Environmental Manager, Mt. Rushmore

Xanterra is pleased and proud to offer a collection of fine accommodations in America's National and State Parks and Resort Destinations.  

Position Overview:

Xanterra is seeking an Environmental Manager for its Mount Rushmore National Park operations to make Xanterra's Mt. Rushmore operations the national leader in environmentally responsible business and tourism practices.

This person will lead, influence, educate, and mold Xanterra's employees at Mt. Rushmore into the most environmentally aware and responsible organization in the hospitality industry. This agenda is supported at the highest levels in the company, a key ingredient for success. The Manager will participate in designing the methodology for approaching and achieving this direction and drive its application.

This is a rare opportunity to apply passion, technical knowledge, communication and people skills to facilitate cutting-edge business practices that benefit the local national park environment, as well as the planet.

The Environmental Manager will develop, implement, and maintain comprehensive multi-media environmental management strategies and programs for Xanterra Parks & Resorts' Mount Rushmore National Memorial (MORU) retail, restaurant, transportation, and hospitality operations.

This position reports directly to the on-site General Manager of Xanterra's Mount Rushmore operations and also to the Corporate Director of Sustainability. 

This is a full-time, year-round position with offices located at Keystone, SD, approximately twenty-two miles south-west of Rapid City, South Dakota.

Responsibilities:

• Develop, implement, and maintain environmental strategies and programs for Xanterra's Mt. Rushmore operations consistent with the company's environmental management system (Ecologix) and ISO 14001 standards. Maintain certification of the EMS under ISO 14001 standards.
• Work with the General Manager, operations departments, and the Corporate Director of Sustainability to develop and implement environmental management programs in the following areas:

1. Solid waste management
2. Energy and water efficiency of operational systems (including renewable energy)
3. Pollution prevention and waste reduction
4. Sustainable design and construction practices (including the LEED rating system)
5. Hazardous materials and waste management
6. Environmental communication and education
7. Comprehensive affirmative procurement strategies, and Underground and aboveground storage tanks (fuel dispensing and storage management)
8. Green Retail
9. Sustainable Cuisine, including an on-site growing program
10. Storm Water Management

• Coordinate with property departments - such as maintenance and purchasing - in implementing projects, setting standards, and monitoring results on environmental goals.  
• Develop and implement appropriate training programs to ensure compliance with environmental regulations and company requirements. 
• Ensure legal compliance with local, NPS, state, and federal environmental statutes and regulations and minimize legal liabilities from potential hazards. This may include regulatory requirements with hazardous materials, hazardous waste (RCRA), universal waste, CFCs/halons, pesticides, and fuel storage and delivery system management. This includes providing training to staff on changes in regulations affecting operations.
• Monitor environmental programs for effectiveness and develop projects for improvement, as needed. Monitor regulatory developments and communicate changes affecting company operations to appropriate personnel. Develop new environmental programs and procedures, as necessary.
• Serve as environmental spokesperson for Xanterra's Mount Rushmore National Memorial operations: communicating with and educating guests and employees; and working with the National Park Service and governmental agencies on resolving environmental challenges and achieving goals. 
• Promote company environmental stewardship with local, regional, and national environmental groups through committee participation and award application/recognition.
• Research, test, and implement proactive environmental technologies and procedures not only for Mt. Rushmore's operations but also to share with other applicable Xanterra operations. 
• Manage the property's Green Team, holding regularly scheduled meetings and establish goals and objectives for the committee.
• Measure impact of programs and prepare required reports for Xanterra and the National Park Service. Communicate these results with outside stakeholders.
• Develop and maintain good working relationships with National Park Service staff, state and federal government agencies, and outside stakeholders.
• Responsible for the selection and monitoring any environmental consultants and contractors needed to achieve company goals. 
• Prepare and administer the annual financial plan for the environmental department.
• Maintain records and reports for compliance with all agencies having jurisdiction, including National Park Service, and the State of South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources. 
• Oversee the continued implementation and improvements of the garden and greenhouse operation.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree in Environmental Science or related field, plus minimum 3 years professional experience, preferably within the hospitality industry, in all aspects of environmental management. While a college degree is required, individual reputation, knowledge and experience in the environmental and sustainability sector will be the key criteria.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with extensive experience in technical writing and public speaking. The Manager must communicate effectively with both corporate and field employees to identify opportunities to minimize the environmental impacts of Xanterra's business practices. 
• He or she will be a thought leader in regard to environmental issues and eco-tourism, and must possess outstanding interpersonal and communication skills, including experience interacting with the media. This person must demonstrate a political sensibility and be keenly sensitive to various constituencies and the diplomacy appropriate for each.
• The Manager must be savvy as to proper business practices and present programs that are practical and financially sound. The Manager must genuinely enjoy people and be an effective team player, while also carefully introducing, promoting and driving change. He/She will face rejection from time to time, but must be resilient and continue to plant seeds while being creative in finding alternate routes to the desired outcomes. This will include engaging in healthy debate and losing some battles in order to win the war.
• The Manager needs to have a personality and management style that inspires others, encourages employees to present their ideas and motivates a highly diverse group of people to understand what is expected and how to achieve/own those objectives. He/She must gain the respect of others by virtue of style, character, expertise and example, rather than through force or position.
• He or she must be highly-organized and have strong administrative and leadership skills, including experience with operating budgets and the related accountability.
• Experience in environmental report writing including EMS development, ISO 14001 certification, and environmental compliance auditing.
• Experience in developing environmental initiatives and implementing all phases of a company-wide environmental program in a cooperative government agency setting.
• Familiarity with environmental laws and regulations as they relate to the hospitality industry, and an ability to keep abreast of this developing and complex field.
• Well-developed personal computer skills.
• Proven ability to build productive relationships by positively interacting with coworkers and clients.
• Ability to live in a remote, seasonally cold, rural environment.
• Passion for national parks and public lands.

To Apply:

In order to be considered for this opportunity, please submit both a cover letter, explaining why you feel you are qualified for the position, and resume online.