Crystal Cave Manager

Sequoia Parks Conservancy; California; On-site; USD 34,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

The Sequoia Parks Conservancy (SPC) Field Institute in Sequoia National Park seeks a Crystal Cave Manager to oversee on-site operations, mentor seasonal naturalists, ensure guest safety, and manage retail activities. This role champions park resource conservation and delivers engaging tours in a unique national park setting.

The role requires leading a high-performing team, planning budgets, and coordinating seasonal housing and recruitment for the coming season.

Qualifications

• Degree or equivalent experience in education, science, history, or a related field; demonstrated guiding/teaching/interpretation experience.
• Supervisory experience including scheduling, coaching, evaluations, and retail/sales operations.

Responsibilities

• Direct day-to-day cave operations and manage reservations and tour schedules.
• Lead the seasonal hiring lifecycle: interviewing, onboarding, training naturalists in safety and customer service.
• Design and deliver public tours (standard, Wild Cave, specialty) embedding NPS standards and cave ecology.
• Conduct site safety inspections, enforce emergency SOPs, and partner with NPS to protect cave ecosystems.
• Draft annual operation reports, plan budgets, and prepare housing/recruitment for next season.

Skills

Leadership & Management

Field Knowledge

Physical Stamina

Tech Proficiency

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent in a related field

Tools

Google Workspace

Microsoft Office

Job description

Employment Type: Non-exempt, Full-time (Subject to annual seasonal furlough based on operational needs).

Compensation: Starting Wage: $24.40 per hour

Position Pay Scale Range: $24.40 - $39.04 per hour (commensurate with tenure and performance).

Shape Visitor Experiences & Oversee Operations at Crystal Cave

Are you a natural leader with a passion for environmental education, cave conservation, and team management? The Sequoia Parks Conservancy (SPC) Field Institute is seeking an energetic Crystal Cave Manager to oversee all on-site operations for the iconic Crystal Cave in Sequoia National Park. As Cave Manager, you will mentor seasonal naturalists, maintain guest safety and retail operations, and champion the long-term conservation of park resources. If you thrive in the outdoors and excel at inspiring both staff and visitors in a unique national park setting, this position is for you!

What You’ll Do

• Drive On-Site Operations & Logistics: Direct day-to-day cave operations; manage reservation systems (FareHarbor) and tour schedules; oversee on-site infrastructure (including solar/photovoltaic systems); and manage retail inventory and Point-of-Service (POS) reporting.

• Lead & Develop a High-Performing Team: Drive the full seasonal hiring lifecycle— interviewing, onboarding, and training seasonal naturalists in cave-specific content, safety, and customer service.

• Deliver & Enhance Interpretive Experiences: Research, design, and deliver engaging public tours (standard, Wild Cave, and specialty groups) while embedding National Park Service (NPS) interpretive standards and cave ecology into every visitor interaction.

• Champion Resource Protection & Safety: Conduct site safety inspections, enforce emergency standard operating procedures, and partner with the NPS Division of Resource Management to safeguard delicate cave ecosystems.

• Support Year-Round Growth & Planning: During the off-season, manage operating budgets, draft annual operational reports, support winter guided programs, and prepare seasonal housing and recruitment for the upcoming cave season.

What You Bring: Required / Non-Negotiables:

• Education & Experience: Degree or equivalent experience in education, science, history, or a related field, combined with demonstrated experience in guiding, teaching, or resource interpretation.

• Leadership & Management: Proven supervisory experience, including team scheduling, coaching, performance evaluations, and retail/sales operations (handling cash and POS systems).

• Field Knowledge: Strong foundation in the natural history of Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks and cave science (speleogenesis, karst hydrology, bat biology, and geology).

• Physical Stamina: Ability to hike 1/2 mile up a steep, uneven grade at high elevation in 20 minutes, multiple times daily; stand for up to 8 hours in varied weather conditions; and lift up to 40 lbs.

• Tech & Certifications: Valid driver’s license with a clean record, current First Aid, CPR, and AED certifications (or ability to obtain upon hire), and proficiency with Google Workspace and Microsoft Office.

Nice-to-Haves / Preferred:

• Advanced wilderness medical certifications (e.g., Wilderness First Aid, Wilderness First Responder, or EMT).

• Hands-on experience operating off-grid site infrastructure (e.g., generators, photovoltaic/solar systems) or managing reservation software like FareHarbor.

Why You’ll Love Working Here

• Unmatched Work Environment: Work daily inside Sequoia National Park, surrounded by world-renowned natural beauty and unique underground geological formations.

• Mission-Driven Impact: Directly contribute to the protection, conservation, and public enjoyment of Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks.

• Diverse Year-Round Duties: Experience a dynamic cycle—leading vibrant summer cave operations followed by strategic planning, budgeting, and winter naturalist guiding during the off-season.

• Park & Community Connections: Build meaningful professional relationships with the National Park Service, environmental scientists, and park visitors from around the world.

While we value individuality, we ask all our team members to follow these grooming and appearance standards:

• Hair: We prefer natural hair colors and professional styles. Please avoid neon or extreme unnatural shades and styles that could obstruct vision or be overly distracting

• Tattoos & Body Art: Visible tattoos are generally acceptable if they are inoffensive and do not display discriminatory, violent, or explicit imagery. Any tattoos considered inappropriate for a professional setting must be covered during work hours.

• Body Modifications: To maintain a polished appearance, extreme body modifications (such as facial branding, scarification, or large-scale facial/neck tattoos) are not allowed while on duty, except for those related to protected cultural or religious practices.