Spirit Bear Lodge is a successful, internationally recognized Indigenous-owned ecotourism operation located in Klemtu, BC, in the heart of the Great Bear Rainforest. Owned by the Kitasoo Xai’xais Nation, the lodge offers world-class wildlife, cultural, and coastal experiences to guests from around the world. Celebrating over 25 years of operation, Spirit Bear Lodge is committed to stewardship, hospitality, operational excellence and sharing the culture and territory of the Kitasoo Xai’xais people.

Position Title: Operations Manager

Spirit Bear Lodge is seeking an experienced Operations Manager to coordinate daily marine, guiding, transportation, and field operations in Klemtu, British Columbia. Owned by the Kitasoo Xai’xais Nation, the Lodge provides wildlife, cultural, and coastal experiences in the Great Bear Rainforest, supporting local employment, stewardship, and community economic development. Reporting to the General Manager, the Operations Manager works closely with the Lodge Manager and Field Operations Supervisor to ensure staff, schedules, vessels, equipment, trails, and wildlife viewing sites are secure and ready for guest activities. This is a hands-on role requiring strong coordination, practical judgment, and clear communication between lodge and field teams.

LOCATION: Klemtu, BC

Strong performance during the operating season may lead to off-season employment supporting ongoing planning, administration, and operational readiness.

Key Responsibilities

- Supervise operational teams: Provide clear assignments, coordinate staffing and schedules, and conduct daily briefings. Support onboarding, practical training, and consistent performance, referring significant staff concerns to the General Manager.
- Coordinate guest activities: Align excursions and transportation with meals, accommodations, departures, and returns. Work with the Field Operations Supervisor to confirm guide and field staff readiness.
- Respond to changing conditions: Adjust daily plans for weather, marine conditions, staffing, and equipment availability. Communicate changes promptly and pause activities when safety requires.
- Maintain operational readiness:



Confirm vessels, fuel, supplies, communications, and emergency equipment are ready for use. Ensure routine checks, cleaning, and operational logs are completed.
- Coordinate maintenance: Arrange routine repairs within delegated authority, report major maintenance needs, and keep operational areas organized. Support seasonal opening, closing, equipment storage, and off-season servicing.
- Oversee trails and viewing sites: Schedule inspections and maintenance, assign work, and confirm completion. Address access and safety concerns, restrict use when necessary, and ensure work follows stewardship requirements.
- Implement safety procedures: Confirm staff training and certifications, coordinate immediate responses under emergency procedures, and ensure incidents, hazards, and near misses are documented and addressed.
- Support guest service and stewardship: Resolve daily service concerns with the Lodge Manager and escalate significant complaints. Ensure activities respect cultural protocols, access arrangements, and wildlife viewing requirements.
- Manage spending and records: Coordinate purchases within approved budgets, monitor fuel and supply costs, review timesheets, and maintain purchasing and maintenance records.
- Report to the General Manager: Provide updates on staffing, daily delivery, equipment and site readiness, spending, and unresolved issues. Obtain approval for matters outside delegated authority.

ualifications and Experience

- Minimum five years of senior experience in tourism, hospitality, lodge operations, marine operations, wildlife tourism, or a comparable remote environment, including supervisory or management responsibilities.
- Demonstrated ability to supervise teams and coordinate daily logistics, schedules, and guest activities.




- Practical understanding of vessel operations, guest service, equipment readiness, maintenance, and remote logistics.
- Ability to coordinate trail and wildlife viewing site inspections and maintenance.
- Experience with routine purchasing, operational spending, and administrative records.
- Strong communication, organization, problem-solving, and sound operational judgment.
- Ability to work respectfully with staff, guests, and community members and recognize issues requiring General Manager involvement.
- Valid driver’s licence.

A relevant diploma or degree is preferred; equivalent experience will be considered. Experience working with Indigenous communities and relevant First Aid, marine, safety, or emergency response certifications are assets.

Working Conditions

This position is based in Klemtu and involves lodge, dock, vessel, trail, and wildlife viewing environments. Extended or flexible hours, marine travel, and exposure to changing weather are expected.

Duties may involve prolonged standing, walking, climbing, bending, and moving supplies or equipment weighing 25 to 50 pounds, using appropriate assistance and safe handling practices. The role requires sustained focus and a calm response to changing conditions.

How to Apply

Submit your resume and cover letter outlining your relevant supervisory and operational experience and interest in Spirit Bear Lodge.

Email: [email protected]

Closing date: Open until filled

Job Type: Seasonal

Pay: $6,000.00-$9,500.00 per month

Benefits:

- Company pension
- Dental care
- Extended health care
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision care

Application question(s):

- Do you have at least 5 years of management experience in tourism, hospitality, lodge operations, marine operations, or similar remote operational environments?
- Do you hold a diploma or degree in hospitality, tourism, business, operations, or a related field?
- Do you have experience coordinating teams and managing daily logistics in a fast-paced environment?

Experience:

- Management: 5 years (required)

Work Location: In person

📌 Operations Manager (Klemtu)
🏢 Spirit Bear Lodge
📍 Klemtu