. This position supports the successful execution of conferences, meetings, and events by providing hands-on setup, breakdown, and technical assistance.

 
The Conference Services works closely with guest leadership and internal departments to deliver seamless and professional event experience. This position is physically active and requires attention to detail, teamwork, and strong customer service skills.

 
This position is a 7-month seasonal contract and requires flexibility to work a variety of shifts. Starting on May 1st – November 30th.

 
QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS
·       Must be outgoing, courteous, and customer-oriented and possess strong organizational and communication skills.
·       This position is “hands-on” and not a desk job. It often involves long periods of physically demanding work, so physical strength and stamina are required.
·       Ability to lift and carry up to 50 lbs. and remain on one's feet for extended periods is required.
·       Must be a strong decision-maker, capable of working independently, and able to solve problems efficiently.
·       Must demonstrate flexibility and willingness to work in collaboration with multiple departments.
·       Must be able to work a flexible schedule including evenings, weekends, and holidays as required.
·       All work must be completed with attention to detail, speed, accuracy, and neatness.
·       Previous audio-visual (AV) experience is preferred.
·       Must have a valid driver’s license.
·       Commitment to the mission and values of the YMCA.

Preferred:
·       Four-year college degree (preferred); or two years of relevant work experience in hospitality, conference services, or customer service.
·       Interest in hospitality management, tourism, business, or related fields
This position is particularly suited for college students or individuals typically between 18–26 years old, as staff live on campus and participate in a residential work community.

 
RESPONSIBILITIES AND APTITUDES
·       Work directly with guest leadership during events to ensure meeting space needs are met.
·       Set up and break down meeting rooms according to group specifications, including tables, chairs, and staging.
·       Ensure meeting spaces are neat, organized, and prepared according to event schedules.
·       Operate and assist with audio-visual equipment, including microphones, projectors, sound systems, and lighting equipment.
·       Provide on-site support during events to troubleshoot equipment or room setup needs.
·       Maintain cleanliness and organization of all meeting and conference spaces.
·       Communicate and coordinate with other departments to ensure seamless guest experiences.
·       Assist with moving furniture and equipment as needed for room setups.
·       Monitor event timelines and make adjustments as needed to support successful event execution.
·       Perform floor care and general maintenance tasks within meeting areas.
·       Support additional Conference Services duties as assigned.
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
Hourly Pay: $12.00 – $15.00 per hour (based on experience)
Performance and compensation may be reviewed at the end of the season, with the possibility of a pay increase based on performance and organizational needs.
Successful candidates may also could renew their contract or transition into other seasonal or extended roles with YMCA Blue Ridge Assembly.
Housing & living
• Free housing and board provided for candidates living on campus.

• Furnished housing with utilities and Wi-Fi included.

• Access to shared kitchen and common living areas.

• Free meals whenever we served groups.
Additional Benefits
• Discounts on programs and activities at YMCA Blue Ridge Assembly.

• Discounted stays at the conference center.

• Opportunity to gain professional experience in hospitality operations while living in the Blue Ridge Mountains.

• Access to Y-GYM Personal Membership in all YMCA WNC Fitness Center.
If you are passionate about providing outstanding service and making a positive impact in your community, we invite you to apply for the Guest Service Associate position at the YMCA today! Apply today on our website (https://blueridgeassembly.org/employment-application/) or email resume to Esteban Andrade at eandrade@yblueridge.org.
Read more