California Operations Manager

Job Description

A leader in the whitewater rafting and adventure travel industry since 1969, OARS has set the standard in first-class rafting, hiking and multi-sport adventures with more than 75 unique itineraries around the world.

At our core, beyond “Guiding Life’s Greatest Adventures,” we’re a second generation family-owned business that strives to make a positive impact on people’s lives by providing outstanding river trips and other outdoor adventures. We encourage and actively support awareness, deeper appreciation, and preservation of our rivers and environment, and seek like-minded individuals who share that same passion to join our team.

Position Title: California Operations Manager

Department: Field Operations

Reports to: Operations Director

Direct Reports: Commissary & Office Manager;
Fleet Manager; seasonal guides, drivers, and support staff

Location (if applicable): Lotus, CA (with regular travel to Angels Camp)

Job Status: Seasonal Full-Time, Exempt (approximately 6 months)

The California Operations Manager is responsible for overseeing river trip and campground operations at the American River Outpost and on the Tuolumne River based out of Angels Camp. Working in close coordination with the Commissary & Office Manager and Fleet Manager, the Operations Manager ensures the campground and river trips operate safely, efficiently, and in alignment with company standards and agency requirements.

This role balances leadership, operational oversight, and hands‑on support. While the Operations Manager maintains overall accountability for operations, the position relies on capable managers who operate with autonomy once trained, allowing the Operations Manager to focus on coordination, problem‑solving, and high‑level operational execution.

• Operations Leadership & Oversight
  • Provide overall leadership and accountability for California river trip and campground operations.
  • Coordinate day‑to‑day logistics for trips on the American and Tuolumne Rivers.
  • Ensure operational readiness for launches, trip flow, and end‑of‑day or end‑of‑trip breakdowns.
  • Serve as the primary escalation point for operational, safety, and staffing issues.
• Lead hiring, onboarding, training, and evaluation of guides, drivers, and support staff, with assistance from other managers as needed.
• Oversee guide training, guide school, and ongoing river trip evaluations.
• Foster a professional, respectful, and safety‑focused work environment.

• Maintain responsibility for agency relationships, permits, inspections, and compliance.
• Ensure completion of required safety documentation, including the Annual Risk Management Report and SDS binders.
• Oversee guest screening processes and incident response.

• Manage operations within budgets established by the President.
• Approve Trip Leader Reports and oversee reconciliation processes.
• Provide regular operational updates to the Main Office and California staff.
• Coordinate closely with the Fleet Manager regarding vehicle and equipment readiness.
• Oversee facilities standards for warehouses, campground, and operational spaces.
• Support commissary, campground, and store operations at a supervisory level.
• Other duties deemed essential to operate California river, campground and store operations.

• Strong operational experience in the industry.
• Current Driver License and clean driving record;
  Commercial Driver License a plus.
• Exceptional communication skills.
• Broad knowledge about outfitting river trips.
• Capability for strategic decision‑making.
• Experience managing a team of employees of various levels of experience and background.
• A visible, proactive leader with a background in organizational management.
• Demonstrated ability to delegate.
• Proficient in Google Workspace.

• Work Hours and
  
  Shifts:
  
  
  • Ability to work long days and split shifts, including when performing all duties of a professional river guide.
  • Long hours sitting or standing while using office equipment and computers, which may cause muscle strain.
• Physical Demands:
  • Must be able to regularly lift heavy items (at least 50 lbs), including boating equipment, warehouse supplies, and food packing.
• Environme…