About the Role
Volunteer Hosts are an integral part of The Bishop’s Ranch community and team. Hosts provide gracious hospitality to all our guests, volunteers, residents and staff. The Volunteer Host’s primary responsibility is to attend to the needs of guests and groups while they are at The Bishop’s Ranch. The host is “on call” and responds to guests’ needs and questions as they arise. The volunteer host position is a great way to meet more of the guests who love The Bishop’s Ranch, serve with The Ranch staff, and give back to the place that is so important to so many of us.
We ask that all hosts in this program commit to a minimum of two hosting assignments per year.
Responsibilities
A full list of responsibilities can be found in "Additional Information" below.
Serve a minimum of two 3-5 day hosting assignments per year
Prepare for group arrival
Conduct thorough walkthroughs of lodging and meeting facilities and other amenities before group arrivals, during their stays, and after group departures
Welcome groups and address their needs throughout the stay
Ensure facilities are neat and in working order throughout groups’ stays
Provide support in the Refectory during meal times
Keep Ranch Facilities team informed of maintenance action items
Assist with linen/garbage/recycling pickup after group departure
Qualifications
Excellent communication skills
Strong interpersonal skills
Good attention to detail
Understanding of AV equipment
With initial direction, able to complete tasks alone
Able to lift and carry tools and objects while walking over the property
Able to lift 20 pounds unassisted and 40 pounds with assistance
Environmental and religious sensitivity
Able to adapt to flexible scheduling, including weekends
Compensation
Volunteer Hosts are offered modest lodging accommodations during their stay and meals. In gratitude, when rooms are available, volunteer hosts may stay at The Ranch an additional day before or after their scheduled hosting service.
Additional Information
Volunteer Hosts commit to:
Full day of training specifically for Volunteer Hosts
Trial weekend with another host before being put on the Volunteer Host rotation
Serving a minimum of two 3-5 day hosting assignments per year
Responsibility Details:
Prepare for Group Arrival:
Conduct thorough walk through prior to guests’ arrival making sure meeting and lodging rooms are safe, ready and welcoming for groups
Make sure exterior lighting is operating at dusk and that welcoming interior lights are on if guests are arriving after dark
Check heating/cooling systems settings so that rooms are comfortable for group arrival
Equipment setup and tested prior to use by guests, including AV equipment
Fireplace and fire circle areas are clean and have firewood, starters and matches available for guest use
Check and clean the pool area before and after groups. Blow leaves, skim pool as needed, reset chairs, pool toys etc
See that linen receptacles and trash areas are ready for use
Lodging and Meeting Facilities:
Conduct regular walk arounds, as appropriate to respect guests’ space, of all facilities to ensure that everything is neat and in working order.
Report maintenance and repair issues to Facilities and Land department (FLD). If the issue has an immediate impact on guests (e.g. malfunctioning toilet, shower, heating or cooling systems, property damage, etc…) text or call Director of Hospitality Operations
Raking leaves and other cleanup of Ranch House Courtyard and Pavilion as needed and time permits.
Host Groups in Residence:
Remain on The Ranch premises while serving as the on call host on duty
Host groups as scheduled
Greet and welcome arriving groups
Attend meals to act as liaison between groups and kitchen
Make announcements
Be on-call and available to respond to group needs
Follow guidelines in hosting manual
Respond to urgent maintenance or safety issues at night and on weekends: keep Facilities staff informed of action items.
Keep FLD Request form link on phone to report maintenance and repair issues.
Walk campus in the morning and evening to check that pathways are illuminated and areas are safe and ready for guest use
Pick up linens, garbage and recycling as needed during retreats
Provide serving and cleanup support at Refectory in addition to hosting
When hosting, check in at Refectory 30 minutes prior to each meal to provide support
Follow-up After Guest Departure:
Monitor energy usage; confirm that heat, cooling and lights have been turned off
Do linen, garbage and recycling pickup.
Do walk throughs of all rooms and facilities and check for needed repairs.