Join our Crew
The ABR Trails Foundation is hiring for three new positions. Please see the job descriptions below and how to apply.
Be a part of something bigger and create your own Nordic Legacy. Join the effort to build a lasting legacy for Nordic skiing in the Ironwood community by working with the Anderson Bluffs and River Trails Foundation.
Operations Manager – Full Time/Seasonal
Bookkeeper – Part Time/Remote
Administrative Assistant – Part Time/Local
current job openings
Operations Manager - Full Time
Operations Manager
Location: Ironwood, MI
Status: Full-Time/Seasonal, including holidays and weekends, with growth opportunities beyond seasonal work (Seasonal work to be considered October through mid-April)
Reports To: Board of Directors/Designee
Compensation: Salary Position (exempt) $45,000-$70,000 based on seasonal/off-season work and experience
Start Date: Fall 2025
POSITION SUMMARY
The Operations Manager will be responsible for operating Anderson Bluffs & River Trails Foundation (formerly known as ABR Ski Trails) as the premier Midwest Nordic ski destination. This is a seasonal, full-time, at-will employee, reporting to the Board of Directors. The ideal Operations Manager would bring knowledge of outdoor recreation or ski area management, great customer service and organizational skills, and willingness to do hands-on labor related to building and equipment maintenance and repair. An ideal candidate would also appreciate small-town life in a welcoming, Northwoods community with many outdoor recreation opportunities.
Primary Function
Provide leadership, direction, and management to ABR Trails staff in support of the Foundation’s vision.
ABR Vision: To sustain the ABR legacy as the Midwest’s premier Nordic ski destination for generations to come and connect ABR Trails to the larger community.
CORE RESPONSIBILITIES
- Ski Operations: Oversee all functions related to running the ski center. This includes managing and developing the team to run the retail and rental ski shop, sell ski passes, provide current trail maps and maintain the trailhead buildings.
- Trails and Grooming: Coordinate closely with the chief groomer to report trail conditions with the skiing community.
- Cabin Rental and Maintenance: Manage the trailside cabin rentals. This includes oversight of the reservation, maintenance, and cleaning schedule. Provide guidance on rates, dates of availability, and marketing.
- Administration: Hire and supervise staff in a manner that fosters a positive culture in alignment with Foundation values.
REQUIRED SKILLS & Qualifications
A passion for customer service and engagement in outdoor recreation experiences. Bachelor degree or equivalent experience in related work and a minimum of five years of leadership experience. A personable manager of people with mentoring, and problem-solving skills. A self-starter with a strong work ethic who is a quick learner who can prioritize tasks with necessary urgency. A strong communicator both verbally and written, who can work with many different types of people.
Physical Skill Requirements- Complete physically demanding tasks (including but not limited to):
- Lifting a minimum of 40 pounds & climbing stairs
- Working outside in all weather conditions
- Operation of varied equipment and tools, including chainsaws
- Proficiency in operating a snowmobile
Desired Skills:
- Resort / Nordic center / Camp / Retail Store / Park management background.
- Nonprofit experience is a plus.
- A track record of personal growth.
- Carpentry, mechanic, forestry, safety or health certifications (e.g. EMT)
Compensation & Benefits
Competitive salary and benefit package commensurate with experience.
Additional Details
The Foundation’s first priority is to hire a seasonal, October-April, Operations Manager who will facilitate all duties of daily operations. While this is our first priority, there are many growth opportunities for leadership within the organization; therefore, this job description includes many additional off-season and growth-related skills for the opportunity for possible future transition into a year-round position.
Responsible for the following duties (including but not limited to):
- Perform all duties & activities in compliance with the Foundation’s budget & policies
- Daily Operations
- Overall daily operations while communicating/coordinating with the Chief Groomer & Maintenance Manager
- Ski Shop sales, rental, tech services (waxing, mounting bindings, cutting poles, working knowledge of all gear/bindings, pole grips, skins, etc.) & fitting customers to proper gear
- Inventory management (ordering & maintaining) for critical equipment spares and ski shop including physical inventory
- Manage rustic cabins & sauna rentals & scheduling
- Develop the knowledge & understanding of grooming to assist in supporting “World Class Grooming” & safety for both skiers & groomers
- Manage maintenance program for equipment and oversee service contractors
- Shoveling snow from & around all needed buildings including roofs
- Fire starting & daily maintenance (boiler/chalet/sauna/etc.)
- General cleaning, monitor, stock, & maintenance of common areas (including bathrooms & buildings)
- Monitor / stock supplies & repair rustic cabins
- Coordination &/or perform snow removal of the parking lot
- Business Management & Development
- Develop & market to new customers/ donors/ friends of the Foundation
- Computer skills & tasks – proficient use of email, Google Docs/Microsoft Word/Excel, perform daily, website & social media postings with Grooming Reports, updating POS system & basic software
- Bookkeeping, accounts payable
- Purchasing, receiving & warehousing
- Planning & implementation of year-round revenue generation activities
- Personnel Management
- Hiring, scheduling, and supervision of employees and volunteers
- Ability to hire & train others
- Manage staffing needs based on holidays & expected customer volume
- Delegation of tasks to others as needed
- Safety & emergency management
- Compliance with all safety regulations of all assigned tasks & ensure a safe working & recreational environment
- First line responsibility for safety & emergency management
- Off-Season Duties (if applicable)
- Rustic cabin & warming hut inspections & maintenance
- Trails, land, mowing, brushwork, & signs/trail marker maintenance
- Produce firewood for next season
- Maintenance of tools & equipment as needed & monitoring of repairs & replacement
- Maintenance of buildings & infrastructure including ski chalet, grooming barns, & others
- Produce ski maps for next season (confirm map accuracy, coordinate layout & printing)
- Foundation Board Engagement
- Support Board activities including philanthropy, marketing, land management/acquisition, trail design & construction, event management, capital projects, Board special committees & finance.
- Participate in Board of Directors meetings & activities as requested/ needed
- In coordination with the Board, establish productive relationships with external contacts of importance, including skiers, other trail systems, neighbors, suppliers, government entities.
- Engage with the Board to support the Foundation’s vision to “Sustain ABR as the Premier Midwest Nordic Ski Destination”
While support of these and other board functions is important, these “support” duties will not supersede the areas of responsibility defined above until effective management of those designated areas is accomplished.
Future Growth Opportunities (included but not limited to):
- Year-round employment opportunities
- Additional leadership opportunities
- New larger chalet with more offerings/amenities
- Planning & development of additional year-round activities
- Meet long-term goals as defined by the Board
- Training & evaluation for success
- Continuing education support (e.g. – Fischer ski school, grooming clinic, etc)
To Apply
Please submit a resume and cover letter outlining your qualifications and interest in the position to careers@abrtrails.com. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
Bookkeeper - Part-Time
Location: Remote
Reports To: Board Treasurer
Job Type: Part-Time/Contract
Hours: Part-time, 10-20 hours per week during ski season and up to 10 hours per week in the off-season, with schedule flexibility.
Compensation: Hourly rate $18-$26, commensurate with experience.
JOB OVERVIEW
We are seeking a detail-oriented and experienced bookkeeper to manage the day-to-day accounting and financial tasks of our organization. The ideal candidate will be responsible for recording financial transactions, reconciling accounts, producing financial reports, and ensuring compliance with relevant regulations.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Maintain and update financial records using accounting software (e.g., QuickBooks, Excel, POS system, Google Docs, & Bonterra/EveryAction CRM system)
- Record day-to-day financial transactions including purchases, receipts, sales, and payments.
- Reconcile bank, credit card, and vendor accounts.
- Process accounts payable and accounts receivable.
- Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reports.
- Assist with budget preparation and forecasting.
- Maintain and organize financial documents and records.
- Ensure compliance with relevant financial policies, procedures, and regulations.
- Work with external accountants or auditors as needed.
- Support payroll processing and tax filings as required.
Qualifications
- Proficiency with accounting software (e.g., QuickBooks, Excel).
- Strong understanding of bookkeeping practices and financial regulations.
- Excellent attention to detail and organizational skills.
- Strong mathematical and analytical skills.
- Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities.
- Proven experience as a bookkeeper or in a similar financial role.
Preferred Skills
- Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field preferred.
- Certification such as CPB (Certified Public Bookkeeper) is a plus.
- Familiarity with payroll systems and procedures.
- Strong communication skills.
Benefits
- Remote work options/flexible schedule, if applicable
- Professional development opportunities
To Apply
Please submit a resume and cover letter outlining your qualifications and interest in the position to careers@abrtrails.com. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled
Administrative Assistant - Part Time
Location: Ironwood, MI
Reports To: Board of Directors
Hours: Part-time, 10-20 hours per week during ski season and up to 10 hours per week in the off-season, with schedule flexibility.
Compensation: Hourly rate $18-$26, commensurate with experience.
POSITION SUMMARY
The part-time administrative assistant provides crucial administrative and clerical support to the Anderson Bluffs and River Trails Foundation. This role requires an organized, detail-oriented individual with excellent communication and interpersonal skills. The administrative assistant will be responsible for a variety of tasks that ensure the smooth and efficient operation of the Foundation’s daily activities.
RESPONSIBILITIES
General Administrative Support:
- Answer and direct phone calls, take messages, and respond to inquiries.
- Manage incoming and outgoing mail, including sorting, distributing, and preparing correspondence.
- Provide assistance to manage data within our Customer Relations Management (CRM) System.
- Maintain and organize physical and electronic (Google Drive) filing systems.
- Manage office supplies and ensure adequate inventory.
- Schedule and coordinate meetings, appointments, and events.
- Prepare meeting agendas and take minutes as needed.
- Assist with the preparation of reports, presentations, and other documents.
- Maintain and update contact lists and databases within the CRM.
- Perform other administrative tasks as assigned.
Financial Support:
- Assist with basic bookkeeping tasks, such as processing invoices and expense reports (under the direction of designated staff or a contracted bookkeeper).
- Prepare bank deposits and maintain related records.
- Assist with the preparation of financial reports and budgets (as needed).
Communication and Outreach Support:
- Assist with the creation and distribution of newsletters, email communications, and social media posts (as directed).
- Help to manage cabin bookings using HipCamp.
- Help coordinate volunteer activities and communications.
- Assist with event planning and logistics.
- Interact professionally with donors, volunteers, and the public.
Database Management:
- Assist with maintaining and updating donor and member databases in CRM.
- Generate reports from the database as needed.
Qualifications
- High school diploma or equivalent required; Associate’s degree in a related field preferred.
- Proven experience (minimum [Specify number] years) in an administrative support role.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) and Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets, Slides, Gmail).
- Experience with database management software (specify if a particular software is used, e.g., QuickBooks, DonorPerfect) is a plus.
- Excellent organizational, time management, and multitasking skills.
- Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Discretion and ability to handle confidential information.
- A genuine interest in the mission and goals of the Anderson Bluffs and River Trails Foundation is highly desirable.
- Familiarity with the local community is a plus.
To Apply
Please submit a resume and cover letter outlining your qualifications and interest in the position to careers@abrtrails.com. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
