Remote Wilderness Lodge Operations Leader

Pursuit; Alaska; Remote; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pursuit perks

Job summary

Pursuit's Denali Backcountry Lodge seeks an Operations Manager to lead Front Desk and Rooms operations, oversee Naturalist and Housekeeping teams, and manage ordering, inventory, and cost controls in a remote, seasonally staffed setting.

The role emphasizes guest services, staff development, safety compliance, and collaboration with Hotel Manager to ensure a high-quality guest experience in Denali National Park. Requires TAPs, CPR/First Aid preferred, and willingness to live remotely.

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.
• 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.
• Proficient using industry-standard computer software and databases.
• 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

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, 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

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Safety knowledge

Staff training

Labor management

Guest services

Problem solving

Tools

Driver's license

Job description

Pursuit's Denali Backcountry Lodge seeks an Operations Manager to lead Front Desk and Rooms operations, oversee Naturalist and Housekeeping teams, and manage ordering, inventory, and cost controls in a remote, seasonally staffed setting.

The role emphasizes guest services, staff development, safety compliance, and collaboration with Hotel Manager to ensure a high-quality guest experience in Denali National Park. Requires TAPs, CPR/First Aid preferred, and willingness to live remotely.