California Commissary & Office Manager
A leader in the whitewater rafting and adventure travel industry since 1969, OARS has set the standard in first-class rafting, hiking and multi-sport adventures with more than 75 unique itineraries around the world.
At our core, beyond “Guiding Life’s Greatest Adventures,” we’re a second generation family-owned business that strives to make a positive impact on people’s lives by providing outstanding river trips and other outdoor adventures. We encourage and actively support awareness, deeper appreciation, and preservation of our rivers and environment, and seek like-minded individuals who share that same passion to join our team.
JOB DESCRIPTION
| Position Title: | California Commissary & Office Manager |
| Department: | Field Operations |
| Reports to: | California Operations Manager |
| Direct Reports: | Commissary and office support staff (seasonal) |
| Location (if applicable): | Lotus, CA (with support for Angels Camp operations) |
| Job Status: | Seasonal Full-Time, Exempt (approximately 6 months) |
Position Summary
The California Commissary & Office Manager is responsible for executing and maintaining food service, commissary, and core administrative functions that support California river, campground and store operations. Operating under the oversight of the California Operations Manager, this role ensures that systems, paperwork, scheduling tools, and food operations function smoothly and reliably.
This position requires strong organization, attention to detail, and the ability to work independently once trained, while keeping the Operations Manager appropriately informed of key developments.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities
- Commissary & Food Service Operations
- Oversee commissary operations for Lotus and Angels Camp, including food ordering, inventory forecasting, packing, and dietary screening management.
- Coordinate food shopping and vendor orders to support trip schedules.
- Maintain food safety standards and documentation.
- Office & Administrative Operations
- Execute payroll processing, trip payroll tracking, and reservation system reconciliation.
- Maintain employee training logs, personnel paperwork, and administrative records.
- Manage POS inventory tracking, scanning and processing trip paperwork, and online schedule board updates.
- Scheduling, Communication & Support
- Support river trip rosters, breakdowns, and daily logistics in coordination with the Operations Manager.
- Provide biweekly office and operations updates as requested.
- Serve as a key administrative point of contact when the Operations Manager is unavailable.
- Campground & Store Administrative Support
- Provide administrative support for campground rentals, check-in systems, and reporting.
- Support store operations administratively while operational oversight remains with the Operations Manager.
- Other duties deemed essential to operate California river, campground and store operations.
Skills & Qualifications
- Current Driver License and clean driving record
- Customer service experience or superb people skills
- Capable of working independently and on task
- Team player
- Excellent communication skills
- Creative approach to problem-solving
- Google Workspace skills a plus
Working Conditions
- Work Hours and Shifts:
- Ability to work long days and split shifts.
- Long hours sitting or standing while using office equipment and computers, which may cause muscle strain.
- Physical Demands:
- Must be able to regularly lift heavy items (at least 50 lbs), including boating equipment, warehouse supplies, and food packing.
- Must be able to regularly lift heavy items (at least 50 lbs), including boating equipment, warehouse supplies, and food packing.
- Environmental Conditions:
- Exposure to extreme weather conditions, ranging from winter-like conditions with snow and freezing temperatures to very hot summer temperatures (triple-digit heat).
- Wildfires are common and can drastically diminish air quality.
- Stressful Working Environment:
- Dynamic working conditions due to river conditions, changes to schedules, evacuations, and last-minute bookings.
- Busy office setting with frequent distractions and staff interactions throughout the day.
- Scheduled and unscheduled meetings with employees, co-workers, and managers are customary.
- Additional Considerations:
- Stressful working conditions due to potential extreme weather and river conditions.
- Possibility of hybrid-remote work, after a probationary period, during non-peak months (April, May, September, October) provided a professional, distraction-free home office is maintained (specific to certain locations). On-site work expected from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
Term of Employment
- Seasonal appointment of approximately six (6) months
- Employment dates: April 6, 2026 – October 4, 2026
Compensation & Benefits
- Salary:
- $1,352 – $1400 per week, depending on experience
- Merit Increases considered annually based on individual and company performance
- Hourly pay In January, February and March; 5 – 10 hours per week depending on business needs
- Benefits:
- Health Insurance Stipend
- Wellness Program reimbursement (up to $260 annually) and Employee Assistance Program
- 401(k) with company match (50¢ per $1 contributed, up to 6% of gross pay) after 6 months of employment
- Cell phone stipend
- Flexible Time Off
- Employee discounts on OARS trips
How to Apply
Interested candidates may submit their resume and cover letter to [email protected]. No phone calls please. This position will remain open until filled.