Surf Operations Manager in Lemoore, California at Kelly Slater Wave Company

About Kelly Slater Wave Company

Kelly Slater Wave Co provides the ultimate surf setting, providing the highest levels of service and experiences. KS Wave Co technology delivers unparalleled surf programs, training and events that share the stoke of surfing.

This next level technology produces the longest, open barrel, high performance, human-made wave in the world. Founded on a formal scientific investigation to recreate the best ocean waves, Kelly Slater Wave Systems are designed, constructed and maintained to the highest industry standard delivering reliability, safety and performance. This is the only wave system to earn the WSL Certified designation, meaning the waves are fit for WSL elite competition.

About Surf Ranch

Surf Ranch is the first of its kind, an immersive surf lifestyle experience in the middle of farm fields in Central California (over 100 miles from the ocean). Surf Ranch is a bucket-list surf destination resort, offering epic waves, overnight lodging and farm to table cuisine, delivering lifelong memories for those who visit.

About the role

• The Surf Operations Manager is responsible for overseeing all water-based operations at Surf Ranch, including Surf, Coach, Water Safety, and Boat/Lake departments. This role ensures the highest standards of guest safety, experience quality, and operational execution. Acting as the on-site leader during assigned stints, the Surf Ops Manager drives team performance, manages staffing and scheduling, leads safety and emergency response, and ensures seamless coordination across all departments to deliver a world-class guest experience.

What you'll do

• Oversee daily operations of Surf, Coach, Water Safety, and Boat/Lake departments during assigned stints
• Act as the primary on-site decision maker for all water-based operations and emergencies
• Supervise Surf Leads, Coach Leads, Supervisors, Coaches, Lifeguards, Ski Drivers, and Boat Captains, ensuring standards and service are met
• Actively observe wave basin activity and ensure a safe guest experience at all times
• Manage all employees and guests entering the water, including surfers, support staff, and maintenance personnel
• Direct all staff during minor and major water or medical emergencies
• Maintain clear communication between water teams, control tower, and jet ski operators
• Coordinate with Hospitality and Guest Experience to ensure proper guest flow and timing for all surf programs
• Lead pre-arrival communication and planning for all guest groups, including skill level alignment and experience design
• Create and distribute heat sheets and maintain the Surf Coach Monthly Look Ahead with accurate group notes
• Serve as primary point of contact for surf, coaching, and water-related guest needs
• Resolve guest concerns related to Surf, Coach, and Water Safety operations
• Ensure staffing levels, scheduling, and real-time adjustments support business needs
• Own timecards, scheduling systems, and labor management, minimizing overtime and ensuring compliance
• Support hiring, onboarding, and training of all water team staff
• Conduct performance evaluations and support employee development and growth plans
• Address and resolve staff issues, including corrective action in partnership with HR
• Maintain team alignment, morale, and communication across all water departments
• Complete all incident reports including guest incidents, employee incidents, and workers’ compensation claims
• Maintain and enforce all safety protocols, training requirements, and emergency action plans
• Activate emergency response systems including EMS, paramedics, and fire rescue when necessary
• Coordinate safety planning and coverage for large events and special programming
• Maintain relationships with local EMS, fire departments, and medical providers
• Maintain rescue equipment, RWCs, and all water safety infrastructure
• Oversee surf, coach, and safety equipment inventory, ensuring proper condition and availability
• Manage purchasing and ordering of equipment and supplies, maintaining accurate inventory records
• Ensure general upkeep of Surf Ranch water-based facilities including basin, boat ramp, and lifeguard towers
• Coordinate with Maintenance to minimize downtime and operational impact
• Track monthly expenditures, support budget management, and maintain financial discipline across labor and equipment
• Provide input on variance reporting and operational efficiencies
• Lead and support annual and ongoing training programs across all water teams
• Ensure all certifications (CPR, First Aid, EMT, etc.) are current and maintained
• Coordinate lifeguard, EMS, and safety training programs
• Support development of coaching techniques, systems, and overall program innovation
• Maintain a thorough understanding of all SOPs, safety manuals, and operational systems
• Attend department and leadership meetings, providing updates and operational insight
• Develop plans to support other departments and operational needs as required
• Provide the highest level of guest care possible at all times

What you'll do

• All Surf Ops Managers oversee full water operations during assigned stints
• Designated ownership areas will be assigned across the manager group to drive accountability and consistency, including:
• • Safety & Training (EAP, certifications, EMS coordination)
  • Scheduling & Labor Management
  • Guest Experience & Pre-Arrival Planning
  • Equipment, Inventory & Vendor Management
• Each manager leads their assigned focus area while supporting full operational coverage
• Ensure alignment, communication, and consistency across all departments through shared leadership.

Qualifications

• Thorough understanding of Surf Ranch operations, guest scheduling, and business model
• Thorough understanding of Surf, Coach, and Water Safety roles and responsibilities
• 3–5+ years of experience managing teams in operational or water-based environments
• 5+ years experience in lifeguarding.
• USLA Lifeguard Certification preferred
• CPR/AED and First Aid Certification required; EMT certification preferred
• Wave Runner (PWC) rescue experience and training preferred
• Experience managing safety operations and emergency response
• Ability to manage teams in dynamic, high-pressure environments
• Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills
• Ability to coach and teach all levels of surfing preferred
• Working knowledge of Surf Ranch systems, facilities, and operations
• Confident and decisive leader
• Strong situational awareness and ability to remain calm under pressure
• Team-oriented and collaborative mindset
• High level of accountability and integrity
• Energetic, positive, and guest-focused attitude
• Open-minded and adaptable to evolving operational needs
• Self-aware with strong leadership presence and communication skills

Compensation and Benefits

• Annual Salary range $85,000-$105,000
• Full sweet of benefits including medical, dental, vision and life insurance
• 401k contribution