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Richard Fletcher
Richard Fletcher
01:00

Richard Fletcher

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."

Career Roadmap

Richard's work combines: Environment & Nature, Education, and Teaching / Mentoring

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Day In The Life

Guide II Supervisor

I oversee the daily tour operations at Hearst Castle and supervise guide staff.

01:13

Day In The Life Of An Interpreter For National Parks

My 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.

Skills & Education

Advice for getting started

Most people won't get their dream job the day they graduate and enter the working world. It is going to take time and lots of hard work to get where you want to be! Do as much as you can to expand your horizons and be a desirable employee. Even though it's not fun to go to lots of interviews. Practicing those skills and being comfortable in that setting is invaluable. Above all be patient, work hard, and STAY POSITIVE!

Here's the path I took:

  • High School

  • Bachelor's Degree

    Wildlife Management and Conservation

    Humboldt State University

Life & Career Milestones

I've taken a lot of twists and turns

  • 1.

    I grew up in Monterey, California.

  • 2.

    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.

  • 3.

    Transferred to Humboldt State University, where I earned my bachelor’s degree in wildlife biology.

  • 4.

    Two days after graduation, I began working for California State Parks, where I started out managing campgrounds.

  • 5.

    Then I transferred and began working on a trail crew, helping to build and maintain hiking trails and roads throughout the state parks system.

  • 6.

    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.

  • 7.

    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.

  • 8.

    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.

Defining Moments

How I responded to discouragement

  • THE NOISE

    Messages from Friends:

    You are going nowhere in life and wasting your time.

  • How I responded:

    Most people won't get their dream job the day they graduate and enter the working world. It is going to take time and lots of hard work to get where you want to be! Do as much as you can to expand your horizons and be a desirable employee. Even though it's not fun to go to lots of interviews. Practicing those skills and being comfortable in that setting is invaluable. Above all be patient, work hard, and STAY POSITIVE!

Experiences and challenges that shaped me

Click to expand

  • I took advantage of as many aid programs as possible. Don't be too proud to apply for programs like unemployment or food stamps. It will be a lot harder to get or keep a job if you don't have a place to live or if you can't afford to eat!

  • I was diagnosed with a learning disability when I was in grade school (terrible reading comprehension). I took advantage of all the programs they had to offer at school. I also learned how to work around my disability by learning in other ways.