Job Description

Sikanni River Ranch is a captivating destination getaway nestled along the Alaska Highway, approximately 230 km north of Fort St. John, BC, in the pristine Canadian Northern Rockies. Owned by the Prophet River First Nation, our ranch offers a unique blend of cultural integration, natural beauty, and respite from the fast-paced urban lifestyle. We provide lodge accommodation, culinary excellence, and a range of experiences, from wilderness adventures to yoga retreats. Sikanni River Ranch is committed to harmoniously coexisting with the environment and the local community while providing an exceptional experience for our diverse clientele. The history of the territory and land on which Sikanni River Ranch operates is of great significance to the PRFN Members and Elders who have long talked about their historical and spiritual connection to the wildlife and the land.

The Board of Directors is seeking an experienced and visionary General Manager to join our team and lead the setup, strategic development, and long-term management of Sikanni River Ranch. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in establishing and managing businesses within the hospitality and tourism industry, as well as expertise in social media management. They will be responsible for driving the success of the ranch, from inception to full operational capacity. This role is critical in ensuring quality experience for the outdoor service, wilderness experience and cultural tourism clients and guests. The General Manager will be responsible for building and maintaining positive relationships with clients, working with staff to gain quality experience, and overseeing all supporting activities (e.g. planning trips, ensuring adequate supplies, overseeing all management and administrative functions). It will require staying for extended periods at the ranch for the duration of employment.

Responsibilities & Qualifications

Key responsibilities of the position include:
● Develop a comprehensive business plan, including financial projections, and oversee the setup of Sikanni River Ranch, ensuring alignment with the unique cultural and environmental aspects of the region.
● Create and implement an efficient online booking system to streamline reservations and enhance the guest experience.
● Identify target markets and develop strategies to attract a diverse clientele, ranging from fine dining connoisseurs to yoga enthusiasts, and busy executives seeking a tranquil escape.
● Recruit, train, and manage a team of dedicated staff to ensure the smooth operation of the ranch, maintaining high standards of service and hospitality.
● Responsible for budgeting, financial management, and ensuring the business’ profitability while maintaining a sustainable and environmentally conscious approach.
● Continuously seek out and develop strategic plans for new opportunities and service integration, keeping Sikanni River Ranch at the forefront of the industry.
● Develop and maintain a robust website and social media strategy to promote the ranch’s offerings, engage with potential and existing guests, and enhance our online presence.
● Orientate and train employees and guests to SRR facilities, land, amenities, and policies (i.e. safety, use of facilities and equipment, conduct at the ranch and in the territory)
● Develop employee capacity to provide quality client experience from initial contact in the region through to completion of outdoor experience and accommodations packages
● Ensure compliance with applicable federal and provincial laws and regulations related to operating a guided outfitting business, in particular the Wildlife Act, and in compliance with environmental laws, regulations and the company’s licenses and permits.
● Act as the public relations representative of the company in ways that strengthen and promote its services.
● Effectively plan trips including charting, route identification, methods of travels, and equipment needed for cultural-tourism and wilderness experience services, including cultural events.
● Ensure the safety of clients and employees at all times by assessing all risks related to business operations (i.e. weather, equipment, road and facility-use, etc.)
● Guide individuals and groups on same day, and up to several weeks in duration, on cultural-tourism and wilderness experiences, and provide outdoor, wilderness, and cultural instruction
● Assist with the management of reservations and bookings to coordinate with the online booking system through the SRR website
● Monitor equipment and facilities, make repairs, and communicate to the Board of Directors of the need to repair or replace equipment and/or facilities
● Build meaningful relationships with the community and leadership of PRFN as the owners of the company.
● Manage finances by tracking inventory and working with the company bookkeeper and the Board of Directors to ensure that expenses and revenue are properly captured and allocated
● Follow the expectations, projects and deliverables established by the Board of Directors from time to time; and
● Develop, implement, uphold, and adhere to operational policies as developed or amended by the Board of Directors of the Company.
● Complete other duties as assigned

Skill & Competencies Required
● Proven experience in setting up and managing businesses in the hospitality and tourism sector, preferably in remote or wilderness locations.
● Experienced in hospitality facility maintenance.
● Experiences in First Nation’s culture and incorporating these learnings into a hospitality and wilderness experience.
● Organized and able to manage multiple tasks at one time is a desired skill required for this role
● Proven ability to stay calm under pressure when guests require assistance, or have complaints
● Strong leadership skills with the ability to build and inspire a team committed to excellence.
● Financial acumen and experience in budgeting, financial planning, and achieving profitability.
● Exceptional organizational and project management skills.
● Cultural sensitivity and the ability to work closely with the local Prophet River First Nation community.
● Knowledge of environmental sustainability practices in the hospitality industry.
● Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
● Experience in social media management and digital marketing within the hospitality sector.
● Flexibility to adapt to a dynamic and evolving business environment.
● Strong work ethic and drive to see the job through
● Advanced knowledge, and/or the drive to spend time within the community of Prophet River First Nation to learn about the history while cultivating a genuine respect for Prophet River First Nation culture and protocols
● Must be willing to be on location a majority of the time but also willing to travel outside the region to conduct the requirements of the position

Education & Experience
● Minimum of high school graduation or equivalent
● Post-secondary education in tourism, hospitality, or another related field considered an asset
● Wilderness Advanced First Aid (US) or Wilderness First Aid (CAN), or Wilderness First Responder (WFR) or higher level of certification preferred
● Knowledge of regional geography, botany, wildlife, ecology and history
● Must have a valid driver’s license and be able to operate four-wheel drive trucks, ATVs, haul trailers, operate tractors and implements, and experience running heavy equipment
● Minimum three years demonstrated ability as a wilderness/cultural-tourism host in remote areas
● Experience in working with First Nations
● Working knowledge of environment and local areas
● Knowledgeable of provincial British Columbia eco-tourism laws and regulations, especially the Wildlife Act
● Must have experience working independently while expecting to achieve deliverables suited to the growth of the business.

Working Conditions
The following provides a summary of the working conditions as well as the physical capabilities required for the position:
▪ Able to work under pressure within a fast-paced environment
▪ Able to lift objects of 50 pounds or more on a regular basis
▪ Able to work in unpredictable weather conditions throughout the year
▪ Able to exert physical activity for extended periods of time by standing, crouching, hiking, lifting, pulling, and paddling

Salary/Wage

100,000 - $120,000

Job Application Process

Interested candidates are invited to submit their resume, along with a cover letter detailing their relevant experience and qualifications, to tdumais@sikanniriver.com by Dec 20, 2024. Please include “General Manager Application – Sikanni River Ranch” in the email subject line. Sikanni River Ranch is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from candidates of all backgrounds. Join us in creating a unique and unforgettable destination in the heart of the Canadian Northern Rockies, where culture, nature, hospitality, and digital presence come together to offer an extraordinary experience.

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