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Position: Operations ManagerEmployment Type: Full-time, SalariedLocation: Okanagan Gondola, Vernon, BCReports to: General ManagerStart: March May 2026 Apply here: About the Okanagan Gondola The Okanagan Gondola neighbors the city of Vernon, BC, and is expected to open in Spring 2027. The project will be a destination experience featuring a sightseeing gondola, trails, restaurants, outdoor experiences, and an adventure park. Guests can discover an elevated adventure, where breathtaking vistas paired with diverse activities bring guests of all ages together to enjoy the spirit, culture, and beauty of the Okanagan. The experience is rooted in place, offering guests a deep connection to the land, people, flavors and history of the Okanagan. The Okanagan Gondola is being developed by Ridge North America, a tourism operator and developer headquartered in Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada, that specializes in a Play, Stay, Live development philosophy. A dynamic and innovative company dedicated to creating unforgettable experiences for our guests and team members, Ridge is building a diverse pipeline of adventure tourism, hospitality, and multi-family projects across growing markets in Western Canada. Position Overview The Operations Manager is a full-time, year-round position, and will oversee the safe, efficient, and guestcentric operation of all onmountain and maintenance activities, including gondola operations (Doppelmayr), trails, mountain coaster, adventurepark attractions, building & infrastructure maintenance. This role ensures operational readiness for our launch in 2027, regulatory compliance, maintenance coordination, team leadership, and outstanding guest experience yearround. Most important, this role is responsible for delivering the safe operation and transportation of guests, team members and stakeholders on gondola systems, in the great outdoors, and on various other attractions at Okanagan Gondola. Prelaunch, the Operations Manager will be present through the installation and commissioning of the Gondola, be involved in the construction of trails, viewpoints and many of the sites amenities and activities. They will work to build their team ahead of launch, and on planning the site, facilities and team for operational readiness so that we can open our doors to guests in 2027 prepared and ready to deliver world class experiences. Key Responsibilities Gondola Operations Manage daily operation of the gondola systems and equipment. Ensure compliance with all relevant safety and regulatory standards (WorkSafe BC, Technical Safety BC, etc. and internal Standard Operating Procedures). Lead maintenance teams on preventive maintenance, repairs, and gondola safety inspections. Monitor system performance, downtime, incidents, and maintain accurate operational logs. Lead preparation and execution of seasonal openings, closures, and special servicing or inspections. Lead, train and develop lift maintenance, and lift operating teams. Guest and team safety will be your number one priority. Mountain Activities & Adventure Attractions Oversee operations of all mountainbased attractions: adventure park elements such as ziplines, highropes courses, mountain coaster, hiking trails, viewing platforms, and other guest activities. Maintain rigorous safety standards, risk assessments, regular inspections and staff training protocols. Manage guest flow and capacity limits, especially during peak periods, to ensure safety and quality of experience. Oversee site logistics on behalf of all operating departments. Maintenance programs for all attraction elements. Staff Leadership & Management Recruit, train, schedule, and supervise a team of frontline, trade and supervisory staff across all operational areas. Provide performance management, coaching, and professional development opportunities. Foster and maintain a strong safety culture among all mountain operations and adventurepark staff. Ensure adequate staffing coverage for both seasonal peaks and offseason periods. Direct responsibility for; trades, lift maintenance, building maintenance, landscaping & grounds, custodial, lift operations, attractions attendants, safety, parking attendants. Guest Experience & Service Quality Ensure every guest interaction, from arrival at base, parking, gondola loading, throughout the mountain attractions, to departure, delivers a toptier guest experience. Handle guest incidents, service disruptions or safety concerns promptly and professionally. Work closely with Guest Services, Events, Food and Beverage, Retail teams, Marketing, Leadership and other departments to ensure seamless guest flow, servicing, and coordination. Health, Safety & Compliance Develop, implement, and enforce health & safety programs in alignment with WorkSafeBC, industry standards, and internal safety policies. Conduct regular safety briefings, toolbox talks, emergency drills, and staff training (e.g., evacuation procedures, rescue protocols, first aid). Maintain all required documentation, inspection records, incident reports, and correctiveaction followup. Participate in or lead incident investigations and make recommendations to prevent reoccurrence. Take ownership of the Emergency Response Plan (ERP) by ensuring it is maintained and current, team members are trained, and that emergency responses are properly documented. Operational Planning & Administration Prepare and manage operational budgets, staffing plans, capital expenditure proposals, and maintenance forecasts. Track and report key performance indicators (KPIs): lift uptime, ridership/guest counts, staffing efficiency, guest satisfaction, incident rates, etc. Maintain and regularly update SOPs, training manuals, staff rosters, and procedural documentation. Participate in strategic planning for future expansions, new attractions, or infrastructure upgrades. Contribute to and lead capital upgrade projects as assigned. Maintain a fiscally responsible and adequate shelfstock of parts for all attraction elements to avoid unnecessary downtime. Qualifications & Experience Required Minimum 5 years experience in mountain operations, gondola operations, or comparable outdoor/adventure operations environment. Current Red Seal Millwright certification. Direct experience working with or managing operations of Doppelmayr or other gondola or lift systems. Strong knowledge of relevant safety standards, regulatory compliance (provincial and industry), and mountainresort operational protocols. Proven leadership skills and experience managing teams under fastpaced and variable conditions. Mechanical aptitude and ability to collaborate with maintenance/engineering teams as well as make repairs when required. Excellent communication, decisionmaking, and problemsolving skills. Valid Class 5 drivers license (or equivalent). Willingness to work outdoors yearround in varying weather conditions; flexibility to work nonstandard hours including weekends, holidays, early mornings, and during events. Preferred Experience with mountain coaster operations, adventurepark attractions, or aerial/highropes systems. Certifications such as Occupational First Aid Level 3, roperescue training, or equivalent mountain emergency response training. Project management experience, especially involving infrastructure, lift systems, or mountain resort assets. Desired Attributes Safetyfirst, disciplined and detail oriented. Calm and effective under pressure; capable of making quick decisions in emergencies. Guestfocused, serviceoriented, collaborative, and a team player & team builder. Strong leadership presence, with ability to motivate staff and build a positive workplace culture. Passion for mountain recreation, outdoor lifestyle, and delivering highquality guest experiences. Employment Benefits We offer an exciting and entrepreneurial work environment with terrific growth opportunities. Competitive Incentive Package Extended Health Benefits Employee Life Insurance Employee Assistance Program Health Spending Account Why Join Us This is an opportunity to shape the creation and delivery of a landmark tourism experience in the heart of British Columbias Okanagan Valley. You will play a pivotal role in delivering a worldclass guest experience, keeping our people safe, creating joy, and setting the stage for longterm success within Ridge North Americas growing portfolio of destinations. If youre ready to make your mark, build a highperforming team, and join the leadership team launching a worldclass destination, we would love to meet you. #J-18808-Ljbffr