Employment Opportunities
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.

Learn more about Big Bear Retreat Center

Our TeamOur Story

BBRC Highlights

What past guests are saying about their time at BBRC

  • This was an absolutely wonderful retreat experience.  The environment at Big Bear Retreat Center is relaxing and beautiful, with hiking trails and serene natural views everywhere.  The vegetarian meals were outstanding…each dish seemed prepared with care and love, and full of flavor.  The staff was professional yet warm and approachable. I will go back again and again!

    Anne
    Anne Calm Abiding Insight Meditation Retreat with Beth Sternlieb and Eric McCullum (InsightLA), May 2022
  • The natural beauty of Big Bear Retreat Center offers the perfect space to feel interconnected to all life and to open to the beautiful teachings we experienced this week.  The cabins, meditation hall, food, and  staff all supported our opportunity to become still and stable, to open our hearts to all of life.  Thank you for this beautiful experience.  I'll be back. 

    Cheryl
    Cheryl Calm Abiding Insight Meditation Retreat with Beth Sternlieb and Eric McCullum (InsightLA), May 2022
  • One of the best retreats I have attended. Care for safety, compassionate, knowledgeable, attentive and  caring teachers.

    Retreat Guest Calm Abiding Insight Meditation Retreat with Beth Sternlieb and Eric McCullum (InsightLA), May 2022
  • I found refuge sitting on the mountain.

    Retreat Guest Four Foundations of Mindfulness Insight Meditation Retreat with Christiane Wolf and Greg Serpa (InsightLA), May 2022
  • Big Bear Retreat Center is the perfect place to go for when you need a break from the city to rest and recharge. Being surrounded by parent nature, away from all the hustle and bustle of LA, provides you with a sense of peace, serenity, and tranquility. The air was so fresh, the trees smelled divine, and the stars shined so bright at night. I highly recommend staying at BBRC! The staff is also so kind and welcoming. I had a wonderful experience and hope to be back again soon. 

    Retreat Guest Writing Retreat 2021
  • The love and generosity that have been poured into the facility, as well as, the staff, and beautiful nature surrounding it, converge to create an oasis for the soul…

    Retreat Guest 2021

CURRENT EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Retreat Chef

Full-Time, On-Site Role

Seeking a mindfulness practitioner with a culinary passion to help guide the BBRC team and create nourishing meals.  We offer work/life balance, discounted housing and great benefits. Perfect for those looking for a lifestyle change while continuing to grow professionally and personally. A full job description can be found at the link below. For more information please click apply or email paula@bigbearretreatcenter.org.

Lead Retreat Cook

Full-Time, On-Site Role

Seeking an experienced cook to join our team. We’re looking for folks interested in growth, spiritual practice and being of service. Flexible schedule, discounted housing possible for the right fit and great benefits. Catering experience is a bonus.  For more information please click apply or email paula@bigbearretreatcenter.org.

Housekeeping (extra hire)

Part-time or Full-time (on-site)
At Big Bear Retreat Center

Big Bear Retreat Center is currently seeking a Housekeeper to manage and improve the cleanliness of our properties, consisting of ±20 buildings and a guest capacity up to 100. The Housekeeper is responsible for executing and overseeing the consistent upkeep and cleanliness of Big Bear Retreat Center. This includes the properties both on and off campus.

This individual must have superior communication and interpersonal skills, a high level of attention to detail, cleanliness and follow through. Our ideal candidate is an adaptable self-starter with the ability to take initiative, prioritize tasks and maintain strict confidentiality.

Guest Services Manager

Full-time (on-site)
At Big Bear Retreat Center

The Guest Services Manager is responsible for ensuring the guest experience for each retreat is exceptional and aligned with our mission at Big Bear Retreat Center (BBRC). You are a nurturer by nature, eager to help and ensure guests have everything they need to feel safe, comfortable and present at our center. You are as comfortable taking registrations or staffing a check-in desk as you are handling complex guest inquiries or last-minute changes. Your interpersonal and digital communication skills exude warmth, friendliness and patience. You are service- and safety-minded to the core, and graceful under pressure.

This role coordinates directly with the Program team to ensure a smooth retreat, from arrival to departure, and the Operations team to ensure the campus and accommodations are prepped and ready to go.

This role requires you to be primarily on-site at BBRC and may include housing as part of the compensation package, if required.

Baker and Pastry Cook

Full-time or Part-time (on-site)
At Big Bear Retreat Center

We are looking for someone who specializes in baking and making desserts with a willingness to help prepare savory food, if needed. This is a position that requires some creativity and independence. We are looking for someone who has a repertoire of baked goods and can bring fresh ideas into the kitchen. Vegan and gluten free knowledge is a huge plus.

The retreat center’s kitchen cooks with organic vegetables to prepare healthy, seasonally driven meals. This role is responsible for the preparation, cooking and plating of meals for groups between 15-50 people. Our small team also works together to maintain the cleanliness of the entire dining area. We work together washing dishes, mopping the dining room, unloading produce deliveries and keeping the kitchen clean and organized. This role may contribute to supporting the team and tasks of the center, including housekeeping and maintenance, depending on skills and motivation. There are plenty of opportunities to grow and learn at the center.

You will work closely with the Kitchen team, be a team player in the kitchen before, during, and after retreats, and may have some interaction with retreat guests.

This role requires you to be primarily on-site at BBRC and may include housing as part of the compensation package, if required.

Seasonal Retreat Cooks

On call, full-time (on-site) during selected retreats throughout the year
At Big Bear Retreat Center

(timing varies on specific retreats, typically 3 – 8 days)

Retreat Cooks at Big Bear Retreat Center work during selected retreats during the year, from 3-8 days (based on the calendar), to support the kitchen in preparing healthful and nourishing meals for guests. The retreat center’s kitchen cooks with organic vegetables to prepare healthy, seasonally driven meals. This role is responsible for the preparation, cooking and plating of meals for groups between 15-50 people. Our small team also works together to maintain the cleanliness of the entire dining area. We work together washing dishes, mopping the dining room, unloading produce deliveries and keeping the kitchen clean and organized. There are plenty of opportunities to grow and learn at the center.

Retreat Cooks primarily support during our Insight silent meditation retreats (typically 1 week long) to help prepare meals for meditation retreatants. There are also opportunities to sit portions of the retreat or attend dharma talks when not on shift. This is a wonderful opportunity for someone looking to deepen their practice while serving a community. Other types of retreats are also available, depending on the retreat calendar. 

Includes during retreats: hourly pay, meals, lodging, ability to attend part of the retreat, time in nature, and credit towards future retreats.

For more information and to apply, contact jobs@bigbearretreatcenter.org.

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.

insightla

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.

insightla.org

Kitchen Assistant

Full-time, Part-time, or On-Call (on-site)
At Big Bear Retreat Center

We are looking for a Kitchen Assistant to join our team. The retreat center’s kitchen cooks with organic vegetables to prepare healthy, seasonally driven meals. This role is responsible for the preparation, cooking and plating of meals for groups between 15-50 people. Our small team also works together to maintain the cleanliness of the entire dining area. We work together washing dishes, mopping the dining room, unloading produce deliveries and keeping the kitchen clean and organized. This role will often contribute to supporting the team and tasks of the center, including housekeeping and maintenance, dependent on skills and motivation. There are plenty of opportunities to grow and learn at the center.

For more information and to apply please visit this link for more

General Manager / Executive Director

Full-time (on-site)
At Big Bear Retreat Center

Summary

Big Bear Retreat Center is currently seeking a General Manager to further its mission and manage the overall operations of our ±100-acre property with guest capacity up to 100.

The new General Manager will be responsible to ensure that BBRC is a safe, smooth-running, welcoming, and all-encompassing venue of the highest quality, conducive to meaningful, healing, and transformative retreat experiences. This is an amazing opportunity for an experienced, like-minded retreat or hotel manager to further the vision and provide the operational leadership to shape our future endeavors. This role requires year-round on-site management in a mountain setting at 7,000-foot elevation and includes housing.

Big Bear Retreat Center is an inclusive and accessible place for respite, healing, transformation, cross-cultural dialogue, collaboration, hope, and joy. We do this by offering a mix of silent Insight Meditation retreats, and by partnering with organizations supporting various communities including BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, first responders and veterans, and mindfulness communities.

To apply, please email cover letter and resume to: jobs@bigbearretreatcenter.org

Seasonal Summer Staff

Seasonal (Summer) • Full-time (on-site)
At Big Bear Retreat Center
June through mid-August, 2022

Summary

Big Bear Retreat Center (BBRC) has four openings for our 2022 Seasonal Summer Staff Team. In the summer, we host an LGBTQI+ teen camp. Words cannot describe how amazing it is, so here’s this video to check it out. We make our healthy-ish food from scratch. Our property has hiking trails that border the national forest/land trust with miles to roam. Our staff has access to a hot tub for those cool summer nights. If all of this sounds good, and you’re on board to wash dishes and clean bathrooms for the summer, we will be excited to meet you!

And we’re not going to hold back, this is a dishwashing shift. You will also be responsible for taking out the garbage, cleaning up the bathrooms, sweeping decks, cleaning cabins and chopping onions. Why would you want to spend your summer doing this with us? You know that summer camp life is fun, enthusiastic, inspiring, and for some of us, nostalgic. This is a 2-month break from the stresses of the rest of your year. Your shifts will be 6-hours long, 6-days per week, and you’ll get to spend the rest of your time relaxing on our 90-acre property, hiking, going to the lake (10-minutes away), having BBQs and game nights with our team, and you’ll go to bed at night knowing that you’re supporting our guests having a great experience. No joke, lives are transformed here.

Our busy season starts in early June and ends in mid-August. We have staff housing available if you do not already live in Big Bear. Meals during camp are provided, and you’ll be cooking your own food dine out in one of  in between. One more important detail, we require staff to be fully COVID vaccinated, thanks for understanding!

**COVID-19 considerations: All staff are required to be fully COVID vaccinated and provide a negative PCR test before arrival**

To apply, please email: EJ@bigbearretreatcenter.org with your letter of interest and we’ll set up a time to talk and get to know each other. If you’re local enough, we’d love to have you come to visit us to meet the team, see the property and make sure it’s a good fit all around. If all goes well, you’ll be starting with us towards the end of May or early June at the latest. 

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)

Meditation Retreat Volunteer

During Retreats at Big Bear Retreat Center

Summary

Retreat Exchange Volunteers: Volunteers have the opportunity to support our in-person meditation retreats in exchange for attendance + room & board during the retreat. Contact the retreat manager for interested inquiries.

You can view a complete listing of our upcoming retreats on our RETREAT CALENDAR.

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 of the duration of the retreat**

Included for volunteers: housing, meals during retreat, registration to the retreat, and access to the retreat center and all the hiking nature trails nearby.

COVID-19 considerations: All staff, teachers and guests are required to be COVID vaccinated

Upcoming Seasonal Opportunities (updated regularly):

  • Summer 2021: July – mid-August
  • Fall 2021: September to mid-November
Contact Us

Connect with us at Big Bear Retreat Center.

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