Maintenance Manager

MAINTENANCE MANAGER — Camp Los Padres

LOS PADRES NATIONAL FOREST CONCESSION

Full-time, year-round | $70,000–$80,000 DOE

Camp Los Padres (LPNF Recreation) will operate one of California's largest U.S. Forest Service recreation concessions, managing more than 40 campgrounds, day use areas, and recreation sites across five ranger districts in the Los Padres National Forest. From the Big Sur coastline to Ojai, Santa Barbara, and Mt. Pinos, our team manages a complex, geographically dispersed operation dedicated to providing exceptional outdoor experiences while caring for some of California's most iconic public lands.

We're looking for an experienced, hands-on maintenance leader to build and lead our maintenance organization from the ground up. This is a rare opportunity to establish maintenance standards, build systems, develop & grow the existing maintenance team, oversee critical infrastructure, and help define how one of California's largest U.S. Forest Service recreation concessions maintains its facilities and assets for years to come. You'll work closely with the Camp Los Padres General Manager and company ownership.

Who thrives here

You enjoy solving problems, developing people, and building systems that keep operations running safely and efficiently. You lead with integrity, humility, and accountability while setting high standards for yourself and your team. You treat people with respect, build trust through consistency and follow-through, and aren't afraid to roll up your sleeves when the job requires it.

Location

Flexible. Candidates based in the northern or central portions of Los Padres National Forest, generally near Monterey, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara or surrounding communities, are preferred. Candidates based in the southern portion of the forest will also be considered. Regular travel throughout the Los Padres National Forest is an essential part of the role. For those who have a self-contained RV housing support can be provided with full hook-ups at one of our locations.

What you'll do

• Lead all maintenance operations across five ranger districts, including campground openings, preventive maintenance, repairs, emergency response, and winterization. Planning/scheduling of pre-season, peak-season, and post-season maintenance.
• Ensure facilities, infrastructure, vehicles, equipment, and water systems are operationally ready for seasonal openings and remain maintained to established standards throughout the operating season.
• Ensure company drinking water systems are operated and maintained in accordance with applicable state and federal regulations and permit requirements, including water supply tanks, lines, fixtures, and related infrastructure. Serve as operator of record where required; candidates who do not currently hold the required certification will be expected to obtain it after hire.
• Recruit, train, supervise, and develop a team of maintenance technicians while supporting more than 50 camp hosts with routine facility maintenance.
• Develop and manage a computerized maintenance management system (CMMS), including preventive maintenance schedules, work orders, asset management, and project cost tracking.
• Establish maintenance standards, performance metrics, and preventive maintenance programs that improve safety, reliability, and operational efficiency. Establish and enforce safe maintenance practices, including appropriate use of vehicles, equipment, tools, and PPE, and ensure maintenance staff, as well as others support maintenance projects, receive appropriate safety training.
• Plan and oversee Granger-Thye repair and improvement projects in coordination with the U.S. Forest Service.
• Coordinate contractors, including plumbers, electricians, septic service providers, equipment vendors, and utility companies.
• Manage company vehicles, equipment, tools, and maintenance inventory, ensuring scheduled inspections, servicing, and preventive maintenance of company vehicles, UTVs, equipment, and tools.
• Oversee and support landscaping and grounds maintenance, including mowing, trimming, vegetation management, and debris removal
• Prepare maintenance budgets, monitor expenditures, and identify opportunities to improve efficiency and reliability.
• Travel regularly throughout the forest to support field teams and respond to operational needs.
• Maintain required maintenance documentation and ensure compliance with U.S. Forest Service maintenance standards, reporting requirements, and contractual expectations.
• Serve as a primary escalation point for urgent maintenance issues, including water system failures, wastewater issues, facility damage, equipment breakdowns, and other conditions that may affect public or employee safety or site operations.
• Work closely with the General Manager, Area Managers and field staff to assess maintenance needs, prioritize work, coordinate site access and scheduling, and minimize disruption to campground and day-use operations.

What you bring

• T2/D2 Water Operator certification or ability to obtain one quickly.
• Five or more years of progressively responsible leadership experience in maintenance, facilities, utilities, or public works operations.
• Experience leading geographically dispersed maintenance teams.
• Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills.
• Broad hands-on experience across one or more skilled trades, such as carpentry, plumbing, electrical, equipment repair, irrigation, water systems, or general facilities maintenance.
• Experience managing maintenance budgets, contractors, and capital repair projects.
• Experience implementing CMMS software and preventive maintenance programs.
• Experience with drinking water systems, wastewater systems, or utility infrastructure is preferred.
• Experience working with campgrounds, parks, public lands, resorts, or similar facilities is preferred.
• Comfortable leading teams across remote locations and spending significant time in the field.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

Reasonable accommodations will be made for individuals with disabilities to perform the job functions.

Physical requirements: Typical work involves walking, driving, sitting, lifting, and carrying objects up to 50 lbs.

Environmental conditions: Maintenance staff often work outside in a range of conditions including hot, rainy, windy, and cold.

Expected hours: 40 hours per week, full-time, year-round.

What we offer

• $70,000–$80,000 depending on experience and certifications
• Company vehicle for business travel
• Health benefits (medical, dental, vision) & 401k w/ company matching
• Vacation and sick pay
• For those who have a self-contained RV we can provide a site with full hook-ups
• Opportunities for advancement as the larger organization & ownership continue to expand its portfolio of public lands recreation operations throughout the United States.

To Apply

Send a resume and a short note about why this role fits you to Sign in to view email or apply at camplospadres.com.

We're moving quickly - applications reviewed as received.

LPNF Recreation LLC is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.

Interested in Working with Camp Los Padres but this isn't the role for you?

Camp Los Padres will have open camp host positions with an 11/1 start date, in addition to day use support staff. We are also hiring additional maintenance technicians, as well as a Monterey (Big Sur) District Area Manager. Additional seasonal positions will also be available for the May - October busy season. If you are interested in applying for other roles with Camp Los Padres please complete this form to denote your interest in other roles.