Field Operations Manager

Southwest Adventure Tours•Cedar City, UT

20h•Hybrid

About The Position

Southwest Adventure Tours (SWAT) is seeking a Director of Field Operations, described as the "Architect of Adventure," to lead their field presence. This is a leadership role focused on bridging the gap between sales and field operations, ensuring the quality and execution of guided tours. The role is crucial for maintaining the SWAT experience, from the condition of their fleet to the expertise of their guides, aiming to exceed customer expectations on every trip.

Requirements

5+ years in a senior management role within the outdoor guiding, adventure travel, or hospitality logistics industry.
Proven experience navigating NPS, BLM, and State Park CUA processes.
Working knowledge of DOT and FMCSA regulations.
Experience managing a distributed or seasonal workforce.
Ability to play "Tetris" with vehicle schedules, guide availability, and ever-changing park entry requirements.
Current (or ability to obtain) Wilderness First Responder (WFR) or EMT certification.
Experience managing P&L for a department, specifically controlling labor costs and fleet overhead (fuel, maintenance, insurance).
Proficiency with fleet management software, CRM tools, and GPS tracking systems to monitor performance and safety in real-time.
Proven track record of high-level problem-solving under pressure.
Exceptional communication skills.
Hyper-organization with a "zero-lapse" mentality regarding permits, renewals, and legal documentation.
Passion for Southwest history and geology.
Deep familiarity with the American Southwest's geography and climate patterns.
Willingness to be "on-call" during peak season and travel to field sites for quality control and training.
A clean driving record (CDL preferred, but not always required depending on your specific fleet size).

Nice To Haves

CDL preferred

Responsibilities

Recruit, train, and manage a highly skilled team of tour guides who uphold SWAT’s commitment to excellence, safety, and customer satisfaction.
Foster a positive and professional work environment that encourages retention and ongoing skill development.
Conduct regular performance evaluations, provide constructive feedback, and implement training programs to enhance guide knowledge in areas such as local history, geology, safety protocols, and guest engagement.
Ensure the SWAT fleet is operational, well-maintained, and deployed efficiently to meet tour demands while minimizing downtime.
Work closely with the Fleet Manager to develop and enforce preventative maintenance schedules, track vehicle performance, and ensure compliance with Department of Transportation (DOT) and Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations.
Optimize vehicle allocation and usage to improve cost efficiency and sustainability.
Obtain, maintain, and ensure compliance with all CUAs for National, State, and other parks and monuments within SWAT’s operational scope.
Track expiration dates, renewal requirements, and new permit applications to prevent lapses in authorization.
Ensure all necessary permits and documentation are available in each tour vehicle and accessible to guides for enforcement and verification by regulatory agencies.
Develop and implement standard operating procedures (SOPs) for field operations to ensure consistency in tour execution, vehicle management, and compliance adherence.
Monitor and analyze tour performance metrics, guest feedback, and operational challenges to identify areas for improvement.
Coordinate with the Sales and Operations teams to align guide assignments with tour demands and customer expectations.
Establish and oversee emergency response protocols for vehicle breakdowns, weather-related disruptions, and guest or guide emergencies.
Ensure all guides and fleet personnel are trained on emergency procedures, first aid requirements, and safety best practices.
Maintain a rapid-response communication system to address on-tour incidents effectively and minimize operational disruptions.
Collaborate with leadership to identify opportunities for expanding SWAT’s tour offerings, improving fleet utilization, and enhancing the guide experience.
Work with the marketing and sales teams to develop and implement strategies that showcase SWAT’s expertise in adventure tourism
Attend industry trade shows, networking events, and training workshops to remain informed on best practices, industry trends, and regulatory changes.
Work within established budgets to manage fleet costs, guide payroll, and operational expenses effectively.
Identify cost-saving opportunities related to vehicle maintenance, fuel efficiency, and vendor partnerships.
Ensure financial resources are allocated effectively to support operational priorities without compromising safety or service quality.

Benefits

Competitive Base Salary
Multiple performance bonuses tied directly to success in Fleet Mastery, Guide Excellence, Strategic Planning, and Compliance Gold Standard.
Annual net profit-sharing bonus based on tenure, effort, and company success.
Discretionary "Above & Beyond" Bonuses
Access to "Net-Rate" travel benefit for hotels, excursions, and airfare at wholesale cost.
Daily per diem ($75/day total) for travel to field sites, trade shows, or FAM trips.
Hybrid work model (three days at HQ, two days remote).
Unlimited Unpaid Time Off (UPTO) outside of peak "adventure windows."
Gateway to optional health, dental, and vision benefit co-ops.
Attending industry trade shows and networking events for professional growth.