Expeditions Program Manager

San Juan Outfitters; Washington; On-site; USD 34,000 - 39,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Healthcare

401(k)

Profit sharing

Job summary

San Juan Outfitters is seeking an Expeditions Program Manager for the 2026 season to oversee 10+ guiding staff and multiple expedition programs across the San Juan Islands and Washington State parks. You will supervise staff, ensure safe operations, and coordinate with departments for day and overnight trips including kayak and multisport tours.

The role requires leadership, frontline training, and a strong outdoor safety mindset.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of leading or managing eco-tours with backcountry experience.
• Current first aid/CPR - WFR or EMT preferred.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, Word, Outlook.
• Experience independently managing multiple tasks.
• Interpersonal skills to effectively motivate others.
• Detail oriented and thorough with big-picture view.
• Lift and carry up to 50 pounds.
• Identify issues and implement effective solutions.
• Adapt readily to changing circumstances.

Responsibilities

• Oversee staff and expeditions related operations procedures.
• Communicate daily with operations manager and owner; pass updates to guides.
• Manage 10+ guides and employees; be on call during peak season.
• Assist with recruiting, onboarding, and training of new hires.
• Develop and maintain departmental training.
• Maintain compliance with National, State and County Parks.
• Expert in all programming and trips offered by SJO.
• Help draft and update operations manuals based on field research.
• Prepare, maintain, inventory and store equipment for expeditions.
• Weekly scheduling for 10+ employees.
• Collaborate with Reservations & Marketing to manage bookings.

Skills

Leadership

Interpersonal skills

Multitasking

Detail-oriented

Flexibility

Education

4-year degree preferred

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Outlook

Job description

Our team is looking for an Expeditions Program Manager for the 2026 season!

Job Title:Expeditions Program Manager

Compensation: Starting pay range is $25-$28 per hour plus tips. Overtime eligible. Employees are eligible for healthcare, 401(k), and profit sharing after 1* year of employment. *Subject to variability

Location: Friday Harbor, San Juan Island, Washington, USA

Expeditions Program Manager Job Description

Do you love wildlife, the outdoors, and thrive in a dynamic work environment? Come support a variety of wilderness adventures as the Expeditions Program Manager for San Juan Island Outfitters. This role directly oversees 10+ guiding staff members, providing overnight and day tours throughout the San Juan Islands and in the beautiful national parks of Washington State. As the Program Manager, you will collaborate with various departments to provide industry leading day kayak tours, overnight kayak trips, road bike tours, hiking and backpacking tours. Each day brings a new adventure in the stunning Pacific Northwest, with sightings of orca whales, humpback whales, sea lions, harbor seals, and bald eagles – what will you encounter?

The Program Manager will be responsible for supervising the staff and operational procedures for all expedition programming. In order to become familiar with all of our trips, you will spend a portion of the coming summer guiding overnight trips. These trips include but are not limited to: kayak day trips, overnight kayak tours, road bike tours, multisport tours, hiking, and backpacking tours. When not in the field, you will be responsible for all aspects regarding the management and execution on both day and overnight expeditions in preparation. Program Managers are key to San Juan Outfitters’ expedition program success. They are expected to be lead guides and master trainers in all departures. They are expected to exemplify the environmental and work ethic of San Juan Outfitters in support of our programs.

Major Duties

• Responsible for all staff and expeditions related operations procedures.
• Communicate daily with the operations manager and/or the business owner on programs in operation. While programs are in operation it is expected the program manager will also communicate with guides directly and pass on status updates to the operations manager and owner.
• Manager and contact for 10+ guides and employees
• Be on call throughout peak season to assist with emergencies in the field
• Assist with recruiting, onboarding, and training of new hires
• Develop and maintain departmental training
• Maintain good standing with National, State and County Parks, including submitting new CUA applications, annual reporting, and ensuring compliance with all regulations
• Be an expert in all programming and trips that SJO offers
• Responsible for helping to draft, update, and modify the operations manual for each program. This is based on real time research and operations during scouting.
• Responsible for helping to prepare, maintain, inventory, and store all equipment required for expedition programs.
• Weekly scheduling for 10+ employees
• Collaborate with Reservations & Marketing Manager to manage potential new clients and trip bookings

Qualifications

• 3+ years of leading or managing eco-tours with backcountry experience
• Current first aid/CPR - WFR or EMT Preferred
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, Word, Outlook
• Experience working independently and managing multiple tasks at a time
• Interpersonal skills to effectively motivate others
• Detailed oriented & thorough, with ability to see the "big picture"
• Must be able to lift and carry items up to 50 pounds
• Demonstrate the ability to identify issues and implement effective solutions
• Adapt readily to changing circumstances, embracing flexibility

Preferred Skills

• 4-year related degree preferred
• Road biking experience
• Backpacking experience
• Opportunity to use equipment and attend tourson an available basis
• Pro-deal access
• Opportunity to expand skill sets across disciplines and a multitude of ecosystem types
• Assistance securing housing
• A like-minded, fun, dynamic workplace with the best office views in the world

Employment

The Program Manager is a semi year-round position. Our official season begins in April and runs through September. In the shoulder seasons, there are several cyclical projects to wrap up the current season and prepare for the next. During peak season the program manager is expected to work minimum 40 hours per week in support of guiding programs. Due to the nature of our seasonal business, they are expected to work, when necessary, 50+ hours in a week. Program managers may need to work in remote wilderness environments guiding or in support of operations. Part-time hours November-February, from 5-20 hours per week.

San Juan Safaris and San Juan Outfitters are equal opportunity employers. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, veteran or disability status, or genetic information.