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Below is a list of job openings at HI-USA Golden Gate Council and our eight Northern California hostels. Also visit the national HI-USA website for employment opportunities elsewhere in the U.S.

Posted: March 12, 2010

Front Desk Manager
HI-San Francisco Downtown

HI-San Francisco Downtown is a 292-bed hostel located in the heart of San Francisco. The number one responsibility for all members of our staff is the safety and comfort of our guests. Anything that can be done to make the stay of each and every one of our guests more enjoyable must be given top priority.

The Front Desk Manager takes the lead in day-to-day front desk activities, ensuring excellent customer service to HI-San Francisco Downtown guests. This position is responsible for providing a welcoming atmosphere and ensuring guest and public contact at the front desk runs smoothly and efficiently and in accordance with hostel policy.

The hostel is operated by the Golden Gate Council of Hostelling International USA, a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting intercultural exchange, environmental stewardship, and world peace through hostelling. The Council operates a network of eight hostels around Northern California, and also provides outdoor and intercultural educational programs for youth.

RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Safety and security of guests and their belongings
  • All day-to-day operational issues concerning the front desk
  • Order and stock front office supplies and sale items
  • Supervise reception staff and ensure all their tasks are completed correctly
  • Computerized check-in accuracy and accuracy of all resultant record keeping, filing, and documentation
  • On-call to front desk staff after hours
  • Reservations including HIHostels, HostelWorld, HostelTimes, and group reservations, updates, and maintenance
  • Work with housekeeping and maintenance staff to ensure smooth hostel operations
  • Work with Activities Coordinator to promote and schedule programming among staff and guests
  • Maintain front desk manual
  • Familiarity with HI-USA mission
  • Attend meetings locally and nationally
  • Other duties as assigned by the General Manager or Assistant General Manager

PREFERRED SKILLS/EXPERIENCE

  • Excellent organizational skills and ability to manage multiple tasks/projects simultaneously
  • Familiarity with hospitality check-in and reservations systems/methods
  • Two years front desk work at hostel or related property
  • Previous supervisory experience
  • Willingness to work evenings, weekends, or holidays as schedule requires
  • Conflict resolution skills and ability to act effectively in a crisis, referring to the Assistant General Manager when necessary
  • Knowledge and training in basic first aid procedures
  • Strong cash handling skills
  • Computer literacy
  • Foreign language skills helpful
  • Patience and a sense of humor

REPORTS TO: Assistant General Manager

HOURS AND BENEFITS
This is a full-time exempt position.

Benefits include vacation, holiday, and sick leave, as well as employer-paid insurance including health, dental, vision, acupuncture, and chiropractic. Employees receive free HI membership and complimentary overnights at HI-USA hostels.

TO APPLY
Please forward cover letter and resume to:
Danny Case, Assistant General Manager, via e-mail ( This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it ) or fax (415-788-3023) ONLY - no phone calls, please. Resumes with cover letters will also be accepted at the hostel front desk (312 Mason @ O'Farrell, San Francisco, CA 94102).

HI-USA Golden Gate Council is an equal opportunity employer.


Posted: March 11, 2010

Hostel Assistant II
HI-Marin Headlands

The Marin Headlands Hostel welcomes travelers from around the world to a National Park retreat just north of the Golden Gate Bridge. Housed in two historic buildings, the hostel is set among forests and rolling hills, a short walk from the beach and five miles from San Francisco and Sausalito.

The hostel is operated by the Golden Gate Council of Hostelling International USA, a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting intercultural exchange, environmental stewardship, and world peace through hostelling. The Council operates a network of eight hostels around Northern California, and also provides outdoor and intercultural educational programs for youth.

FRONT DESK RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Provide a welcoming atmosphere, while maintaining a clean and secure facility.
  • Act as a representative of Hostelling International USA and promote its mission and goals in a positive and professional manner.
  • Provide quality customer service and information.
  • Register guests in accordance with ASSD operating system.
  • Accurately record payment and registration information with strong attention to detail.
  • Provide reservation information in person and over the phone, including taking individual and group reservations as well as reservation cancellations and changes.
  • Offer detailed information and reservation assistance with Golden Gate Council hostels and others in the HI network.
  • Multi-task and remain calm in stressful situations.
  • Work honorably and efficiently without constant direct supervision.
  • Complete extra projects self-initiated or assigned by the General Manager or Deputy Manager.
  • Provide on-call assistance in emergencies any time while on the hostel premises.

CLEANING RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Responsible for returning the hostel to a sanitary condition that will make the evening's guests comfortable.
  • Clean kitchens, bathrooms, guestrooms, common areas, and grounds of the hostel.
  • Complete special deep cleaning projects self-initiated or assigned by the manager.
  • Perform a daily "bed check" to insure that the required numbers of beds are available for that evening's guests.

QUALIFICATIONS

  • Positive, up-beat, and willing attitude
  • Time management and multi-tasking skills a must!
  • Interest in hostels and travel
  • Eager to work as part of a team
  • Commitment to sustainable and environmentally conscious practices
  • Open and flexible availability
  • Experience with cash handling, reservation/POS systems, customer service, and cleaning duties a plus

REPORTS TO: General Manager

HOURS
24-32 hours per week. Occasionally staff must work a 40-hour week in order to cover for another staff person's vacation.

This position necessitates work in early mornings, late evenings, weekends, and holidays, as well as on-site/on-call overnight duties.

Hostel Assistants work a combination of both desk and cleaning shifts. Desk shift hours: 7:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m., 3:30 - 11: 30 p.m. Cleaning shift hours vary.

BENEFITS
HAII staff may choose to live on or off site. As part of their compensation HAII employees are offered housing (a wage differential is provided for live-out staff). The hostel consists of two federally owned historic buildings under the jurisdiction of the National Park Service. Because of this the HAII must be willing to follow the rules of safety and sanitation dictated by Hostelling International and the NPS.

Living on site with fellow staff members is a rewarding but sometimes challenging situation; it is important that the HAII be respectful of fellow staff/housemates. It is required of each live-in employee to keep the staff house and grounds at a high level of cleanliness at all times.

Staff members are eligible to receive holiday and vacation pay, as well as health benefits including medical, dental, vision, chiropractic, and acupuncture. These benefits are prorated to the hours worked per week.

TO APPLY
Send relevant cover letter and resume to:
This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
Fax: (415) 331.3568
HI-Marin Headlands
Fort Barry Building 941
Sausalito, CA 94965

HI-Marin Headlands is operated by the Golden Gate Council of Hostelling International USA, and is an authorized Concessionaire of the National Park Service, Department of the Interior. HI-USA Golden Gate Council is an equal opportunity employer.

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