Assistant Director of Operations - Yellowstone National Park

Internal Career Site•Yellowstone National Park, WY

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Assistant Director of Operations provides strategic leadership and oversight for operations across Yellowstone National Park. This role leads regional and field management teams to deliver exceptional guest experiences while meeting financial and operational goals. It promotes consistency, efficiency, and continuous improvement across park locations through leadership, labor and expense management, operational standards, and collaboration with internal teams and National Park Service partners. The Assistant Director also develops operational leaders and prepares teams to deliver Legendary Hospitality in a fast-paced, dynamic environment. The position is full-time and pays $90,000 per year. Housing is included; most employees find housing in Gardiner, Emigrant, or Livingston, Montana. On-site cafeteria-style meals are available at low cost, and utilities, limited-bandwidth Wi-Fi, and an on-site laundry facility are included at no cost. Other offerings include a free Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Park pass, an employee recreation program, discounted services at Yellowstone Medical Clinics operated by STGi, retail, lodging and travel discounts, and a $350 referral bonus program. Xanterra offers competitive benefit programs and services to eligible employees. The role requires a variety of work hours, including mornings, days, evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays as necessary. Evening and nighttime on-call coverage is required, including responding to guest concerns and, when necessary, employee issues in company housing. The role may also fill in for other management positions or departments as needed.

Requirements

Business Management or Hospitality degree, or 3–5 years of equivalent experience.
Proven leadership and team-building skills, including the ability to lead diverse teams.
Ability to work in a fast-paced and quickly changing environment.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, with advanced knowledge of Excel.
Ability to work varied hours, including mornings, days, evenings, nights (including possible graveyard shifts), weekends, and holidays as necessary.
Ability to fill in for other management positions on property as needed.
Availability for evening and nighttime on-call coverage of the property.
Ability to respond to guest concerns while on call and, in the absence of on-call HR/Housing Management, employee issues in company housing.
Ability to lift items up to 30 pounds.
Ability to walk or stand for at least 30 minutes at a time.
Ability to kneel or lie flat on the ground to inspect beneath beds, kitchen lines, and furniture.
Ability to climb stairs and walk on uneven terrain, including icy and snow-covered areas.
Ability to remain seated for periods of 30–120 minutes or longer.

Nice To Haves

3–5 years of restaurant, retail, or hotel management experience.
Excellent oral and written communication skills.
Knowledge of company structure and policies.
Experience with revenue and labor management tools and software.
Valid driver’s license and clean driving record.

Responsibilities

Lead Regional Managers of Operations and operations teams through communication, development, and coaching to achieve financial and guest service objectives.
Work with the Executive Director, Operations, to recruit, train, support, and motivate Operations department employees, and collaborate with the corporate Talent Team on hiring.
Develop, maintain, and lead the spring training program for field operations managers in conjunction with Regional Managers of Operations.
Work with department directors and regional managers to select, train, and manage key seasonal management personnel at all four properties.
Improve operational processes and procedures to maximize revenue, improve guest service standards, and maintain or reduce operating expenses.
Serve as a resource for department directors or contractors during non-operating seasons when regional managers are absent, as appropriate.
Coordinate park operations processes and procedures with the Executive Director, Operations, to maintain consistency across Yellowstone locations.
Ensure adherence to company policies and procedures across all Yellowstone locations.
Ensure operations meet established guest service standards and applicable National Park Service standards.
Conduct regular inspections and provide SOPs and follow-up with regional managers throughout the park.
Work with the Executive Director, Operations, on National Park Service matters, including follow-up on NPS evaluations.
Develop and strengthen relationships with local NPS personnel while ensuring compliance with contract-related directives.
Attend National Park Service evaluations, Public Health Inspections, or other formal audits at properties when required.
Work with the Executive Director, Operations, and Director, Sustainability, to ensure compliance with Xanterra’s Softer Footprint program.
Represent Operations on the YES (Yellowstone Environmental Stewardship) council and Parkwide Safety Committee when required.
Manage labor expenses through accurate forecasting, scheduling, and day-to-day monitoring to meet service standards and use labor resources effectively across Yellowstone departments and properties.
Monitor and control other expenses in accordance with financial plans and operating standards for Yellowstone properties.
Ensure required information is reported accurately and on time.
Perform other duties assigned by the Executive Director, Operations, which may include working in other departments or filling vacant roles or providing assistance to departments in need.

Benefits

Included housing
Low-cost on-site cafeteria-style employee meals
Free on-site laundry facility
Free limited-bandwidth Wi-Fi
Utilities included
Free Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Park pass
Employee Recreation Program, including recreation centers, athletics, gear rentals, seminars, van trips, and hiking
Access to discounted services at Yellowstone Medical Clinics operated by STGi
Retail, lodging, and travel discounts
$350 referral bonus program
Competitive benefit programs and services for eligible employees