Lake Operator
SUMMARY:
The Lake Operator is responsible for maintaining a clean, safe, and welcoming environment for lake visitors, campers, and guests. This position combines (i) bait shop retail operations, (ii) coordination of outdoor recreation programs, (iii) visitor experience and services, and (iii) light janitorial and maintenance for the Lake Sahoma and Pretty Water areas. The Lake Operator serves as a primary point of contact for visitors and helps promote positive recreational experiences throughout the campground and lake areas.
WORK ENVIRONMENT:
- Mixture of indoor (inside Bait Shop) and outdoor work environments with exposure to heat, cold, rain, and other weather conditions.
- Frequent interaction with the public
- Physical labor, including cleaning, lifting, bending, and walking throughout the lake properties
QUALIFICATIONS:
Required:
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Experience in customer service, retail sales, recreation programming, or facility maintenance
- Possession of or ability to obtain certification from a nationally recognized provider for First Aid and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) for adult, child, and infant in the first year
- Possession of or ability to readily obtain a valid driver’s license issued by the State of Oklahoma
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills
Desired:
- Prior customer service experience
- Knowledge of fishing, camping, boating, and outdoor recreation activities
- Prior cash handling and point-of-service (POS) experience
- Prior experience managing social media business accounts
SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Bait Shop Retail Operations: Operate the Sahoma Lake Bait Shop; provide excellent customer service to visitors; sell bait, fishing supplies, and snacks; process cash, credit card, and electronic payments accurately; maintain inventory levels and stock shelves as needed; keep retail areas clean, organized, and properly displayed; complete electronic reports such as daily sales, etc.; provide information to visitors such as fishing conditions, lake regulations, campground amenities, and local attractions
- Coordination of Outdoor Recreation Programs: Plan, organize, and lead outdoor recreation activities for campers and visitors; coordinate programs such as fishing clinics, nature walks, outdoor games, and family activities; promote participation in recreational programs and special events; ensure activities are conducted safely and in accordance with Sapulpa Park policies and procedures.
- Visitor Experience & Services: Welcome guests and provide information regarding lake- and park-specific city ordinances; answer questions and assist visitors with concerns professionally and courteously; monitor campground and lake areas to promote safety and compliance with city ordinances; assist with emergency response procedures when necessary; submit and/or create content for use on Sapulpa Parks social media platforms to promote lake facilities, programs, and schedules in addition to general lake/water safety, and other outdoor recreation information.
- Light Janitorial & Maintenance: Clean and sanitize public restrooms, shower facilities, picnic shelters, and common areas; empty trash receptacles; report maintenance needs, safety hazards, vandalism, or equipment issues to Sapulpa Parks Maintenance team; ensure campsites are clean, safe, and ready for visitor occupancy
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
- Skills & Knowledge:
- Ability to enforce safety regulations and emergency procedures utilizing positive behavior management techniques.
- Ability to assess and address potential hazards, including site, environmental, and food safety, while interacting with others in a fast-paced environment.
- Knowledge and ability to write and speak professionally
- Ability to follow city-approved cash-handling procedures.
- Proficient use and operation of equipment applicable to the position, e.g. desktop and laptop computer, copier, POS, cash register, broom and mop, power washer.
- Proficient use of computer software applications including Microsoft Office (e.g. Outlook, Teams, Word, Excel, Publisher)
- Professional skills
- Critical and creative thinking skills
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Display punctuality and preparedness
- Complete reports and paperwork using professional writing by required deadlines
- Set an example by being friendly and industrious.
- Participate in mandatory orientation, training, and staff meetings with a positive attitude throughout employment.
- Timely communication with supervisor regarding scheduling conflicts, behavior of visitors, safety concerns, accidents/incidents, etc.
- Present oneself in a clean, hygienic, and professional manner that positively represents the individual, Sapulpa Parks, and the City of Sapulpa. This includes arriving at work well-kempt and wearing business casual/casual when appropriate.
- Willingness to take direction and guidance from supervisor and other Sapulpa Park employees.
- Personal characteristics
- Ability to communicate effectively by speaking, with a high degree of comfort in public speaking.
- Commitment to excellence in customer service.
- Model positive attitude and appropriate behavior in a variety of situations.
- Flexibility in work week schedule, averaging 40 hours per week, including days, evenings, weekends, holidays, and special events.
- Demonstrate cultural competence and sensitivity while interacting with coworkers and members of the public, regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, creed, gender, national origin, age, disability, marital or veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or other legally protected status.
- Commitment to working as part of a team.
- Ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment.
- Excellent initiative and self-motivation
- Ability to maintain individual health and safety, especially during extreme weather situations
- Other
- Ability to recognize and identify hazards on land at close (within a few feet of the observer) and far (up to 150 feet) distances, and the ability to assess emergencies.
- Ability to accurately communicate and exchange information with co-workers, employees, and members of the public.
- Ability to hear minimum 115-decibel emergency whistles
- Physical ability to administer first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)
- Physical ability to carry and move objects weighing up to 50 pounds over uneven surfaces
- Physical ability to work in extreme summer temperatures (110+°F Heat Index) for 8 hours per day.
- Physical ability to reach, stoop, stand, bend, kneel, and move freely in confined spaces.
- Ability to meet City of Sapulpa employment requirements, including acceptable outcomes to background check.
This position is considered safety-sensitive.