Manager

About Charleston Outdoor Adventures (COA):
Charleston Outdoor Adventures is a leading ecotourism company dedicated to providing immersive outdoor experiences. Located on Bowens Island within the natural beauty of the Lowcountry, COA offers a variety of guided tours, including kayaking, paddleboarding, eco-boat tours, fishing charters, and fossil-hunting expeditions. Our mission is to connect guests with Charleston’s waterways, diverse wildlife, and rich history through sustainable tourism practices.

Position Summary:
The Manager plays a critical role in ensuring operational excellence and delivering exceptional guest experiences. This position requires a hands-on leader with a passion for the outdoors, sustainability, and customer service. The Manager will oversee daily operations, manage a team of guides and staff, and maintain COA’s high standards for safety, education, and environmental stewardship.

Schedule:
Full time, year round staff work 5-6 days per week, with each shift being 6-8 hours long. Given the seasonal & outdoor nature of this job, shifts are dependent on weather & interest, with highest hours expected in the Spring, Summer & Fall months. Hours drop to part time in the late Fall & Winter, approximately 30 hrs/week. 

All staff are expected to be available to work weekends & holidays.

Responsibilities & Expectations:

• Supervise, train, and schedule staff, including naturalists, boat captains, and customer service representatives.
• Foster a collaborative and motivated team environment
• Maintain staff schedules, oversee staff training and set expectations
• Ability to make and adjust bookings, monitor tour schedule and maintain inventory & facilities
• Learning & communicating tour, weather and safety information
• Ability to provide a professional, polite and positive customer interaction, and handle guest frustrations with patience
• Have personal transportation
• Must be able to work holidays & weekends, accommodate “split” shifts, being on-call and working a seasonal job
• Ability to maintain a positive and professional attitude while managing duties and working outside

Qualifications:

• Demonstrated leadership experience in the outdoor recreation or hospitality industry.
• Strong understanding of safety protocols related to boating, kayaking, and other outdoor activities.
• Passion for environmental education and sustainability.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to multitask and work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Ability to lift 50-100 lbs repeatedly

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Outdoor Management experience
• Familiarity with Charleston’s ecosystems, marine biology and the Lowcountry
• Certifications in first aid, CPR, or boating safety are a plus
• Associate or Bachelor degree in areas of communication, environmental science, recreation, education or similar field