Heli Ski Operations Manager

Tyax Lodge; Gold Bridge; On-site; CAD 60,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player in the heliskiing sector is seeking a dynamic Operations Manager to lead their heliski program. This pivotal role involves overseeing all aspects of the heliski experience, from managing a dedicated team of guides to ensuring the highest standards of guest satisfaction. The ideal candidate will possess strong leadership skills, a growth mindset, and a commitment to safety and excellence. This position not only allows for significant professional development but also offers the chance to work in one of British Columbia's most stunning wilderness areas. Join a passionate team focused on delivering unforgettable mountain experiences.

Benefits

Extended benefits

Vacation pay

Competitive compensation package

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience as a lead heliski guide is preferred.
• ACMG Ski Guide or equivalent certification is required.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the heliski program ensuring exceptional guest experiences.
• Oversee HR duties including recruitment and training of staff.
• Collaborate with the General Manager on financial and operational goals.

Skills

Leadership

Team Management

Problem Solving

Effective Communication

Growth Mindset

Education

ACMG Ski Guide

CSGA Level 3

Mountain Guide

Canadian Avalanche Association Level 2 Certification

Tools

Word Processing Software

Spreadsheet Software

Job description

POSITION: Co-Leadership Opportunity for Heliski Operations Manager

LOCATION: Tyax Lodge, Gold Bridge, BC

DEPARTMENT: Heliski Operations

HOURS: Full-Time Seasonal (winter), Part-Time (spring-autumn). Extended hours may be required to meet business needs. The schedule will fluctuate seasonally to align with peak occupancy and revenue. This crucial role is the most senior position in Heli Ski Operations, and any peak period absences must be approved in advance of the operating season.

REPORTS TO: General Manager

DIRECT REPORTS: Guides, Ski Technicians, and Radio Operators

COMPENSATION: We offer a competitive compensation package, including an attractive base salary based on your qualifications, experience, and skill set. Additional details will be discussed during the personal interview. Extended benefits and vacation pay are included.

COMPANY OVERVIEW: Tyax Lodge and Heliskiing is a premier heli-ski destination nestled in the heart of the Chilcotin Mountains. Our commitment to guest and employee experience ensures luxurious accommodations, world-class dining, and a wide range of year-round outdoor activities. The heliski program features a single group per helicopter, unlimited vertical skiing, and two guides per group. Our well-established program offers the chance to work within a large and remote tenure alongside an experienced team. Join us for an unforgettable adventure in one of BC's most breathtaking wilderness settings.

JOB OVERVIEW: This is a shared position, joining the current Operations Manager in leading the heliski program. As a member of the Tyax leadership team, the primary role of the Operations Manager(s) is to consistently deliver a premier guest and employee experience related to the heliski program. The Operations Manager provides direct leadership in all areas of the Tyax heli ski experience, holding ultimate responsibility for the oversight and efficiency of the program. This position includes a variety of administrative tasks, planning, budget management, daily problem-solving, interviewing, hiring, leading a team, and delivering exceptional guest experiences. The Operations Manager will excel at building meaningful professional relationships and inspiring their team to create positive, life-changing mountain experiences. Guiding heliski groups throughout the season is encouraged to stay connected to the core guest experience and operations.

Throughout the operating seasons, the Operations Manager will show a large degree of flexibility in working hours, with longer days in the winter season and diligent execution of planning, preparation, and implementation in spring, summer, and fall. The ideal schedule for the Operations Manager involves a rotating cycle of one week guiding, one week dedicated to lodge-based leadership and administrative duties, followed by one week off. The role and responsibilities are expected to evolve with changes to Tyax's organizational structure, so adaptations to the list of responsibilities should be expected. The Operations Manager will work with the team to grow the length and success of the winter heliski season.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Approach work with a growth mindset, continuously seeking to improve business processes through analysis and collaboration
• Act as a key member of the leadership and lodge teams, leading site operations, guest experience, employee experience, and infrastructure aspects of the heliski program
• Work with the Tyax leadership team to reach annual and quarterly goals and KPIs outlined collaboratively with the General Manager
• Oversee HR duties for all Tyax employees within your department, including recruitment, onboarding, training, and coaching
• Provide direction, feedback, and ongoing coaching to develop and lead staff
• Communicate effectively with supervisors, office personnel, and area management staff throughout Tyax
• Work with the General Manager to review financial information and adjust operational budgets to promote profitability
• Serve as the main point of contact and host for heliski guests, guides, and heli ops support
• Collaborate with the General Manager to create a safe and enjoyable work environment for all employees, adhering to Occupational Health & Safety requirements, WorkSafe BC, WHMIS, etc.
• Play a critical role in the Tyax Emergency Response Plan procedures as required in an emergency
• Handle administrative tasks, including but not limited to hiring and onboarding heliski guides, payroll, accounts payable, reconciling invoices, filing, first aid ordering, audits, and supplier ordering
• Lead and schedule guide team, radio operators, and ski technicians
• Administer guide training
• Guide 20-40 days per winter
• Coordinate and schedule the medical team
• Negotiate, schedule, coordinate, and communicate with helicopter contractors
• Manage flight minimums, flight logs, and guest vertical
• Report and develop parks, land, and tenure
• Run development program
• Generate content for marketing campaigns including social media
• Maintain thorough working knowledge and competence in all technical systems associated with field operations
• Manage fuel systems maintenance, inspections, upgrades, supply, location changes, and permits
• Maintain, inspect, upgrade/improve, supply, and permit communications equipment
• Audit and update emergency, rescue, and avalanche plans
• Maintain, inspect, and upgrade first aid and rescue equipment
• Upgrade and maintain mapping, field books, helicopter tablets, and maps
• Upgrade and maintain ski and rescue equipment for guests and guides
• Attend Helicat and CAA meetings 1-2 times per year
• Manage Infoex and heliski digital subscriptions

REQUIRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• ACMG Ski Guide, CSGA Level 3, or Mountain Guide (preferred)
• Minimum of 3 years' experience as a lead heliski guide (preferred)
• Canadian Avalanche Association Level 2 Certification and professional membership (required)
• Previous management experience (preferred)
• Technical proficiency in word processing, spreadsheets, and an ability to learn relevant software platforms (required)
• Current 80 Hour First Aid Ticket or OFA Level 3 (required)
• References (required)