Job: Head Boatman

Job Description

Job Type: Seasonal Full time, Hourly

Wage: $175-$245/day 

Location: Buena Vista, CO.

Job Description:

Why not work for the best adventure guide company in the state of Colorado. AVA has several locations that all offer their own unique opportunities and activities (so much more than rafting and ziplining). Employees enjoy consistent work where they help make lifetime memories for their guests every day. The good times don't stop on your days off as AVA employees can experience any of our activities they want for free! Our positive and energetic culture have led countless co-workers to friends and memories that last a lifetime. There are even opportunities for year-round employment through our sister companies, Breckenridge Ski Sport and Peak 1 Express. What are you waiting for? Adventure awaits.

Why work for AVA Rafting Zipline?

Perks Include:

• End of Season Bonus
• Free Adventure Trips with AVA
• Free Shared Shuttle Services with Peak 1 Express
• Free Ski, Snowboard and Bike Rentals with Breckenridge Ski & Sport
• Employee Campground Offered at Buena Vista &
• Idaho Springs Locations Year-round work opportunities available through AVA, Peak 1 Express and Breckenridge Ski Sport
• Health Insurance
• 401(k) offered.
• ProForm Deals Available to All Employees
• Discounts for Friends Family on AVA Adventure Trips
• Discounts for Friends Family on Peak 1 Express Services

Job Overview:

The Head Boatman will oversee all aspects related to the daily functioning of the outpost as well as long term strategic planning, logistics and financial accountability of the operations.

Job Responsibilities:

Understand and serve the company’s best interest and goals

Supervision

• Communicate and exemplify AVA’s policies, mission, vision, and core values to staff
• Supervise all outpost staff Become proficient at every job under your supervision, including Retail, Check-in, Food prep and ordering, Rentals, Fly Fishing, Rafting, and Equipment repair and organization
• Monitor staff performance and perform ongoing coaching/feedback to staff, incorporating the Mission, Vision, and Core Values into daily coaching
• When needed, determine the appropriate disciplinary actions
• Determine and enforce outpost hierarchy/structure
• Set expectations with all employees prior to starting work
• Work with the other managers to assign team leaders
• Conduct weekly team meetings with team leaders – this will allow an avenue for staff to voice their concerns through their team leader
• Address staff concerns and work to create a positive and productive working relationship with all staff
• Have a pulse on the wellbeing of the outpost by checking in with team leaders, transportation supervisor, mechanics, property supervisor, Gold Camp mayor, and kitchen supervisor
• Perform Mid-season and end of season Manager and staff performance reviews

General Management

• Work with your Deputy Managers to develop a schedule where there is always a Manager on Duty (MOD).
• Ensue all operations prioritize safety, all managers understand safety requirements, and all staff follow safety protocols
• Act as the Manager on Duty during the designated times throughout the week.
• Respond to issues, fires, Guest Service Issues, sale’s requests/questions, guide issues, etc. that arise during that time
• When not working as the MOD, do activities that adds to the running of the day. These activities could be guiding, driving, working in the store, or cleaning/maintaining the property
• Make sure a plan is in place when you are not present or on your weekend
• Attend Scrum at least 4 days per week
• Work with Duke to continue to develop skills as a manager and logistical planner

Clerical Responsibilities

• Assist in maintaining Adventure Ops, payroll submission, and Trip Leader sheets
• When needed, work with High Ops to daily enter TL reports and to rectify Adventure Ops
• Check the bookings each morning and adjust the schedule to accommodate changes
• Communicate with the Sales office to determine maximum capacities and operational changes based on water levels and staff/equipment inventory
• Assist the other managers and High Ops to ensure an on-time submission of payroll due Tuesday at 9am every other week
• Create a weekly schedule for all retail staff
• Ensure that the schedule is created, updated, and correct for the following day for guides, drivers, and retail staff, making any needed edits
• Ensure all hiring paperwork is submitted based on the paperwork tracker
• Ensure complete and accurate guide files
• Ensure post use is submitted after each season on time and accurately
• Ensure outpost inventory and wish lists are complete, organized, and submitted

Training

• Ensure that all staff is trained in a high level of guest service that will facilitate success
• Manage successful river training
• Manage successful Fly Fishing guide training
• Manage successful retail/guest service staff training
• Continue to implement an extensive training program for new, returning, and new to AVA but experienced guides.
• Manage the refresher courses for return staff Ensure all operations and trainings are completed in accordance with both internal and external requirements for safety, legal access/permitting, and documentation
• Conduct bi-weekly safety meetings
• Conduct monthly staff meetings

Operational Efficiencies

• Search for all opportunities for cost savings that does not impact the guest experience or safety in a negative manner
• Communicate with Sales office to determine maximum capacities and operational changes based on water levels
• Adhere to a budget set by the finance team Budgets will be issued for multiple departments at the outpost location. Outpost managers are responsible for planning with adherence to all of these budgets
• Develop long-term and short-term strategies for increasing efficiency within AVA
• Work with the other managers on any other assigned tasks

Emergency response

• Be the point person when incidents occur
• Be well-versed in Accident/Near Miss response and reporting
• Oversee documentation and document collection in the event of accidents and incidents Investigate accidents and near misses and train staff on how to improve Regulation
• Maintain detailed knowledge of all applicable regulations and regulatory agencies
• Obtain a good knowledge of all applicable regulations, including BLM permitting and use permits and regulations, ROL, and USFS
• Have a good knowledge of all transportation regulations, including DOT/FMCSA Understand all the regulations relating to boat use, permitting, and guide records
• Maintain complete and accurate records – this includes but is not limited to Guide records, Driver records, Vehicle records, Equipment maintenance, and Safety inspections
• Keep records for maintenance, daily, weekly, monthly, and annual inspections, guide training, continuing education, accident reporting, prevention plans, and safety meetings, as well as any other documentation recommended/required by the store of Colorado, ACCT, AHRA, and insurance
• Monitor fleet performance If mechanical abnormalities are noticed by drivers contact Transportation Supervisor to coordinate maintenance
• Assist in developing emergency protocols for all possible scenarios involving vehicle problems, guest issues, weather extremes, road closures, river closures, guide injury, guest injury, etc.
• Ensure drivers are following all DOT and FMCSA regulations
• Provide verbal and written records of any policy or safety violations and provide coaching with drivers/guides

River Specific Responsibilities

• Manage all staff and monitor performance, paying special attention to river staff
• Guide tours when needed
• Maintain trip operations in the most efficient manner possible to meet guest needs and budget restrictions
• Oversee all river program initiatives
• Ensure timely maintenance and repairs, annual inspections, and ongoing best practices for all river operations
• Ensure inventory is complete and that gear that needs to be retired is taken out of the inventory and either destroyed or marked such that it cannot be accidentally added back into the inventory
• Submit a list of gear to be replaced or additional gear needed at the end of each season
• Monitoring fleet performance
• Coordinate all routine maintenance and vehicle repairs as needed.
• Ensure that drivers are following all DOT and FMSCA regulations, including hours-of-service regulations, drug testing, and recordkeeping.
• Provide verbal and written records of any policy and safety violations and provide coaching or correction

Transportation Responsibilities

• Monitoring fleet performance
• Coordinate all routine maintenance and vehicle repairs as needed.
• Ensure that drivers are following all DOT and FMSCA regulations, including hours-of-service regulations, drug testing, and recordkeeping.
• Provide verbal and written records of any policy and safety violations and provide coaching or correction when needed.
• Provide ongoing feedback/coaching to drivers to ensure safe driving habits
• Create and maintain the driver schedule.
• Ensure the schedule is set up to be as efficient as possible

Operational Work

• In order to effectively act as a General Manager that has authority over other departments, this role will be cross trained in the other operational fields to a proficient level of understanding.
• Assist the Deputy Manager that is overseeing the Fly Fishing program in maintaining program compliance with all local, state, and federal agencies.
• Help to ensure that all necessary fly-fishing compliance paperwork is complete. I.e., TL reports, incident reports, fishing licenses and CPW required paperwork
• Assist in managing the fly-fishing and rental programs, being well versed in the operational logistics of each program.
• Understand how to perform daily inventory and inspections of fly-fishing gear pre and post trip
• Assist in managing the fly-fishing guide schedule and off days
• Maintain and deliver exemplary guest service to satisfy and surpass guest expectations and to ensure a world class experience.
• Resolve any escalated guest service issues (GSIs) that arise when the Deputy Manager specialized in Guest Service is not available.
• Address upset guests with the goal of turning each interaction into a happy customer return.
• Be informed of all GSI or operational issues
• Ensure that cleanliness and organization are kept at all times for the store, restrooms, office, break rooms, storage spaces, parking lot, boat barn, and the outpost in general.
• Develop an understanding of the products in the store and how the store is run, including financial accountability.
• Develop an understanding for how guests are checked in for trips, waivers are verified, store purchases are made, photos are sent, in person reservations are booked, orders are received, among other daily guest service responsibilities so that you could assist in these duties when needed
• Develop a proficient understanding of all relevant software programs, including Adventure Res, Adventure Ops, Vend, Deputy, EZ Waiver, PicThrive, among others.
• Work with Property supervisor to maintain cleanliness and upkeep of entire Outpost property
• Daily pick up trash around the outpost 

Required Experience & Skills:

• Ability to communicate effectively across departments
• Outstanding customer service skills
• Ability to interact in a friendly and comfortable manner with supervisors and employees via phone and in person
• Extremely detailed oriented
• Intermediate computer skills
• Team oriented
• Must be available for weekends and holidays
• Must be able to pass a criminal background check
• Instill confidence and motivate staff
• Clean driving record
• CPR & First Aid

Preferred Experience & Skills:

• Rafting and Zip lining
• CDL
• Advanced Excel skills
• Swiftwater Rescue Instructor
• WFR

If you are interested in joining the AVA team, then please apply today! AVA strives to deliver the very highest level of guest service while bringing awareness and understanding of the surrounding wilderness to our guests. As leaders in our industry, we set examples in safety, professionalism, outdoor skills and guest service, while providing low-impact environmental recreation. Apply Today!

AVA Rafting Zipline is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status or any other status protected by applicable law.

Job Listing Anticipated Close Date: 5/1/2024

**Disclaimer: The duties and responsibilities described above are not a comprehensive list and additional tasks may be assigned to the employee, time to time; the scope of the job may change as necessitated by business demands. Click “View Application” below for more detail on this specific job.