Assistant Operations Manager

This is a full-time, salaried leadership role for someone who enjoys a hands-on environment — supporting guest experiences, leading tours, working alongside an incredible staff, and helping share the story of one of the most unique ecosystems in North America. From paddles and boat tours to retail, café, and daily operations, no two days are the same.

As the official concessionaire for the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge, our work blends conservation, education, and adventure — and we’re looking for someone excited to grow with us.
 

Who We Are

The mission of Okefenokee Swamp Park and Okefenokee Adventures: we are dedicated to fostering a deep connection with nature and conserving its ecological health through stewardship, education, and outdoor recreation in and around the Okefenokee.

Okefenokee Adventures (OA) serves as the official concessionaire and a key conservation and education outreach partner for the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS) and the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge (ONWR). Okefenokee Adventures operates under Okefenokee Swamp Park, Inc., the parent nonprofit organization. Okefenokee Swamp Park which is located on 1,100 acres within Dixon Memorial State Forest in Waycross, Georgia about 45 minutes North of OA.

Together, Okefenokee Adventures and Okefenokee Swamp Park offer immersive experiences that connect visitors to the heart of the swamp, including guided boat tours, paddling excursions, overnight backcountry trips, wildlife and environmental science education programs, and access to the Okefenokee.

The Okefenokee is the largest wilderness area in Georgia and the largest National Wildlife Refuge in the eastern United States. Often called the “land of trembling earth,” the swamp spans nearly 700 square miles across south Georgia and north Florida. It is the largest blackwater wetland in the United States, protected since 1937, designated a Wetland of International Importance, named a National Natural Landmark, and currently listed as a tentative UNESCO World Heritage Site.

To truly experience the Okefenokee, you must enter it, most often by boat. Our work focuses on providing safe, responsible, and meaningful access while fostering stewardship, education, and long-term conservation.

Who We Are Looking For

We are seeking a motivated, professional, and adaptable leader with a strong interest in the natural world and outdoor recreation. The ideal candidate is comfortable working hands-on in a fast-paced, guest-facing environment and brings a collaborative leadership style grounded in professionalism, safety, and teamwork.

This role is well-suited for someone who enjoys balancing operational responsibilities with interpretation, staff support, customer service, and conservation education.

Position Summary

The Assistant Operations Manager at Okefenokee Adventures is a full-time leadership position responsible for supporting daily operations while advancing a location-specific, sustainable conservation education mission. Working closely with the Operations Manager, this role ensures smooth, safe, and engaging operations across tours, retail, café, rentals, and guest services.

This position requires a strong understanding of health, safety, and crisis management protocols, along with organizational and technological proficiency. Some nights, weekends, and holidays are required.

Schedule & Work Environment

• Flexible schedule based on business needs, special events, and school groups
• Weekends and holidays are required
• Exempt from a standard 40-hour workweek
• Physically active role involving standing, bending, kneeling, lifting, and outdoor work
• Work occurs across docks, boats, retail spaces, café operations, and field environments

Core Responsibilities

• Support the operational management of Okefenokee Adventures in alignment with the Operations Manager
• Assist with daily oversight of activities, gift shop, café, and guest services
• Lead interpretive boat and paddle tours as needed
• Share opening and closing responsibilities for retail and café operations
• Maintain a strong working knowledge of Okefenokee Swamp flora, fauna, and conservation messaging
• Ensure excellent customer service for guests of all ages, backgrounds, and interests
• Promote and uphold visitor safety, health, and well-being at all times
• Support the mission and vision of Okefenokee Swamp Park, Inc.
• Assist with transportation logistics, including boats, rentals, shuttles, trailers, and large vehicles
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Operations Manager

Principal Accountabilities

• Coordinate vendor ordering (Sysco, Pepsi, Coke, and others) under direction of the Operations Manager
• Ensure café needs are organized prior to group arrivals
• Maintain OA Safe Serve certification
• Serve as location lead for Square POS systems, including inventory counts, COGS, and vendor reconciliation
• Operate Square POS and XOLA booking systems and credit card terminals
• Manage retail merchandising and ensure functional sales areas
• Assist with invoice preparation and ordering for gift shop inventory
• Maintain accurate fee booth transaction reporting for ONWR
• Ensure accurate inventory pricing and updates
• Oversee end-of-day closing procedures
• Maintain clean, organized, and well-merchandised retail and café spaces
• Assist with writing and updating SOPs for guest service staff

Required Qualifications

• Valid driver’s license with a good driving record
• Ability to lift, carry, push, or pull up to 60+ lbs
• Ability to work on varied terrain and in all weather conditions
• Understanding of risk management, facilities operations, and basic business functions
• Proficiency with PC or Mac systems, Microsoft Office, Google Suite, and POS software
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and leadership skills
• Professional, proactive, and team-oriented approach