Aerial & Bike Manager

For 52 years NOC has led the outdoor industry, taking more guests whitewater rafting and teaching more paddlers than any other outdoor recreation company. NOC also provides top-quality aerial and trail-based adventures, wilderness medicine as well as unmatched retail service, foodservice, lodging, and trip planning services. NOC career opportunities offer a rare combination of work in beautiful locations, a chance to grow skills and to share a passion for active outdoor recreation.

JOB SUMMARY

The Aerial & Biking Operations Manager is an exciting, dynamic and rewarding position with NOC. This position is responsible for leading a staff of 25-30 and facilitating unforgettable experiences for our guests and Guides alike. This position is multi-faceted and is responsible for all aspects of NOC's Aerial operations including, but not limited to: staffing and hiring, training, operations and facility management. In addition, the Aerial Operations Manager has opportunities for professional development and to pursue relevant higher level certifications.

The Aerial Operations Manager, reports to the Director of Adventure Operations and is a benefits eligible position. The Aerial Operations Manager is classified as a 9/12 management role in which the manager will work in a full time capacity for 9 months out of each calendar year. Duties in the other three months will be determined and agreed upon with the direct supervisor Due to the seasonal nature of this position, hours and schedule will vary from week to week based on business demands.

Responsibilities

Physical Functions

• Execute various physical positions and stance required to complete practitioner responsibilities.
• Effectively handle ropes, cables and other equipment to successfully create knots, belay and rigging used in the necessary structures for operation and breakdown of the aerial course.
• Physically move through a variety of obstacles and terrain included in the aerials course and in emergency situations.
• Ascend, descend and traverse from heights which could exceed 50 feet.
• Perform, as needed, specific first-aid procedures
• Posses ability to perform required job duties for extended periods of time while being exposed to weather conditions including precipitation, temperature extremes and wind
• Recognize depth perception in order to identify safety hazards in normal and emergency environments
• Ability to recognize safety hazards in a variety of normal and emergency environments.

Cognitive and Emotional Functions

• Communicate in a clear, calm and understandable manner with guests and employees in high stress situations involving safety issues, weather delays and medical emergencies.
• Ability to recognize and deliver sensitive information with participants and employees based on their personality type
• Understand, execute, and implement specific oral and written instructions
• Utilize sound reasoning skills during stressful events which require a discretionary decision that can involve the risk of death or serious bodily injury.
• Develop methods of prioritization and plan implementation
• Create and implement appropriate procedures in a given situation in which no specific guidelines, instructions or process has been established.
• Apply theoretical instruction to real events and situation resulting in a successful outcome.

Aerial Operations

• Work with Director of Adventure Operations to set the long-term planning and vision for the Aerial and Mountain Biking operations, including training and development
• Ensure all daily course inspections are completed and being stored appropriately
• Budgeting
  • Request, review and oversee approved budgets and closely track revenue
  • Accountable for all expenses/labor
• Oversee all aspects of the daily guide/trip schedule
• Work closely with the Director of Adventure Operations to adjust availability and resources to meet business demands
• Support Sales and Marketing by serving as liaison to key groups, and any potential community partners
• Develop and maintain key relationships with all governing and permitting agencies as well as local connections that are key to running an efficient operation
• Supervise daily opening and closing duties of operations as needed
• Responsible for ensuring compliance with all NOC and ACCT training standards and regulations
• Lead the Aerial Operations in accordance with NOC’s Core Values
• Conduct routine repairs and/or coordinate with the GM on larger repair and maintenance projects
• Manage maintenance of Aerial operations in coordination with the annual inspection report
• Identify and communicate departmental and resource needs, issues, and proposed solutions
• Uphold NOC's standard of safe, fun and efficient trips
• Ensure guests can continue to expect the highest levels of quality service and professionalism

Mountain Biking Operations

• Create and manage the annual Bike Budget
• Interview/Hire Head Bike Mechanic and assist them with interviewing, scheduling, trail maintenance etc.
• Order for new bike fleet, helmets and associated parts.
• Receive and inventory the order yearly orders
• Coordinate with contractor for building bikes
• Manage the Flint Ridge trail system.
• Coordinate with NOC’s maintenance department to construct necessary infrastructure for long term growth.
• Work with NOC’s bike guides to enhance the guided bike program
• Other activities and responsibilities as may be required for the operation of the Biking Department

Staffing

• Hire and supervise a staff of up to 35 individuals in a variety of positions including, but not limited to: Assistant Managers, Lead Guides, Aerial Guides and Drivers
• Set and communicate expectations to Guides to ensure accountability within the workplace
• Monitor and oversee time and attendance to minimize overtime
• Effective collaborate with NOC’s HR department to ensure all new Aerials hires are on-boarded in a timely fashion.
• Complete all end of season paperwork for each employee
• Coordinate and conduct performance reviews and exit interviews
• Facilitate a positive team dynamic among operations staff
• Manage and maintain a healthy community for Guides while at work

Qualifications

Required

• ACCT Level 2 Certification
• Must be 21 years of age
• WFA and CPR certification, extra certifications are a plus.
• Deep familiarity with ACCT regulations and safety requirements
• Familiarity with regulations of the CMV, OSHA, ANSI and other governing agencies and regulatory bodies
• Passion for the outdoor industry and leading an outdoor lifestyle
• Strong set of social and leadership skills and an assertive personality
• Extensive knowledge of the proper care of all equipment commonly used in Aerial operations
• Strong sense of guest service

Preferred

• High level of canopy tour and adventure park operations experience and expertise
• CDL with passenger endorsement (or the ability to quickly and efficiently obtain their CDL)
• Rescue training certifications
• Experience and proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook

Physical Demands and Working Conditions:

• Able to carry up to 30lbs
• Able to carry heavy equipment over long distances and upstairs
• Be comfortable working at heights of 60+ feet above the ground
• Being comfortable in a harness for extended periods of time
• Must be physically capable of assisting guest retrieval
• Ability to stand for extended periods of time
• Must be able to belay participants between 60-250lbs
• Must be able to effectively perform self-rescue
• Must be able to bend, stoop and twist
• Comfortable working in various climates (heat, cold, wind, rain)

The above noted job description is not intended to describe, in detail, the multitude of tasks that may be assigned but rather to provide a general sense of the responsibilities and expectations of this position. As the nature of business demands change, so too may the essential functions of this position.

Please note that as an employer with over 100 employees, NOC will be required to comply with any OSHA Vaccination and Testing Emergency Temporary Standard should that standard be enacted.

The Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC) is dedicated to the principles of equal employment opportunity in any and all terms, conditions or privileges of employment including hiring, promotions, termination, training and compensation. The NOC does not discriminate against applicants or employees on the basis of age, race, sex, color, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic condition or any other status protected by federal, state or local law, where applicable. Furthermore, the NOC is committed to a work environment free of discrimination and harassment through respecting and valuing the diversity among employees and all those with whom the NOC does business.