Operations Manager, UTV

Socket.dev; Kaneohe (HI); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Kualoa Ranch Hawai‘i seeks anOperations Manager – UTV to lead the UTV department, supervise a large team of guides, drivers, and support staff, and ensure safe, high-quality guest experiences. You will manage fleet readiness, safety compliance, and the overall operation while embodying our aloha spirit.

The role emphasizes hands-on leadership, culture-building, and collaboration with Operations leadership to align goals, training, and performance standards across departments.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of leadership experience in outdoor recreation, adventure tourism, fleet operations, or similar environments.
• Ability to lead large, diverse teams and develop staff.
• Strong knowledge of off-road vehicle operations, maintenance, and safety standards.
• Experience with safety compliance, emergency response, and risk management.
• CDL preferred or willingness to obtain (license/endorsement)

Responsibilities

• Lead, coach, and mentor the UTV team to uphold values and deliver exceptional guest experiences.
• Oversee daily UTV tour operations, ensuring vehicles and routes are safe and ready.
• Plan and forecast fleet needs based on guest volume and demand.
• Develop and enforce safety protocols and emergency response procedures.
• Recruit, train, and evaluate team members with emphasis on safety and service.
• Prepare operational reports, fleet summaries, and safety metrics for the Director of Operations.

Skills

Leadership

Fleet operations

Safety compliance

Emergency response

Communication

Tools

Fleetio

Job description

Join Kualoa Ranch Hawai‘i, where history, culture, and natural beauty come together in one of the most extraordinary places in Hawai‘i. With diverse operations and a deep commitment to our land, community, visitors, and each other, we honor our proud legacy while building an exciting future. Be part of our ‘ohana and share the spirit of Hawai‘i with the world.

Location: On-Site – Kaʻaʻawa, Oʻahu

Relocation Package: None

Schedule: Full-time; open availability including weekends and holidays is required.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Operations Manager – UTV oversees all aspects of Kualoa Ranch’s UTV (All‑Terrain Adventure) Department, ensuring safe, efficient, and high‑quality operations that reflect Kualoa’s standards of service and aloha. This role leads a large team of guides, drivers, and support staff while managing fleet readiness, safety compliance, and the overall guest experience.

As a hands‑on leader and culture carrier, the Operations Manager embodies Kualoa’s values of Aloha, Mālama, Poʻokela, ʻOhana, and Laulima, fostering a respectful, accountable, and high‑performing team environment. The UTV department is one of Kualoa’s most dynamic adventure operations, and this position plays a vital role in shaping its ongoing success and future growth.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Leadership & Culture

• Lead, coach, and mentor the UTV team to uphold Kualoa’s values and deliver exceptional guest experiences.
• Build a positive, team‑oriented culture rooted in respect, safety, and shared accountability.
• Foster open communication, inclusivity, and professional growth among all staff.
• Partner closely with Operations leadership to align goals, training, and performance standards across departments.

Operations & Guest Experience

• Oversee daily UTV tour operations, ensuring vehicles, equipment, and routes are ready for safe and efficient operation.
• Coordinate with Reservations, Tours, and Facilities teams to optimize scheduling and guest flow.
• Ensure consistency and excellence in guest service, storytelling, and safety briefings.
• Review guest feedback and incident reports to drive continuous improvement.

Fleet & Equipment Management

• Manage maintenance, inspection, and repair schedules for all UTVs and related equipment.
• Oversee Fleetio reporting, maintenance logs, and compliance with internal and state safety requirements.
• Work closely with the Fleet, Maintenance, and Safety teams to ensure vehicle reliability and readiness.
• Plan and forecast fleet needs based on guest volume and operational demand.

Safety & Risk Management

• Develop, implement, and enforce safety protocols and emergency response procedures for all UTV operations.
• Conduct safety briefings, drills, and incident reviews.
• Serve as the primary decision‑maker for weather‑related cancellations, route closures, and emergency situations.
• Collaborate with HR and HSE teams to maintain a strong safety culture and documentation standards.

Team Development

• Recruit, train, and evaluate team members with an emphasis on safety, service, and professionalism.
• Provide ongoing coaching and feedback to guides and leads.
• Support cross‑training within the department to strengthen versatility and readiness for future program expansion.

Administration & Reporting

• Manage departmental scheduling, payroll, and budget tracking.
• Prepare operational reports, fleet summaries, and safety metrics for the Director of Operations.
• Monitor and manage inventory for parts, supplies, and equipment.
• Ensure proper use of communication systems (radio protocols, emergency channels, etc.).

QUALIFICATIONS

• 5+ years of leadership experience in outdoor recreation, adventure tourism, fleet operations, or similar operational environments.
• Proven ability to lead, motivate, and develop large, diverse teams.
• Strong knowledge of off‑road vehicle operations, maintenance, and safety standards.
• Demonstrated expertise in safety compliance, emergency response, and risk management.
• Excellent organizational, communication, and decision‑making skills under pressure.
• Experience with Fleetio or other fleet management software preferred.
• Valid Hawaiʻi driver’s license and clean driving record required; CDL preferred or willingness to obtain.
• Wilderness First Responder (WFR) or equivalent certification preferred.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to drive UTVs and operate in rugged terrain for extended periods.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs and perform light mechanical or equipment handling tasks.
• Comfortable working outdoors in varying weather and environmental conditions.

Kualoa Ranch Hawai‘i is a proud equal opportunity employer and maintains a drug‑free workplace. We provide equal consideration to all applicants in compliance with local, state, and federal laws.