Job Description
Job Type: Seasonal, Salaried
Wage: $1,150/wk.
Location: Buena Vista, CO.
Job Description:
The Division Manager will be responsible for the successful launch, growth, and day to day operations of a new, high potential division for Mild to Wild Rafting on the Arkansas River. This role requires a blend of entrepreneurial drive, hands-on operational management, team leadership, and a deep commitment to safety and exceptional guest experience. The manager must maintain close coordination including but not limited to the Risk Management Officer and company leadership.
Reporting Structure & Key Relationships
- Direct Supervisor: Colorado Operations Director
- Safety Partnership: This role reports to and works closely with the Risk Management Officer to ensure all divisional activities meet stringent safety and risk mitigation standards.
- Chain of Communication (Escalation Path):
- Risk Management Officer
- Business Manager
- Founders
Key Responsibilities1. Startup & Business Development
- Strategy and Growth: Develop and execute the division's business plan, including marketing strategies, pricing models, and operational workflows to achieve revenue and growth targets.
- Budget Management: Create and manage the division's annual budget, monitoring expenditures and optimizing cost-efficiency.
- Stakeholder Coordination: Work closely with the core Mild to Wild Rafting departments (Guest Services, Reservations, Maintenance, Marketing) to integrate the new division seamlessly.
2. Operations, Safety, & Risk Management
- Daily Operations: Oversee all logistical aspects of the division’s trips, ensuring smooth and efficient daily flow, including permitting, shuttle coordination, and equipment readiness.
- Compliance: Ensure 100% compliance with all local, state, and federal permitting, regulations, and safety standards for the Arkansas River, in coordination with the Risk Management Officer.
- Equipment & Inventory: Manage the inventory, inspection, maintenance, and annual procurement of all division-specific gear and equipment.
- Emergency Planning: Develop and maintain division-specific emergency action plans and incident reporting protocols in coordination with the Risk Management Officer.
3. Team Leadership & Development
- Hiring & Training: Recruit, hire, train, and manage all divisional staff (Guides, Trip leaders and support staff), ensuring all meet or exceed required certification standards.
- Performance Management: Conduct regular performance reviews, provide constructive feedback, and foster a positive, supportive, and safety-conscious team culture.
- Scheduling: Create and manage staff schedules to optimize coverage while managing labor costs.
4. Company Culture and Differentiation
- Lead a culture of operational excellence that promotes guide professionalism, continuing education, and risk minimization.
- Embrace decision making in the framework of maximizing guest experience, profitability, and employee satisfaction.
5. Qualifications
- Experience:
- 3+ years of commercial whitewater rafting experience, with a focus on the Arkansas River preferred.
- 2+ years of management or supervisory experience in an outdoor adventure/tourism setting.
- Proven experience launching a new program, division, or small business is highly desirable.
- Certifications (Required):
- Current Swiftwater Rescue Technician (SRT) certification.
- Current CPR/First Aid certification (Wilderness First Responder/WFR preferred).
- Relevant guide certifications and licenses as mandated by the Arkansas River regulations.
- Skills & Attributes:
- Exceptional leadership, decision-making, and organizational abilities.
- Strong financial acumen and experience with budgeting and P&L.
- Entrepreneurial, self-motivated, and highly adaptable.
- A deep passion for the outdoors and a dedication to safety and customer service excellence.
6. Work Schedule.
The Division Manager role requires flexibility and commitment during the peak rafting season, operating on an "as needed to get the job done" basis.
- Start Date: Tuesday, April 13, 2026 (The 3rd Tuesday in April).
- End Date: October 12, 2026.
- Standard Schedule Expectation (In-Season): While not every day will require full-time hours, the position generally operates on a six-day-per-week schedule. You will be responsible for overseeing critical aspects of the operation and being available to address questions and issues as they arise.
- Mandatory Day Off: We prioritize employee well-being. You are expected and required to schedule one full day off each week, even during peak season. Taking time for yourself is critical for success in this demanding role.
- Extended Time Off (Salaried Trips): As a salaried manager, you are eligible to take up to five days of consecutive time off during the operating season to enjoy a trip or vacation.
- Timing: We ask that you aim for this extended time off to occur sometime after August 1st, when peak season demands typically begin to moderate.
- Pre-August Break: You are also encouraged to take at least one three-day weekend prior to August 1st for rest and recuperation.
Coordination: All time off, except for unforeseen life events (e.g., a wedding or emergency), must be coordinated and approved in advance with the Colorado Operations Director and other key managers.
Application Question(s):
- Are you a certified whitewater river rafting guide?
**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.
