Adventure Karts Operations Manager

Company:                    Alaska Rainforest Sanctuary (ARS), LLC dba Kawanti Adventures

Position Title:              Adventure Karts Operations Manager

Department:                  Tour Operations
Reports to:                  ARS Director of Operations

Reporting to you:         Karts Guides

Role Summary:

The Adventure Karts Operations Manager is a leadership role responsible for overseeing the company’s Adventure Karts tour operations, staff performance, visitor safety, and commercial operations. This position provides strategic oversight of daily karts operations including tours, facility and vehicle maintenance, retail and photo sales while identifying new opportunities for growth. The Adventure Karts Operations Manager works closely with the guides, retail manager, transportation department, business partners, and cruise line representatives, and maintains alignment with company goals and values.

Key Outcomes:

Recruit, hire, and train guides; oversee all guide training programs.

Lead and supervise staff through effective hiring, training, scheduling, and performance management including performance evaluations.

Build a positive team culture that promotes morale, collaboration, and professional development.

Develop and manage tour schedules and throughput to maximize guest participation and sales opportunities.

Ensure safe, efficient, and compliant tour operations, protecting both guests and staff.

Continuously improve guest experience and safety protocols, ensuring high satisfaction and repeat business.

Coordinate response to emergencies.

Strengthen business partnerships with cruise lines, independent agents, corporate lessors, and adventure affiliates; perform all duties associated with correspondence of ships on a daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly basis.

Collaborate with marketing and sales teams to increase visibility and maximize bookings.

Achieve budget and revenue targets by monitoring profit and loss variances, controlling expenses, and managing payroll and inventory.

Order all inventory and equipment required for seasonal operations.

Record keeping for all staff, equipment, and facilities.

Oversee equipment and facilities maintenance, ensuring reliability and safety of karts, gear, and grounds.

Develop and implement new ideas when and where needed; maintain and increase industry standards.

Responsible for retail by stocking merchandise, assisting customers with sales, and maintaining accurate inventory record in coordination with ARS Retail Manager.

Efficient coordination of transportation in coordination with Transportation Manager.

Other Duties as Assigned:

Take on additional responsibilities to support the success of the organization and uphold company values and strategic goals.

Core Competencies:

Leads and develops staff through effective recruitment, training, and supervision.

Manages operations with a focus on safety, compliance, and efficiency.

Delivers excellent customer service and ensures positive guest experiences.

Achieves financial goals by controlling expenses and strengthening partnerships.

Communicates clearly and collaborates across teams and stakeholders.

Solves problems and makes sound decisions under pressure.

Success in This Role Looks Like:

A well-trained, motivated team that feels supported through clear leadership, regular feedback, and professional development opportunities.

Daily operations run smoothly and safely, with full compliance with company policies and DOT regulations, even when managed remotely.

Guests consistently enjoy memorable, high-quality experiences that balance adventure with safety, leading to strong satisfaction, positive guest reviews and repeat business.

Tours and schedules are thoughtfully designed to maximize participation, revenue, and efficiency while maintaining a positive guest flow.

Equipment, facilities, and inventory are reliably maintained, ensuring readiness for seasonal operations and minimizing downtime.

Strong business partnerships and clear communication with peers, cruise lines, agents, and affiliates contributing to growth and long-term success.

Emergencies are handled promptly and effectively, protecting both guests and staff while reinforcing trust in operations.

Demonstrates alignment with company values through leadership behaviors and decision-making.

100% compliance with internal safety policies and DOT regulations.

Requisite Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities:

Ability to independently manage program, staff, and facility with minimal supervision.

Knowledge of and experience with adventure course operations, including safety regulations, equipment maintenance, and guest experience.

Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to motivate and inspire a team.

Excellent time management, problem-solving and decision-making skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Current first aid and CPR certification, or willingness to obtain certification.

Excellent organizational skills to meet goals and set priorities.

Knowledge of, or ability to learn, product, service, or area of customer service specialization.

Proficiency in Microsoft Suite Office and other business software.

Strong leadership and interpersonal skills and the ability to motivate and direct a team.

Excellent customer service skills with the ability to respond to customer inquiries and complaints.

Reliable and timely attendance with the ability to work flexible hours, including early mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Effectively interact and communicate with peers, managers, and other Department employees.

Independently manage work and schedule to meet all deadlines and expectations.

Skilled problem solving, ability to identify solutions, and execute standard relevant processes.

Work effectively in a team environment, collaborating across work segments and departments with diverse personalities and requirements.

Recognize opportunities to contribute and collaborate with other areas and departments when individual workloads are light.

Exceptional verbal and written communication skills.

Conduct oneself with the highest level of integrity and confidentiality.

Physical Demands and Requirements:

Mobility across the site.

Ability to handle stress and pressure created by simultaneous demands.

Ability to work on-site, indoors and outdoors, with exposure to noise, heat and cold.

Ability to frequently work at a fast pace with unscheduled interruptions.

Ability to work with members of the public, requiring appropriate appearance and attire.

ADA: The employer will make reasonable accommodations in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.

Experience/Education Requirements:

No felony convictions or criminal convictions that would interfere with job responsibilities.

Minimum 18 years old.