Employment Opportunities
at Big Bear Retreat Center
at Big Bear Retreat Center
Join the team at Big Bear Retreat Center to help us host a variety of retreats on our land! Learn more about current opportunities at the Retreat Center. This page is updated regularly with any engagement opportunities. Subscribe to our newsletter for announcements on opportunities and visit our team page to learn more about our community of staff at the retreat center.
CURRENT EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES
Programs Director
Are you a strategic, relationship-driven leader who loves bringing meaningful programs to life? Big Bear Retreat Center is seeking a Programs Director to guide the vision, creativity, and direction of our year-round retreat offerings. Located in the San Bernardino Mountains, BBRC hosts silent meditation retreats and mission-aligned programs that support healing, belonging, and transformation.
In this role, you’ll shape our annual program calendar, cultivate relationships with thought leaders and teachers, and collaborate closely with our campus and operations teams to ensure each retreat is delivered with excellence and care. If you’re a grounded, innovative leader with strong people skills and financial acumen, and you’re excited to help expand BBRC’s impact, we’d love to hear from you.
Operations Support Associate
Are you detail-oriented, service-minded, and energized by helping things run smoothly behind the scenes? Big Bear Retreat Center is hiring an Operations Support Associate to help ensure each retreat is welcoming, organized, and aligned with the peaceful mission of our center. Located in the serene San Bernardino Mountains, BBRC offers silent meditation retreats and healing programs for diverse communities. This role is central to ensuring guests feel grounded and cared for—whether it’s prepping cabins, assisting with registration, or coordinating across departments to keep things flowing.
In this role, you’ll support retreat logistics from arrival to departure, working across housekeeping, kitchen, and facilities teams to ensure the campus is ready and running with ease. You’ll help manage check-ins, track supplies, monitor guest needs, and be a calm, helpful presence throughout. If you thrive in a collaborative, purpose-driven setting, love being hands-on, and are passionate about guest care and operational excellence, we’d love to hear from you!
Retreat Cook
Do you love preparing nourishing, creative meals that support mindfulness, healing, and connection? Big Bear Retreat Center is seeking a part-time Retreat Cook to join our kitchen team and help deliver high-quality, thoughtful meals during our residential retreats. Located in the serene San Bernardino Mountains, BBRC hosts silent meditation retreats and mission-aligned programs in a peaceful forested setting. As a Retreat Cook, you’ll help prepare fresh, primarily vegetarian meals that are as beautiful as they are nourishing—fueling guests on their journey inward.
In this role, you’ll work closely with the Retreat Chef and support all aspects of kitchen operations—from prepping meals and baking to ensuring food safety and maintaining a clean, efficient workspace. You’ll help provide a culinary experience that reflects BBRC’s values of care, presence, and community. If you’re passionate about cooking, excited to be part of a collaborative and heart-centered team, and eager to support transformative retreat experiences through food, we’d love to hear from you!
Operations Support Associate
Are you a service-minded professional with a passion for hospitality, mindfulness, and creating seamless guest experiences? Big Bear Retreat Center is looking for a dedicated Operations Support Associate to help ensure that every retreat runs smoothly and that guests feel welcome, comfortable, and cared for. Nestled in the serene San Bernardino Mountains, BBRC is a sanctuary for healing, mindfulness, and connection, offering silent meditation retreats, mission-aligned group programs, and respite for those seeking renewal.
In this role, you’ll be the backbone of retreat operations—assisting with guest check-in, coordinating with the kitchen and housekeeping teams, and ensuring the campus is well-prepared for each retreat. Your attention to detail, proactive mindset, and ability to stay calm under pressure will be essential in creating a supportive and organized environment for guests and staff alike. If you thrive in a dynamic, team-oriented setting and find joy in making sure every detail is taken care of, we’d love to hear from you!
ONGOING SEASONAL OPPORTUNITIES
Retreat Managers
On call, full-time (on-site) during selected retreats throughout the year
At Big Bear Retreat Center
OTHER OPPORTUNITIES IN OUR COMMUNITY
Summary:
Retreat Managers at Big Bear Retreat Center work in-person at the center during specific retreats to provide essential support to participants (emotionally, physically, and mentally) as well as supporting the teachers, managing volunteers, and providing general support to the retreat center. Retreat Managers work in partnership with another retreat manager and the retreat center’s Program Manager to ensure the retreat runs smoothly for everyone, from preparations, full days, and wrap up of the retreat. During the retreat, Retreat Managers work an 8-hour shift and alternate with the other manager for an AM or PM shift, and are on-call for any potential late night emergencies. Housing at the center (or nearby) and meals are included during the retreat.
This is a wonderful opportunity for someone who is looking to deepen their practice and gain more experience working retreats and at a retreat center. Retreat Managers also have the opportunity to sit the majority of the retreat, and are often asked to be in the meditation hall for the majority of their shifts.
Prior personal retreat sitting experience is required and past retreat management working experience is preferred. Please contact us to discuss more if your experience may be relevant.
For more information and to apply, contact andreas@bigbearretreatcenter.org.
Program Manager at InsightLA
Our successful Program Manager will ideally have experience working on a team and with dynamic scheduling. The ideal candidate will be highly organized, energetic, process-oriented and people savvy. They will enjoy working independently and collaboratively, be focused and able to juggle multiple priorities. The most successful candidate will be great at implementation and follow-through and have a pleasant attitude, even under challenging circumstances. This is a fun community that works hard and plays often.
InsightLA is looking for a Program Manager who is excited to join our passionate, dedicated team. We’re devoted to the transmission of mindfulness and Buddhist teachings in the form of classes, events, and retreats. We are uncompromising in our mission to support our community in their pursuit of self-transformation and connection with others.
Seasonal Volunteers
Seasonal
At Big Bear Retreat Center
Remote (coming soon)
Summary
Seasonal Volunteers: This is a wonderful way to engage with Big Bear Retreat Center is as a Seasonal Volunteer. This is a great opportunity to stay at or near the retreat center and support our offerings. Opportunities and timing vary, check below (updated regularly). Typically we ask a 5-day minimum commitment for volunteers, unless otherwise specified.
This is a wonderful for someone that loves to be in nature, enjoys support in a retreat center environment, and is able and willing to help out where needed.
**Typically commitment minimum of 5-days**
Included for seasonal volunteers: is housing, meals during retreats, and access to the retreat center and all the hiking nature trails nearby.
Remote volunteers also available (details coming soon).
COVID-19 considerations: All staff, teachers and guests are required to be COVID vaccinated
For more, submit a volunteer inquiry.
Upcoming Seasonal Opportunities (updated regularly):
- Spring 2022
- Remote (coming soon)
