Job Title:

Stepladder Creamery Tour Guide Lead Location:

Stepladder Ranch & Creamery -

Cambria, CA Position Type:

Part-Time (Weekends mandatory - 20-30+ hours per week)

Base Pay:

$18.00-$20.00/hour (DOE, with room to grow)

Generous Gratuities:

Tips average ~$60 per tour led

Incentives:

Commission on Cheese Club memberships & sales conversions About Stepladder Ranch & Creamery We are a premier small-batch goat cheese creamery and avocado/citrus ranch tucked into the hills of Cambria. We pride ourselves on exceptional craft products, deep respect for our animals, and delivering unforgettable experiences to our guests. We are seeking an extraordinary, high-caliber Tour Guide Lead who treats our ranch with the same care and ownership as if it were their own. This is not just a standard tour guide role—we are looking for a detail-oriented professional who wants to take full ownership of our tour program, elevate our guest experience, and grow with our business. For the right individual seeking full-time year-round work, there is also potential to expand into other aspects of our operations, such as our goat dairy or regional farmers' market program. Who You Are An Animal Lover at

Heart:

You are comfortable, calm, and joyful around our goats and farm animals, excited to learn and share the nuances of goat husbandry and sustainable farming.

Meticulous & Detail-Oriented:

Cleanliness, order, and organization are second nature to you. You notice the small things—from pristine sample setups to flawless inventory counts.

A Master Communicator:

You possess polished grammar, warm etiquette, and exceptional interpersonal skills. Whether answering an inquiry email, hosting a tour, or engaging with our highest-tier guests, you project effortless professionalism.

An Ownership Mindset:

You don't just follow a checklist; you take initiative. You proactively look for ways to optimize procedures, drive Cheese Club sign-ups, refine training materials, and elevate the program.

A Customer Service All-Star:

You thrive on bringing people joy, personalizing guest experiences, and handling the dynamic, fast-paced nature of hospitality with grace and enthusiasm. Key Responsibilities Tour Leadership & Guest Experience Lead engaging, educational farm tours, guiding guests through goat interactions, viewing the milking parlor and creamery, and ending with curated cheese tastings. Research guest lists prior to arrival to personalize tours for repeat visitors, VIPs, and Cheese Club members. Actively drive guest engagement, converting visitors into passionate Cheese Club members and farmstand customers. Maintain complete guest safety and strict sanitation standards at all times. Operations, Inventory & Facility Care Prepare, organize, and deep-clean the tasting room, farmstand, and guest facilities prior to and following tours. Manage cheese and merchandise inventory using strict First-In, First-Out (FIFO) standards; perform monthly inventory counts and flag reorder needs with a 2-week lead time. Assist with incoming order confirmation, iPad POS upkeep, signage updates, and tour prop management. Support Cheese Club box assembly, farmstand merchandising, and occasional farmers' market or animal care tasks as needed. Program Growth & Leadership Partner closely with leadership to refine the tour guide manual, update training materials, and onboard new hires. Track operational task timing to improve scheduling, budgeting, and workflow efficiency. Offer innovative ideas to boost customer engagement and sales performance.

Qualifications & Expectations Experience:

Previous leadership experience in premium hospitality, eco-tourism, fine dining, specialty food, or retail sales preferred.

Communication & Etiquette:

Excellent written and verbal communication skills; comfortable handling email inquiries with refined professionalism.

Tech-Savvy:

Tech-literate and quick to master POS systems, scheduling tools, and basic troubleshooting.

Physical & Logistics:

Ability to stand for extended periods, walk uneven terrain, and lift up to 50 lbs. Must have reliable personal transportation (capable of guiding guests from ranch gates to tour start points) and a valid driver's license to operate ranch vehicles.

Availability:

Strong weekend and holiday availability. Why Join Us?

Competitive Earnings:

Starting base pay of $18.00-$20.00/hour depending on experience, plus direct tips (averaging ~$60 per tour led) and commission incentives.

Growth Potential:

A clear pathway to take full ownership of the tour lead position as the program expands.

Perks:

Working outdoors in a stunning coastal valley, hands-on animal time, and generous discounts on world-class artisanal cheese and produce. How to Apply We are highly selective for this role. If you meet the standards above and are ready to build something special with us, please send your resume along with a brief cover letter explaining why your attention to detail and love for hospitality (and animals!) make you the perfect fit.

Pay:

$1,500.00 - $4,000.00 per month

Benefits:

401(k) Employee discount Flexible schedule Paid time off Ability to

Commute:

Cambria, CA 93428 (Required)

Work Location:

In person