Rafting Operations Manager

Position Type: Full-time (March-October), Exempt (salary)

Supervisor: Rafting Senior Manager

Compensation: $37,000 - $38,600 (depending on experience); annual 12-month salary basis is approximately $57,000 - $58,000 ($27.00 - $28.00 per hour)

Location: Moab, UT (in person)

Join Our Team:

The river is calling—and so is an incredible leadership opportunity in Moab. The National Ability Center is looking for an Operations Manager who’s ready to jump in, take charge, and help deliver exceptional whitewater rafting experiences for participants with disabilities. From leading Class I–IV trips on iconic stretches of the Green and Colorado Rivers to mentoring guides and keeping operations running smoothly, this role is perfect for a hands-on leader who thrives in fast-paced environments and believes adventure should be accessible to everyone. 

Job Summary:

The Operations Manager assists the Rafting Senior Manager in planning amazing, life-changing whitewater rafting trips for participants with disabilities while also providing support and leadership for the raft guides. The Operations Manager will primarily work out of the program office in Moab, Utah, but there is also regular work in the field supporting the rafting trips. This is a full-time, Exempt (salary) position from March to October that includes year-round benefits. This position is not eligible for remote work. The schedule varies depending on the programming schedule, including regular work on evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Essential Duties:

• Guide paddle and oar rig crews through class I-IV rapids.
• Model best practices for delivering high-quality adaptive river trips.
• Assist in training field staff in proper river rafting skills, policies and procedures, trip leading, and trip planning.
• Support the Rafting Senior Manager by serving as Manager on Call during overnight rafting trips.
• Provide strong customer service while collecting all pertinent information from participants. 
• Manage food inventory, menu planning, food purchasing, and food packing.
• Maintain and repair program equipment including, but not limited to motors, rafts, frames, and oars.
• Perform necessary repairs and maintenance in and around the guide house and boat house.
• Perform needed checks on vehicles and communicate needs to appropriate staff.
• Plan trip programs to meet the needs/desires and goals of our participants.
• Adapt equipment to enable participants with special needs to fully participate.
• Assist guides with trip rigging and de-rigging as necessary.
• Assist with key fundraising events and other special events as needed to help advance program goals and support; serves as an ambassador and representative for the National Ability Center.
• Comply with National Ability Center safety and health policies and procedures.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Current Wilderness First Responder and CPR/AED (through ARC or AHA) certi?cations. 
• No less than 3 years’ experience guiding Class III+ whitewater (with preferred experience on Westwater, Desolation Canyon, Gates of Lodore and Cataract Canyon).
• Current driver’s license with clean driving record.
• Be able to maintain a Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) physical.
• Must pass a pre-employment background check.
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States. We do not sponsor employment visas or other immigration processes to attain or maintain employment eligibility.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working in the outdoor industry or adaptive recreation preferred.
• Experience working with volunteers is preferred.
• Vehicle maintenance experience a plus.
• Experience with transporting large trailers a plus.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Ability to lead large groups in an outdoor setting.
• Ability to communicate effectively with participants, co-workers and managers.
• Demonstrated ability to work productively and collaboratively within a team.
• Ability to organize and manage multiple priorities.
• Demonstrated ability to prioritize objectives and complete them in a timely manner.
• Flexible with a strong work ethic to accommodate multiple responsibilities and shifting priorities. 
• Demonstrated history of responsibility, dependability, and maturity.
• Ability to positively receive and provide job coaching for personal development.

Working Conditions:

• Able/willing to work long hours in temperatures which regularly exceed 100 degrees.
• Able/willing to lift and carry objects weighing up to 75 lbs. 
• Able/willing to work irregular hours with a schedule which changes often.
• Able/willing to drive the shuttle van (with or without trailer) when needed.
• Attend trainings and special events at the National Ability Center in Park City, UT when necessary.

Benefits:

• ACA Swiftwater Rescue Training 
• Health Insurance with Health Savings Account 
• Employer Contribution to HSA 
• Dental Insurance 
• Vision Insurance 
• Long-term Disability 
• Life Insurance 
• Voluntary Accident and Hospital Plans
• Paid Time Off (PTO) annually 
• Paid Holidays
• 403(b) Plan with Employer Match
• Parental Leave 
• Pet Insurance
• Pro Deals with gear companies