Operations Lead

Position Summary

The Operations Lead plays a critical role in ensuring each retreat at Big Bear Retreat Center (BBRC) runs smoothly, harmoniously, and aligned with our mission. You are a calm and capable presence on campus—organized, service-minded, and ready to lead with both heart and precision. You thrive in dynamic environments and bring a sense of groundedness to fast-paced retreat logistics, whether it's overseeing check-ins, coordinating with kitchen and housekeeping teams, or handling last-minute changes with grace.

This role partners closely with the Guest Services Manager and supports campus-wide operations—retreat preparation, guest experience, staff coordination, and on-the-ground logistics. You ensure that guests, teachers, and staff feel welcomed, informed, and supported from arrival through departure. You are equally at home leading orientations, solving logistical challenges, supporting facilities needs, and jumping in to wash dishes or handle urgent tasks when needed. You bring a collaborative spirit, attention to detail, and genuine care for creating a peaceful, high-quality retreat experience.

Compensation Range: $24 - $25 per hour, depending on experience and qualifications.

BBRC Overview

Big Bear Retreat Center (BBRC) is a retreat destination located on +/-100 acres in the San Bernardino National Forest - and bordering 800 acres of protected forest. Founded in 2018, BBRC was envisioned as a Southern California meditation residential retreat destination. Our main offerings continue to be silent meditation retreats, but part of BBRC’s mission also includes providing retreat space for other groups, with a focus on being an accessible center to people who may not otherwise experience retreats.

BBRC offers meditation, dharma, and respite retreats, as well as non-meditation retreats for other mission aligned organizations and individuals. BBRC has collaborated with partners to provide inclusive meditation retreats including the first residential transgender and gender expansive retreat, Spanish language retreat, Black Women’s retreat, teens of color retreat, and more. Big Bear Retreat Center has also partnered with or hosted non-profit and social justice organizations across Southern California. 

Big Bear Retreat Center is located a 2.5-hour drive from Los Angeles, nestled in the ancient Juniper forests of the San Bernardino Mountains at a 7,000-foot elevation (four mountain seasons) near the town of Big Bear Lake.

BBRC Mission

Big Bear Retreat Center is a residential retreat center that provides space for mindfulness, respite, and healing to foster individual and collective transformation and illuminate our connection with nature, one another, and society. 

BBRC Vision

Big Bear Retreat Center provides quality hospitality and care in a beautiful natural setting to foster connection, build community, and shape positive social change. We engage across world views, practices, and backgrounds to cultivate generations of leaders and change makers that promote greater compassion, equity, and justice in the world. One retreat at a time.

Role and Responsibilities:

Operational and Campus Management:

• Support the daily management of retreat operations, helping ensure smooth functioning of all services and facilities in collaboration with the Guest Services Manager

• Assist in coordinating the on-land details of retreats, workshops, and events, helping ensure all logistical details are executed effectively

• Help implement consistent processes and procedures for pre/during/post retreat logistics to streamline and improve operations

• Track and maintain inventory of supplies and equipment, placing orders as directed

• Assist with the management and upkeep of all on-site equipment, including A/V and online technology. Help ensure systems are tested, maintained, and functional for both in-person and hybrid retreats, in coordination with the programs team

• Support all welcome activities (registrations, welcome walks and hikes, orientations, teacher welcomes and sound checks, etc.) to ensure they are high quality and consistent

• Help maintain consistency and quality in daily operations including volunteer/yogi duties, opening and closing procedures, registration and arrivals

• Serve as an on-site point of contact and lead during retreats to ensure operations run smoothly

Guest Services:

• Provide exceptional customer service to guests on site, responding to inquiries, concerns, and feedback in a timely and friendly manner

• Assist in orienting guests upon arrival, helping ensure they have all necessary information and feel grounded and cared for

• Share guest feedback with the team and help identify ways to improve operations and the overall guest experience

Staff Coordination:

• Support the Guest Services Manager in recruiting, training, and coordinating staff and volunteers

• Help ensure that all roles are filled during retreats and events, stepping in to assist as needed

• Contribute to a positive team environment that encourages curiosity, collaboration, and communication

Facility Management:

• Help maintain the cleanliness and upkeep of the retreat center to ensure a welcoming and serene atmosphere

• Communicate with the Facilities Manager about repairs or improvements that may be needed

• Help monitor safety and compliance with health regulations and organizational policies

Program Development:

• Assist in the planning and execution of retreat programs, workshops, classes, and special events

• Help support instructors and facilitators by ensuring their needs are met and that program quality remains high

Kitchen:

• Collaborate with the Chefs to support smooth operations before, during, and after catered programs, including any special dietary accommodations

Administrative Duties: 

• Keep records organized in Google Drive and other internal systems

• Contribute to the future planning and improvements of the campus, processes, and equipment

• Help facilitate staff meetings and trainings as requested

• Support a strong and healthy day-to-day culture by modeling alignment with BBRC values and community agreements

Role Requirements:

• 5+ years of experience in hospitality, events, catering, or a related field preferred

• Experience in operations, customer service, or hospitality, preferably in a wellness or retreat setting

• Strong organizational and multitasking skills with attention to detail

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with a customer-focused attitude

• Must be willing to jump in where and when needed, including helping with dishes, trash, or facilities support

• Adaptable and quick to respond to changes in a fast-paced, retreat environment

• Proficient in using technology to support project coordination and communication

• Comfortable navigating tricky situations or challenging conversations

• Strong judgment and intuitive problem-solving when clear solutions aren’t always available

Preferred Skills and Experience:

• Experience working in retreat centers or residential hospitality settings

• Familiarity with mindfulness, wellness, or meditation-based environments

• Ability to speak a second language

• Experience with health, safety, and emergency preparedness protocols

• Comfort working in remote and rustic environments

• Experience supporting events during COVID-19 and navigating safety protocols

• Valid driver’s license and ability to operate a golf cart or other campus vehicles

Employee may experience the following physical demands for extended periods of time: 

• Sitting, standing, walking
• Working at a computer or on calls
• Bending, reaching, kneeling
• Driving golf cart

Big Bear Retreat Center is an equal opportunity employer. At BBRC we celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all.