Hostel Supervisor
ITH Mission Beach Backpacker Hostel | Mission Beach, San Diego
$17.75/hour | 16 hours/week normally | Free staff accommodation available
ITH Mission Beach is looking for a dependable and personable Hostel Supervisor to help oversee daily operations and provide an excellent experience for our guests.
The standard schedule is 2 shifts / 16 hours per week. For applicants who want to live at the hostel, we provide free staff accommodation, along with utilities, internet, breakfast, laundry, bedding, and a range of recreational benefits.
We are also happy to consider San Diego residents who do not need accommodation. Local applicants can work the same 16-hour schedule at $17.75/hour without living at the hostel.
This role is a great opportunity for someone who enjoys travel, hostel life, meeting people from around the world, and taking responsibility in a busy and social environment. You are also welcome to have another job alongside this position, provided you are available for your hostel commitments and required coverage periods.
Compensation & Benefits
- $17.75 per hour
- 16 hours per week normally, over 2 shifts
- Free staff accommodation available for those who want to live at the hostel
- Utilities and internet included
- Free breakfast
- Free laundry
- Bedding provided
- Free equipment rentals through Mission Beach Rentals, including bikes, surfboards, wetsuits, bodyboards, paddle boards, roller skates, and more
- Live in Mission Beach, San Diego, close to the beach
- Social and international working environment
- Opportunity to maintain another job alongside this position
Availability & Coverage
This is an important part of the position.
The person we hire must be available to work 5 days per week from December 22, 2026 through January 5, 2027 at the regular $17.75/hour rate.
Availability during this Christmas period is a requirement of the role.
There may also be other periods during the year, generally around twice annually, when additional coverage is needed while management is away. Additional shifts may also be available or required from time to time due to staff vacations, unexpected absences, busy periods, extended weekends, or other operational needs.
Outside of these periods, the normal commitment is 16 hours per week over 2 days.
The Role
The Hostel Supervisor is responsible for helping keep the hostel running smoothly while creating a friendly and welcoming environment for guests.
Typical responsibilities include:
- Overseeing daily hostel operations during your shifts
- Checking guests in and out and assisting with reservations
- Answering phones and responding to guest questions
- Helping guests with recommendations, local information, and general needs
- Supervising staff and volunteers and making sure daily responsibilities are completed
- Addressing guest concerns and resolving problems professionally
- Maintaining house rules, hostel policies, and safety procedures
- Assisting with evening operations and night audit when required
- Handling cash and assisting with daily financial balancing
- Maintaining a clean, organized, and enjoyable hostel environment
- Working independently and using good judgment when management is not on site
- Knowing when an issue should be handled directly and when it should be escalated to management
Who We're Looking For
Previous hostel experience is important. Applicants must have stayed in a hostel before.
We are looking for someone who is:
- Reliable and responsible
- Comfortable taking initiative and working independently
- Confident communicating with guests, staff, and volunteers
- Calm and sensible when dealing with difficult situations
- Organized and attentive to detail
- Comfortable giving direction and holding others accountable when necessary
- Happy living and working in a social, international hostel environment
- Flexible and willing to take on additional shifts when needed
Previous experience in hostel management, hospitality, hotels, front desk operations, customer service, supervision, night audit, or cash handling is a plus.
Multilingual applicants are also encouraged to apply.
Work Authorization
Applicants must already be legally authorized to work in the United States.
We welcome applicants who are U.S. citizens or who hold a valid work permit or other authorization to work in the United States.
We cannot accept applicants who are only authorized to work through a travel visa.
Position Details
Job Type: Part-time
Normal Hours: 16 hours per week
Schedule: 2 shifts per week
Location: Mission Beach, San Diego, CA
Work Setting: In person
Accommodation: Available for live-in applicants
Pay: From $17.75 per hour
Experience:
- Hostel: 1 year (Required)
Work Location: In person
