What are the responsibilities and job description for the Operations Manager position at Hammers Family Birch LLC?
About Us
We are a family-owned birch company based in Talkeetna, Alaska. We specialize in tapping birch trees to produce high-quality birch syrup and other birch-based products, while focusing on sustainability and creating products that reflect our deep connection to Mother Nature. As a company, we are committed to innovation, growth, and sustainability in birch sap harvesting, and we’re looking for someone who shares that passion.
Overview
We are seeking a hands-on, experienced, and passionate Operations Manager to oversee all aspects of our commercial birch sap harvest and fall maintenance operations. This is a full-time seasonal role, requiring about 1040 hours per year, with flexibility outside of the busy harvest (March-May) and fall maintenance (September-November) periods. This position is salaried and pro-rated to reflect the hours expectation (approximately 6 months). A great opportunity for someone who is looking for a steady year-round paycheck while only being expected to work largely during the spring and fall. Some maintenance issues may arise at the shop/production facility during the summer and winter that may require hands-on work or remote resolution. The position involves leadership responsibilities and the need to manage both harvest and maintenance crews, ensuring operations run smoothly and sustainably.
The ideal candidate will have experience with outdoor work and machinery, as well as a deep passion for the process of tapping birch trees and collecting sap at commercial scale. This is a physically demanding role during harvest (60-80 hours/week), with hands-on involvement required. You’ll also help oversee general maintenance tasks at our retail shop and production facility, as well as assist with building/renovation projects. You’ll work closely with the owner and receive extensive training from maple consultants, including hands-on experience at a Wisconsin maple harvest.
Responsibilities
- Birch Sap Harvesting: Oversee and manage the annual birch sap harvest, ensuring proper tapping, collection, and quality control.
- Crew Management: Lead and manage the harvest crew during the sap season, ensuring productivity, safety, and quality. During the off-season, manage fall maintenance, building projects and other crew tasks.
- Equipment Management: Operate and maintain chainsaws, snowmobiles, 6-wheelers, pumps and other necessary machinery. Comfortable driving the sap truck and backing up trailers. Eventually learn to operate the reverse osmosis machine.
- Maintenance & Renovation: Perform general maintenance around the retail shop and production facility, including building/renovation projects as needed.
- Training & Learning: Receive in-depth training from the owners and maple experts and experience a Wisconsin maple harvest. Emphasis on learning the technical and sustainable aspects of birch sap harvesting.
- Sustainability Practices: Promote and implement sustainable practices in all aspects of the harvesting and production process.
- Contractor Management: Hire and oversee contractors for specialized projects like plumbing, electrical work, or building maintenance/construction.
- Safety & Compliance: Ensure all safety regulations are met and that work is done safely and efficiently.
Qualifications
- Strong passion for tapping into one of Alaska's greatest natural resources, birch trees, and the sustainable collection of birch sap.
- Prior experience with outdoor work, machinery (chainsaws, snowmobiles, 6-wheelers), and maintenance.
- Experience with driving trucks and backing up trailers.
- Leadership skills, including the ability to manage and motivate a crew.
- Basic knowledge of plumbing, electrical work, and construction/renovation preferred.
- Comfortable with physically demanding work, including long hours during harvest (60-80 hours/week).
- Ability to adapt quickly, troubleshoot problems, and work in challenging weather conditions.
- Resolution focused with a knack for problem solving and dispute resolution.
- Must be committed to sustainability and passionate about learning and contributing to sustainable birch syrup production.
- Local applicants strongly preferred.
Salary & Benefits
- $30,000 - $35,000 annual salary based on experience and an expected 1040 hours worked per year.
- Eligibility for full health benefits.
- 401K match after one year.
- In-depth training provided, including expert-led sap harvest training and hands-on experience at a Wisconsin maple harvest.
- Flexible schedule outside of the harvest season.
- An exciting opportunity to work in the great outdoors and contribute to a growing, sustainable business.
Why Join Us?
- Opportunity to work in a hands-on, leadership role in a unique Alaskan industry.
- Competitive salary and health benefits, with the flexibility to supplement your income during the off-seasons (summer or winter).
- Extensive training and development in birch sap harvesting and syrup production.
- An exciting, outdoor work environment, perfect for those passionate about Alaskan agriculture and sustainability.
- Flexible off-season schedule and a great work-life balance, allowing you to pursue other interests or seasonal work.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $25,000.00 - $40,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Flexible schedule
- Health insurance
- Professional development assistance
- Vision insurance
Schedule:
- 10 hour shift
- 12 hour shift
- 8 hour shift
- On call
- Weekends as needed
Ability to Commute:
- Talkeetna, AK 99676 (Required)
Ability to Relocate:
- Talkeetna, AK 99676: Relocate before starting work (Required)
Work Location: In person
Salary : $25,000 - $40,000