Operations Manager, Denali Backcountry Lodge

Pursuit Attractions and Hospitality, Inc.; Kantishna (AK); Remote; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Pursuit Attractions and Hospitality, Inc. seeks an Operations Manager for Denali Backcountry Lodge. You will lead Front Desk and Rooms teams, ensuring safety, service quality, and staff development in a remote wilderness setting.

Expect a dynamic, multi-department leadership role with responsibilities spanning guest services, inventory, and daily operations to support an exceptional guest experience in Denali National Park.

Qualifications

• Leadership and supervisory experience required or strong potential.
• Experience in hospitality operations including front desk and rooms.
• Strong communication and training abilities.
• Knowledge of safety standards and risk management.

Responsibilities

• Lead and support day-to-day guest operations across DBL and DBA to ensure a high-quality guest experience.
• Provide hands-on leadership and on‑floor coverage during peak periods and transitions.
• Develop onboarding and ongoing training for guest service staff, SOPs, and department tools.
• Coach Naturalist and Housekeeping leaders to align with brand standards and policies.
• Collaborate with Hotel Manager to maintain service quality, compliance, and brand integrity.
• Plan labor, scheduling, time-off, and payroll practices in line with volume and budget.

Skills

Leadership

Operations mgmt

Guest services

Staff training

Safety compliance

Job description

At Pursuit, we offer more than just a place to visit, we create opportunities for our guests to truly connect with iconic destinations. Our experiences include world‑class attractions and distinctive lodges, all designed to highlight the unique beauty of each location. Beyond that, we offer thoughtfully crafted restaurants, retail, and transportation services that help our guests immerse themselves fully in the experience. What ties it all together are the friendly faces you’ll find along the way, the thoughtful amenities, and the delightful details that make every visit feel personal and unforgettable.

This will be a full‑time seasonal role beginning in April 2027. This is a remote position in the truest sense, located 92 miles by bus from the nearest main road and deep within Denali National Park.

Working at Denali Backcountry Lodge (DBL) requires a ruggedly refined mindset, adaptability, and a willingness to step beyond traditional job responsibilities to support the success of the entire operation. Safety, anticipating guest needs, honoring our surroundings, and bringing your best every day are the core values that guide the guest experience at Denali Backcountry Lodge.

As an Operations Manager, you will be an integral part of our leadership team, where flexibility, adaptability, and a willingness to wear many hats are essential. This role oversees both Front Desk and Rooms operations, providing leadership, direction, and operational support across the Naturalist, Guest Services, Housekeeping, and Custodial departments.

Responsibilities include supervising and developing the Lead Naturalist and Lead Housekeeper while ensuring all guest‑facing services and room operations meet established standards for quality, consistency, and efficiency. Additional responsibilities include overseeing ordering, purchasing, and inventory management for guest services and room operations, ensuring appropriate stock levels, cost control, product quality, and efficient use of resources. The Operations Manager plays an essential role in maintaining cleanliness, sanitation, and service standards, managing daily departmental operations, and delivering a high‑quality guest experience.

As a member of our remote lodge team, you should expect a dynamic work environment where collaboration across departments is essential. Your responsibilities will extend beyond guest‑facing operations, and your ability to adapt, anticipate operational needs, and contribute wherever support is needed will play an important role in the overall guest and employee experience.

ROLE & RESPONSIBILITIES

Lead and support all aspects of day‑to‑day guest operations across Denali Backcountry Lodge (DBL) and Denali Backcountry Adventure (DBA), ensuring operational consistency and a high‑quality guest experience. Provide hands‑on operational leadership and on‑floor coverage during peak periods, leadership transitions, and unexpected manager absences to maintain service continuity and departmental support. Develop, standardize, and oversee structured onboarding and ongoing training for all guest service employees, including orientation, IT access, operational systems, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and departmental tools. Provide coaching and development for Naturalist and housekeeping leaders, ensuring alignment with brand standards, company policies, and operational expectations. Serve as the primary property liaison with product representatives, collaborating with the Hotel Manager to maintain service quality, compliance, and brand integrity. Monitor and guide departmental labor management, including scheduling, staffing plans, time‑off requests, and payroll practices, ensuring alignment with business volume and budgetary goals. Collaborate with the management and leadership team to improve operational efficiency, workforce productivity, and the overall guest experience. Support activity development, programming, and concept creation in partnership with the Front Desk and Housekeeping teams. Maintain consistent and structured verbal and written communication across teams and DBL leadership to ensure departmental alignment, accountability, and collaboration. Prepare and submit operational updates, activity summaries, and project status reports to the Hotel Manager and relevant business stakeholders. Champion Pursuit's values by modeling positive leadership, fostering an inclusive and engaging workplace, and creating an environment where both leaders and frontline team members can thrive. Encourage community involvement through personal volunteer participation and by supporting team member engagement in local community initiatives. Provide excellent guest service to guests and other team members Make sound judgments and anticipate issues and opportunities Handle comments, complaints and concerns with high level of efficiency in the best interest of the guest Work closely with all other departments to ensure overall guest satisfaction Ensure that guests’ special needs are met Greet arriving/departing guests in a professional and pleasant manner Be knowledgeable of daily functions or activities occurring at the Lodge and in area in order to answer guests’ questions Other duties as assigned.

REQUIRED SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS

Must have or be able to obtain TAPs (Alaska’s alcohol management) certificate CPR and First Aid Certifications preferred, Wilderness Responder (WFR) or EMT preferred Lift and carry up to 50 pounds regularly. Lift, stand, and bend throughout shifts of eight or more hours. Must be at least 21 years old and hold a valid U.S. driver’s license to operate a company vehicle if necessary Must have or be able to obtain an Interpretive Guide certification Working knowledge of safety standards in the hotel industry Strong supervisory / leadership skills with ability to effectively train, manage and lead staff Strong communication skills, both oral and written; ability to write reports, business correspondence and procedures manuals; ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from staff, managers and the general public In-depth knowledge of Company policies, procedures and employee programs Proficient using industry‑standard computer software and databases Work extended hours, various shifts, and on holidays and weekends Live in close quarters with others in a remote wilderness setting Knowledge of Denali flora, fauna, and history, preferred Restaurant management, hospitality management, or any combination of education and experience that provides the necessary skills, knowledge and abilities.

About Us:

We're more than a hospitality and attractions company. We connect people to iconic places through unforgettable and inspiring experiences; Our team members included. Thoughtfully united by their unique power to inspire and invigorate, our collection of hotels and lodges, recreational attractions, ground transportation services, retail, food and beverage, sightseeing, tours