James DeGree
Lucerne Valley
Summary
Charismatic leader and outdoor professional with front-line customer service experience. Skilled at managing and communicating with diverse teams and maintaining documentation. Seeking a year-round position in a field related to traditional education.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
Work History
Supervisor
Big Bear Mountain Resort
10.2020 - Current
- Oversaw daily operations of th Children's Ski and Ride School from opening set-up to end-of-day tear down.
- Helped manage a team of 50-70 individuals with varying levels of experience from diverse backgrounds.
- Scheduled and performed interviews for incoming staff.
- Provided training for new staff, and ongoing training for existing staff.
- Identified training needs and lead weekly trainings to improve employee safety and guest experiences.
- Mentored staff to improve job performance and satisfaction.
- Coordinated with our staff and other departments to optimize individual guest experience.
- Advised manager on scheduling needs.
General Manager
Big Bear Watersports School
04.2025 - Current
- Coordinated seasonal set-up and tear down of inflatable water park in its inaugural year.
- Developed Standard Operating Procedures for water park.
- Trained staff on operation and maintenance of water park, including new digital sales program.
- Performed weekly underwater maintenance of water park.
- Led regular safety meetings to ensure employee and guest safety.
- Continued providing all services as a Captain.
Captain
Big Bear Watersports School
04.2021 - 04.2025
- Provided instruction in various water sports, including waterskiing, wakeboarding, and tubing.
- Performed daily checks of boat and equipment to ensure safety and compliance with local, state, and federal regulations.
- Operated the boat in a manner to optimize the guests' comfort and experience while maintaining a safe environment.
- Coordinated with guest to tailor our service to meet their needs.
- Ran souvenir store as needed, including running the register.
Ski Instructor
Big Bear Mountain Resort
12.2016 - 10.2020
- Instructed diverse groups in skiing techniques and safety protocols to enhance participant enjoyment.
- Assessed individual skill levels to tailor instruction, improving overall learning outcomes.
- Developed and implemented engaging lesson plans that accommodated varying abilities and age groups.
- Led safety briefings and provided guidance on equipment usage to ensure participant well-being.
Camp Staff (various Leadership Roles)
Schoepe Scout Reservation At Lost Valley
Orange County, CA
06.2015 - 08.2019
- As Stables Staff, provide care for the herd of horses, and instruct campers in horse care and riding skills.
- As Assistant Stables Director, train staff, develop lesson plans, and coordinate with other program areas and Camp Management to optimize camper experiences.
- As Assistant Program Director, help oversee all program areas, camp wide activities, lead trainings for all staff, and provide support in various program areas as needed.
- As High Adventure Director, develop and oversee high and low ropes courses, climbing programs, and leadership development programs for campers.
- In all roles, provide outdoor recreation instruction to campers, mentor campers and younger staff in life and leadership skills, assist with food service, and perform janitorial work in various facilities.
Education
Associate of Science - Elementary Education
Victor Valley College
Victorville, CA06-2027
High School Diploma -
Big Bear High School
Big Bear, CA06-2015
Skills
- Leadership and team building
- Problem resolution
- Operations management
- Microsoft Office and alternatives
Affiliations
- Professional Ski Instructors of America - Level One Alpine Instructor
- Boy Scouts of America - Eagle Scout
Languages
English
Native or Bilingual
Spanish
Limited Working
Interests
- Rock Climbing
- Backpacking
- Camping
- Skiing
- Waterskiing
- Birding
- Tidepooling
Timeline
General Manager
Big Bear Watersports School
04.2025 - Current
Captain
Big Bear Watersports School
04.2021 - 04.2025
Supervisor
Big Bear Mountain Resort
10.2020 - Current
Ski Instructor
Big Bear Mountain Resort
12.2016 - 10.2020
Camp Staff (various Leadership Roles)
Schoepe Scout Reservation At Lost Valley
06.2015 - 08.2019
Associate of Science - Elementary Education
Victor Valley College
High School Diploma -
Big Bear High School