Institute Operations Manager - Yellowstone Association

Location: Gardiner, Montana
Reports To: Director of Education

Summary Description:

The Yellowstone Association Institute is a nonprofit field school operated in partnership with the National Park Service. We offer a variety of educational programs on the wildlife, plants, geology, and history of Yellowstone. This year we will provide about 100,000 contact hours of education for more than 5,000 park visitors (primarily adults and families). Courses are based at our Lamar Buffalo Ranch Field Campus, Yellowstone Overlook Field Campus, park hotels, and in the backcountry. For a complete description of the Institute program, please visit us at www.YellowstoneAssociation.org.

The Institute operations manager is directly responsible for managing the Institute’s educational facilities and support staff. This includes three facilities: the Yellowstone Overlook Field Campus and the Yellowstone Association (YA) Headquarters in Gardiner, Montana, and the Lamar Buffalo Ranch Field Campus located in the park interior. Facility operations include both lodging and office operations, and are supported in a variety of capacities by a highly professional and committed volunteer staff. This position works closely with the program manager to ensure a high level of program quality and customer service, and oversees a growing volunteer program critical to our educational operations. Key components of this position are overseeing our volunteer program, maintaining a positive and productive culture at all our lodging facilities, and managing vehicles, equipment, and related operational details.

Success in this position requires rigorous attention to detail, excellent interpersonal skills, the ability to supervise and motivate a team, strategic thinking, and the ability to effectively and creatively coordinate a diverse set of tasks to accomplish educational goals set by the organization. This is a key management position with growth potential in one of the country’s premiere national park field schools.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Directly supervise a full-time campus manager and seasonal volunteers.
• Oversee volunteer program, incorporating over 13,000 volunteer hours and over 30 volunteers each year who support our programs and maintain our educational facilities.
• Develop and manage a detailed budget for facilities, vehicles, equipment, volunteers, and staffing.
• Serve on an integrated management team to address issues such as wilderness risk management, marketing, fundraising, and program quality.
• Promote a friendly, welcoming, and professional atmosphere and a high level of customer service at our educational facilities.
• Hold primary responsibility for daily operations at the Yellowstone Overlook Field Campus and the YA Headquarters.
• Manage logistical operations related to all Institute educational programs, including vehicle and facility maintenance, equipment and facility scheduling, and supply acquisition and inventory.
• Play a key role in the Institute’s risk management program including sharing on-call responsibilities, remaining current in Wilderness First Aid and CPR certifications, and providing risk management and emergency response trainings.
• Valid United States driver’s license required, ability to pass a Department of Transportation medical exam, satisfactory review of driving record, and satisfactory background check.
• Coordinate efforts to promote YA membership and sales programs.
• Represent YA and its mission accurately and positively to a diverse audience of Institute students, fellow staff, National Park Service personnel, and the general public including the promotion of YA memberships and sales programs.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree and/or equivalent experience in environmental education, hospitality, facilities management, or a closely related field.
• Previous experience supervising staff and volunteers in an experiential setting.
• Strong leadership, communication, organization, time management, and interpersonal skills.
• Collaborative management style and the ability to work well in a team.
• Excellent customer service skills. Hospitality experience desirable.
• Ability to maintain positive working relationships with coworkers, park partners, neighbors, and visitors.
• Ability to think strategically and with vision, and to formulate and execute plans efficiently and effectively.
• Demonstrated commitment to the educational mission of YA.
• Valid US driver’s license required. Ability to pass a Department of Transportation medical exam, satisfactory review of your driving record, and background check.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends.
• Experience with wilderness risk management, current CPR and Wilderness First Aid certifications preferred.
• Computer competency (MS office) is required.

Compensation:

Annual salary of $42,000 based on experience. Starting benefits include two weeks paid vacation, ten paid holidays, retirement program, and flexible benefit plan.
 
To Apply:

Please send resume, cover letter, and three professional references to:

Jeff Brown
Executive Director
jeffbrown@yellowstoneassociation.org

This position will remain open until filled. Employment will begin as soon as possible.

The Yellowstone Association is an equal opportunity employer.