Field Operations Manager

HAWKs (Hiking Adventures With Kids) is a nature-based outdoor education program where children hike, explore, and fall in love with the natural world through child-led discovery. Experienced naturalist educators create safe, fun environments for kids to learn about local wildlife, develop trail skills, and build lasting confidence and connection to the outdoors. 

Role Overview 

The Field Operations Manager oversees the day-to-day operations of a HAWKs franchise, ensuring safe, high-quality programming, outstanding customer experiences, and operational and financial success. 

This role combines business leadership, field operations, and corporate alignment. The Field Ops Manager manages staff, oversees programming, ensures compliance with HAWKs brand standards, and partners closely with both the franchise owner and the corporate support team. The Field Ops Manager is accountable for reporting operational and financial performance, ensuring franchise payments are accurate and timely, and driving the local success of the franchise. 

Key Responsibilities 

1. Program & Operational Leadership

• Oversee daily operations for all HAWKs Programming, including full-day camps, after-school enrichment, birthday parties, and events.
• Plan, implement, and adapt programming in alignment with HAWKs curriculum, Leave No Trace principles, and nature-based learning goals.
• Manage schedules, rosters, and events using MyTime and other HAWKs systems.
• Group participants by age to ensure balanced and developmentally appropriate programming.
• Maintain, organize, and distribute camp policies, rules, guidelines, and procedures for educators and families.
• Step into the field when needed to lead programming, support educators, or troubleshoot unexpected challenges.

Team Leadership & Educator Support 

• Recruit, interview, and hire qualified educators and program leads in partnership with the franchise owner.
• Develop and manage staff schedules, including shifts, coverage, and vacation approvals.
• Lead onboarding and ongoing training for educators, ensuring they’re equipped to deliver HAWKs programming at the highest quality.
• Provide in-field coaching and ongoing professional development opportunities for staff.
• Conduct performance reviews, recommend promotions, and manage performance improvement plans or disciplinary actions when needed.

3. Behavioral Management & Safety Oversight 

• Implement and uphold HAWKs’ behavioral policies and group management strategies.
• Support educators in managing participant behavior through positive, consistent approaches.
• Establish and oversee procedures for handling health concerns, behavioral issues, and safety incidents.
• Coordinate emergency response efforts with field educators, ensuring appropriate medical attention and clear family communication.
• Document all incidents and submit reports to the franchise owner and corporate team.

4. Family & Community Engagement 

• Act as the primary point of contact for families regarding rosters, supply lists, locations, and program updates.
• Provide timely, supportive responses to questions, feedback, and concerns.
• Represent HAWKs in the community through local events, partnerships, and outreach initiatives.

5. Financial & Business Management 

• Partner with the franchise owner to develop budgets, track revenue, and manage expenses for profitability.
• Monitor enrollment trends, program revenue, and operational KPIs using reporting dashboards.
• Work with the franchise owner to ensure royalty payments, marketing contributions, and other franchise fees are accurately calculated and submitted to corporate on schedule.
• Provide insights and recommendations on pricing, program mix, and financial performance to optimize growth.

6. Reporting & Corporate Alignment 

• Submit regular operational, financial, and safety reports to the HAWKs corporate support team.
• Share enrollment metrics, incident reports, educator certifications, and customer feedback as required.
• Ensure full compliance with HAWKs systems, policies, and brand standards.
• Collaborate with corporate leadership on program updates, curriculum rollouts, and system-wide initiatives.

7. Systems, Processes & Compliance 

• Use MyTime for scheduling, registration, rosters, attendance, and event coordination.
• Maintain accurate records of participant information, staff certifications, incidents, and financial data.
• Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal regulations, including licensing requirements, location permits and safety guidelines.

Qualifications 

Education & experience 

• BA/BS in Environmental Education, Recreation Management, Child Development, or related field (or equivalent experience).
• Minimum 5+ years of leadership experience in outdoor education, enrichment programming, or place-based camps.
• Demonstrated success managing budgets, team performance, and operational systems.

Programming & Safety Expertise

• Experience developing or adapting nature-based programming and activities.
• Familiarity with native plants, wildlife, and local ecosystems.
• In-depth knowledge of activity-related safety protocols and emergency response.
• Wilderness First Aid Wilderness Training Certification (required or obtained within 6 months).
• Current CPR/First Aid certification (required or obtained within 90 days).

Operational Skills

• Proficiency in scheduling and operational platforms (MyTime experience is not required).
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and handle unexpected challenges calmly.

Business & Financial Acumen

• Understanding of P&L statements, budgeting, and cost controls.
• Ability to partner with the franchise owner on royalty payments, fee submissions, and financial reporting.

Success in This Role Looks Like 

• HAWKs programming operates smoothly, safely, and profitably.
• Educators are trained, supported, and retained, resulting in consistent quality for families.
• Families are highly satisfied and continue to return for future programs and events.
• Behavioral issues, incidents, and emergencies are handled swiftly, transparently, and professionally.
• Reports to both the franchise owner and corporate support team are timely, accurate, and actionable.
• The franchise consistently meets or exceeds enrollment, revenue, and brand compliance targets.