Natural Habitat Adventures (Nat Hab), a nature-focused global adventure travel company based in Boulder, Colorado, is seeking an Adventure Director to join the Adventure Operations Team, the department that coordinates all logistics behind Nat Hab’s global slate of trips. This role is primarily responsible for the complete planning and execution of trips in Nat Hab’s US National Parks portfolio, working closely with third-party partners, field staff, and other members of the department.
This is a full-time, exempt position and allows for hybrid work for local hires or fully remote work may be approved only in the following states: AK, FL, OR, WA, NY, UT, GA, VA, NC & TX. The successful candidate must align well with our company’s culture and values, possess exceptional organizational and communication skills, and enjoy working in a collaborative and mission-driven environment. Join our passionate team of adventure travel professionals and make a tangible impact on our mission to connect people with nature and inspire conservation through travel.
RESPONSIBILITIES
· Program Development & Management
o Develop, organize, and operate Nat Hab’s US National Park trip itineraries to the highest possible standards.
o Monitor sales performance and successfully manage trip inventory, acquiring or releasing dates as bookings dictate.
o Manage trip pricing and gross margin for programs.
o Organize, build, and ensure the complete accuracy of dates, pricing, and other key trip details in our CRM software and on the Nat Hab website.
o Provide content for and maintain digital and print marketing materials in conjunction with the Marketing team.
· Vendor & Partner Relations
o Liaise and negotiate with partners and vendors to manage all trip logistics and required reservations such as hotel nights, restaurants, trip activities, and transportation.
o Negotiate pricing on all contract-related activities.
o Ensure partners are compliant in terms of risk management, contracts, insurance, and other details.
o Participate in fieldwork for at least 4 to 6 weeks annually, focusing on collaborating with partners, enhancing trip quality, and fostering strong relationships.
· Field Staff & Trip Support
o Support field staff to ensure trip quality and safety.
o Assist in the planning and execution of field staff training if necessary.
o Ensure field staff are prepared with pre-season detailed instructions.
o Act as a resource for in-house Adventure Specialists, Concierge, and Guest Services colleagues regarding trip-specific information such as itinerary, hotel, meal, and transportation.
· Team Management & Leadership
o Oversee and mentor a team of Adventure Operations staff, providing guidance and professional development opportunities.
o Set clear goals and performance expectations for the team and conduct regular performance evaluations.
o Foster a collaborative and high-performing team culture that aligns with Nat Hab’s mission and values.
o Identify training and development needs for team members and ensure appropriate resources are provided.
o Serve as a key point of contact for team-related challenges, providing solutions and support as needed.
o Coordinate workflow and project management to ensure efficiency in trip operations and logistics.
· Problem-Solving & Risk Management
o Act as a problem-solver for Expedition Leaders, field staff, and partners/vendors to address issues/concerns pre-, during, and post-trip.
o Be prepared to address unexpected operational needs during high-demand times, including urgent trip-related challenges or partner communications.
o Continually review and implement feedback from guests and field staff to improve future departures.
o Conduct on-site evaluations to ensure alignment with Nat Hab’s quality and operational standards while identifying opportunities for improvement.
· Operational & Administrative Tasks
o Manage Nat Hab gear purchases for and branding in the field.
o Review and approve invoicing from partners/vendors.
· Additional Responsibilities
o The position will include other responsibilities and opportunities not listed above and is sure to require non-office-hour work.
SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS
Experience & Expertise
o At least eight years of experience in a logistics/operations-related role in the travel industry is required.
o Extensive experience operating travel programs in remote, small communities, including working collaboratively with local partners and understanding the unique challenges of these locations is preferred.
o Proven ability to develop and maintain strong, respectful partnerships with community stakeholders, operators, and vendors.
o Experience operating travel programs in North America is preferred.
o Extensive field experience, including hands-on trip operations and managing on-the-ground logistics in challenging environments.
Community Engagement & Adaptability
o Deep cultural sensitivity and ability to build trust with diverse stakeholders in remote or small community settings.
o Practical knowledge of the logistical challenges unique to remote regions, such as limited access to resources, transportation constraints, and extreme weather.
o Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to remain resourceful and flexible when faced with unpredictable situations.
Decision-Making & Operational Skills
o Strong decision-making skills rooted in understanding business objectives, operational efficiency, and guest satisfaction.
o Ability to evaluate trip performance and adjust programs based on guest feedback, operational insights, and financial goals.
o Practical experience in risk management and contingency planning for remote environments, including emergency response protocols.
Organization & Communication
o Must be extremely organized and detail-oriented; able to prioritize and efficiently manage multiple tasks, consistently meeting scheduled deadlines.
o Excellent written and verbal communication and negotiation skills, with the ability to navigate cultural nuances and foster collaboration in remote areas.
o Enjoy adapting to new priorities and deadlines in a rapid-paced and fast-changing environment.
Technical Skills
o Computer database software experience is a plus.
o Advanced proficiency in Excel is preferred.
Work Flexibility & Travel
o Willing and able to travel extensively to remote locations (potentially 4-6 trips per year or more), including extended stays in Winnipeg and Churchill.
o Ability to work flexible, extended, and weekend hours as needed to meet the demands of remote operations.
COMPENSATION
Compensation commensurate with experience.
Starting Salary Range: $70,000 to $80,000, plus annual bonus. This is a full time, exempt position. (Per Colorado’s Equal Pay for Equal Work Act, employers must include compensation ranges in job postings).
The benefits of this position include generous paid time off, paid holidays, annual opportunities for paid travel on Nat Hab’s worldwide nature adventures, complimentary stays at the company’s leased house in the Colorado mountains and at our local property, The Nest, just ten minutes from the office. We also offer significant discounts on travel experiences with partner companies, and “pro deal” discounts on outdoor clothing/gear. The Louisville, Colorado office near Boulder is surrounded by paved paths and natural trails with panoramic views of the foothills and Rocky Mountains. The office campus features an on-site fitness facility and café serving daily breakfast and lunch, including a full-service espresso bar with locally roasted coffee.
NOTE: All benefits are subject to change.
LOCATION AND TRAVEL
This position allows the option of working remotely or in the Louisville, Colorado office.
This location and travel policy may be amended or updated at any time, at the company’s discretion.
WORKING HOURS
Our company hours are Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM MT. We also open on Saturdays from 8 AM to 3 PM for select members of our guest-facing teams. For this role, working flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, as needed to support trip operations, field staff, and partners will be necessary at times to achieve your goals and support the programs.
DIVERSITY & INCLUSION STATEMENT
Natural Habitat Adventures is a growing company that welcomes applicants from diverse backgrounds. We seek to foster and maintain a welcoming, inclusive, and high-performing culture in our office and in the field. Even if you don’t have experience in the travel sector, we invite you to show us how you can help Nat Hab become an even stronger company.
DISCLAIMER STATEMENT
This job description is intended only to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by an incumbent in this position. It is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills or abilities required of persons so classified or assigned.