Assistant Manager Pigeon River Operations (2024 Season)

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 Assistant River Manager is responsible for relationship building, communication and administrative/logistic duties for the Pigeon River Operation including: planning, accounting, logistics, staff management, hiring paperwork, culture, training and many other functions described in detail below.

Responsibilities:

Administrative/Logistic

• Help implement the long-term plan and vision for the river operation.
• Budgeting –closely track and monitor expenses, especially labor.
• Set and hold firm to the standards and expectations for the Pigeon River.
• Ensure compliance of all government and other regulatory bodies’ rules and regulations.
• Oversee all aspects of the daily guide/trip work schedule. In cooperation with the Manager, the Assistant River Manager must make equipment adjustments in Flybook in accordance with availability and booking needs to ensure adequate resources are available throughout the day.
• Shares in responsibility for ordering, purchasing and maintenance of facilities, equipment and supplies necessary to the Operation.
• Assign daily opening and closing duties for operation and ensure equipment is being properly cared for of and labor is monitored closely.
• Work closely with Group Sales to insure that each NOC group is taken care of to the highest of NOC standards.
• Weekly handle all ADP time and attendance. Ensure that any staff members that are having excessive time overages are addressed properly.
• Drive the bus, load boats, guide river trips and fill in where needed in the operation

Relationship Building

• Develop and maintain key relationships with all governing and permitting agencies as well as local connections that are key to running an efficient operation.
• Hold the highest level of standards to ensure NOC guests continue to expect the highest levels of quality service and professionalism from start to finish.
• Ensure a positive team dynamic amongst river staff.
• Manage and maintain a healthy community for guides while at work.
• Ensure all precautions are taken into consideration when evaluating any operational or on water issue to satisfy the NOC standard of safe, fun and efficient trips for both guests and guides.

Communication

• Clearly communicate with Guides, other NOC departments and individuals both internally and externally to provide smooth daily operations and a healthy culture amongst staff.
• Communicate to identify the resource needs for the river, understanding that other profit centers may take precedence for the greater good of the company.
• Update interpretive plans and implement guide testing to deliver on the NOC brand promise.
• Communicate and work closely with the Operations Resource Analyst and other River Managers to ensure that availability and resources are adjusted appropriately to drive maximum efficiency/profit for the NOC.
• Regularly communicate expectations to all staff and annually have a one on one with all seasonal staff to evaluate their performance.

Supervision & Support:

• The Assistant River Manager will supervise a variety of positions to include, but not limited to: Trip Leaders, Czars, Guides, Guide Trainers, Drivers, Photographers, Retail Personnel, Food Service Personnel, Repair and Maintenance Personnel, Head Guides.

Position Qualifications:

• Knowledge, skills and abilities necessary to perform work assignments of the River Operation are essential. Strong social skills and an assertive personality that can effectively be used to deal with, juggle and mediate where needed with guides, guests, other departments and companies as well as all others who impact the operation.
• Minimum education: A four year college degree is preferred.
• A high level of whitewater rafting experience and expertise is required. Previous experience as a NOC Guide and trip leader is highly preferred.
• Must be willing to embody and model the goals and focus of the management team and NOC, in particular, responsibility, accountability, flexibility, and the desire to provide our guests with a high-quality experience.
• Licenses and certification required by statute or regulation: The Assistant River Manager should possess or be prepared and able to obtain quickly and efficiently:
  • A current CDL with passenger and air brake endorsements.
  • AWFA and CPR certification or a higher level of first aid/CPR training other river rescue certifications a plus.
• Strong guest service orientation and ability.
• Demonstrate flexible and efficient time management with the ability to prioritize workload.
• Requires demonstrated poise, tact, diplomacy, professionalism and accountability.
• Self-disciplined, detail oriented and highly organized.
• Ability to function as a team player, take direction as well as function independently.
• Passion for the outdoor industry and leading an outdoor lifestyle.

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.