POSITION TITLE: Operations Manager (OM) Full Time, Year Round
Adventures Without Limits - Forest Grove, OR Start Date: March 1, 2022
ORGANIZATION DESCRIPTION Adventures Without Limits (AWL) is a small non-profit with a big mission! Our team is passionate about providing opportunity and adventure to all people, regardless of ability level, socioeconomic status, gender, ethnicity, or age. AWL adventures are inclusive, adaptive, and community oriented! We believe that everyone should have access to the mental, physical, and social benefits of time spent outdoors. Our programs aim to inspire personal growth, instill confidence, develop peer relationships, and enhance awareness of the natural environment through whitewater rafting, flatwater kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, climbing, and camping trips. Our community is wide and diverse; we work with individuals with disabilities, seniors, youth, school groups, people experiencing poverty, nonprofit partners, and corporate groups alike from Forest Grove and the greater Portland Metro area. At AWL, we value an inclusive atmosphere that encourages shared growth and learning among both staff and participants.
JOB DESCRIPTION You’re a packing wizard and outdoor gear connoisseur, you thrive at problem solving, logistics and leading teams. Even on the most challenging of days, you’re able to stay positive and prioritize the safety and happiness of the participants. Ambitious and motivated, you’re passionate about providing outdoor adventures to historically underrepresented communities. As the Operations Manager (OM), your primary responsibility will be managing trip logistics and ensuring the execution of high quality and successful outdoor programming. This may include but is not limited to the following: training and managing guide staff, interns and volunteers; managing and maintenance of outdoor equipment; guiding outdoor programs; pre/post program communication and logistics; and assisting the Program Director and the Director of Outreach and Development as needed. Most of this role is in the office at the Forest Grove headquarters alongside the Program Director (PD), and in the field, generally within a 2 hour radius of Portland. As AWL’s lead guide, you will share camaraderie with an extended family of outdoor recreation lovers, and spend plenty of time in the field!
IN THIS ROLE, YOU WILL: ● Uphold AWL’s mission, values, and culture ● Guide outdoor adventure programs, modeling best guiding practices and AWL values in the field ● Manage pre/post trip communications with guides, volunteers, participants and the Program Director (PD) ● Oversee all trip logistics including purchasing, packing and preparing program equipment ● Oversee maintenance and repairs for warehouse equipment, gear, and vehicles ● Oversee AWL’s policies, procedures, and philosophies relating to accommodations and inclusion ● Implement Risk Management strategies; review existing policies and modify as needed, including Covid-19 related health and safety risks ● Assist with program evaluation, analysis, and tracking ● Assist to train a team of seasonal guide staff, volunteers, and interns in the areas of: whitewater rafting, kayaking, paddle boarding, snowshoeing, rock climbing, cross-country skiing, backpacking, LNT ethics ● Assist with increasing participation numbers ● Assist with operational permits and licenses ● Assist to develop, schedule and manage AWL programs OPERATIONS
MANAGER JOB DESCRIPTION WHAT WE NEED FROM YOU: ● Professional experience in the outdoor education/guide/outfitter industry, preferably working with historically underserved communities ● Knowledge of principles and practices of recreational programming for people with a variety of disabilities - including intake assessment, outfitting and adaptive equipment, risk management protocol ● Excellent facilitation and presentation skills ● Extensive experience guiding some or all of the following activities: whitewater rafting, kayaking, paddle boarding, canoeing, rock climbing, backpacking, snowshoeing, and/or cross country skiing ● Ability to assess and implement risk management practices as it relates to outdoor and adaptive programs ● Must be willing to keep flexible hours, with extended hours guiding trips in the summer busy season ● Wilderness First Responder certification, or the ability to obtain in the first 6 months of employment ● Familiarity with outdoor gear, equipment, trailers, and vehicles ● Experience or the ability to learn to drive vans with trailers ● Valid driver’s license with no negative incidents ● Knowledge and experience in Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI), anti-racism, anti-ableism ● Ability to tackle multiple projects and challenges and be self-directed
WE ALSO REALLY LOVE TO SEE: ● Google Suite experience (gmail, shared drives, google docs) ● Certifications in Kayak or Canoe instruction (ex: ACA) ● Swiftwater Rescue Training Certification (SRT-1), or the ability to obtain this in the first year of employment ● AMGA Single Pitch Instructor ● Multilingual, fluency in Spanish and/or American Sign Language ● Experience with or the ability to learn registration and website software ● Excellent communication and writing skills
WHY AWL? Adventures Without Limits is a big extended family. Diversity, inclusion, and authenticity are core values at AWL. We are constantly striving to hire those with similar or shared lived experiences as our community members. We highly encourage applicants with diverse backgrounds, experiences, abilities, and perspectives. BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and candidates living with a disability are highly encouraged to apply. No matter who you are, if inclusive recreation is your passion, we want to hear from you!
IN EXCHANGE FOR YOUR BRILLIANCE, YOU WILL RECEIVE: $38,000 – $45,000 (DOE) Salary with Benefits, including: ● 2 weeks paid vacation ● 5 paid holidays ● Health and dental insurance; covered at 75% ● 403b retirement plan ● Professional development opportunities REPORTS TO: Program Director/Executive Director
OPERATIONS MANAGER JOB DESCRIPTION WORK ENVIRONMENT: This position will work out of our office located in Forest Grove, OR. Your time will be split between the office/warehouse and in the field for programs. During our busy season (May-Sept) expect to spend roughly 60% of your time in the field and 40% of your time in the office. During the slower months (Oct-Apr) expect to spend roughly 30% of your time in the field and 70% of your time in the office. HOW TO APPLY: Please email a resume, cover letter, relevant certifications, references, and a trip log with each file labeled “Last Name, First Name, Document (ie. resume)” to info@awloutdoors.org, with “Operations Manager” in the subject line. Priority Deadline for Applications: January 21st, 2022 by 11:59 pm. Applications accepted on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
EMPLOYMENT TIMELINE 1/21/22- Priority deadline to apply 1/31-2/4- Interviews 2/7-2/11- Notification of employment 3/1/22- Anticipated start date
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY Adventures Without Limits is an equal opportunity employer. Diversity and inclusion are core values at AWL, and applicants with diverse backgrounds, experiences, ability, and perspectives are highly encouraged to apply. We are prepared to provide an interpreter for the interview process. Additional arrangements may be arranged as needed.