Richard Fletcher
Guide II Supervisor
Hearst Castle
San Simeon, CA USA
“Tests aren’t over once school is over. You are going to have them for your entire life. Don’t give up and just keep going.”
Videos
By Roadtrip NationRichard Fletcher
Milestones
My road in life has taken me all over.
I grew up in Monterey, California.
After high school, I was really lost and didn’t know what to do, so I attended community college for three years at Monterey Peninsula College so I could explore my interests.
Transferred to Humboldt State University, where I earned my bachelor’s degree in wildlife biology.
Two days after graduation, I began working for California State Parks, where I started out managing campgrounds.
Then I transferred and began working on a trail crew, helping to build and maintain hiking trails and roads throughout the state parks system.
From there, I became a seasonal interpreter at Humboldt Redwoods State Park for over three years where I led nature walks and campfire programs, and worked with our Junior Rangers.
I was promoted to a full-time interpreter at Hearst Castle, where I conducted tours and educated people about the grounds and the history of the building.
I am now a Guide II at Hearst Castle, which is a supervisory role where I oversee all of the guides here at the castle.
Keep following my journey
Education
High School
Bachelor
Wildlife Management and Conservation
Humboldt State University
Wildlife Management and Conservation
Humboldt State University
Career
Guide II Supervisor
I oversee the daily tour operations at Hearst Castle and supervise guide staff.
Career Roadmap
My work combines:
My work combines:
Environment & Nature
Education
Teaching / Mentoring
Day to Day
Daily work is quite variable. I normally answer sick calls and replace employees in the morning. I then check employees in and ensure the tour operation is running smoothly throughout the day. After that, I work on ongoing assignments like planning and scheduling school and ADA tours. I also monitor and evaluate tour guide's tours. I mentor the guide staff and assist them with any problems. I analyze the tour program and address any issues in meetings. Lastly, I give tours to VIP guests.
Advice for Getting Started
Here's the first step for everyone
Get a seasonal job. It will help you learn how everything works in the State Parks system. I would also highly recommend taking any and all civil service exams that you can. You can't get a full time state job unless you are ranked on a hiring list! Look at https://jobs.ca.gov / CalHRPublic / Search / ExamSearch.aspx to find exams that you may be interested in taking. Every exam you pass is a door that will be open to you when you are looking for a job.
Recommended Education
My career is related to what I studied. I'd recommend the path I took:
Bachelor
Wildlife Management and Conservation
Wildlife Management and Conservation
Hurdles
The Noise I Shed
From Friends:
"You are going nowhere in life and wasting your time."
Challenges I Overcame
Financial
Learning Issues
Interviewed By
Community Driven
California’s community colleges open new doors
