Friends of Big Marsh - Big Marsh Outfitter- Manager

40 hours a week, 32-36 weeks annually

Friends of Big Marsh operates a bike rental and concession space in the Ford Calumet Environmental Center at Big Marsh Park known as The Big Marsh Outfitter. Friends of Big Marsh is seeking an entrepreneurial, self-motivated candidate to grow our impact and community at the Outfitter. This space is intended to serve the growing community of cyclists and nature lovers at Big Marsh, as well as the surrounding communities of South Deering, East Side, Hegewisch, Riverdale, Pullman, and Roseland. It is primarily focused on outfitting park guests with the bikes, helmets, and other equipment that they need to enjoy the park as intended, and features apparel and snacks as well.

Key Responsibilities

• Fleet Management and Rental Friends of Big Marsh currently manages 60 bikes used for rental, community loan, special events, and Park District use. The Outfitter Manager will maintain service records for each bike, and ensure that all bikes are assessed before and after use by Outfitter guests.

• Staff Management - The Manager will oversee the hiring, scheduling, training, and supervision of outfitter/program staff. They will ensure that the Outfitter space is open and appropriately staffed during hours as determined in collaboration with Chicago Park District and Friends of Big Marsh leadership. The manager will ensure seasonal, P/T staff are properly trained and achieving goals as set by Manager and FoBM Executive Director. Maintain schedule and payroll for outfitter and program staff, in accordance with budget and park need.
• Outfitter Management and Supervision - The manager will maintain the outfitter space. This includes ensuring that this indoor space is well organized, stocked, and welcoming including ensuring any information regarding Friends of Big Marsh initiatives and events are accessible and communicated with park visitors with attention to the influence of weather, and special events.
• Communication
• Manager will compile partner and individual renter information to build upon Friends of Big Marsh’s mailing list. Manager will create, maintain and communicate operating hours on site and online. Manager will manage an online bike reservation system.
• Inventory management + POS maintenance Set up and maintain Lightspeed + Fare Harbor to book reservations from park district, community-based organizations, and general public. Complete monthly sales reporting to UCG and FoBM management.
• Retail and Merchandising Manager to develop and stock Big Marsh merchandise including, but not limited to, shirts, hats, sticker packs, and event-based merchandise. The Outfitter inventory should include adequate beverages and snack items to facilitate a safe and enjoyable park visit.
• Service Park Guests should feel confident that all rental bikes are in safe, operating condition and that any basic bike repair incurred during a visit to the park can be addressed. This includes ensuring that outfitter staff are appropriately trained in basic repairs as needed.
• Social Enterprise Shop Manager to collaborate with Executive Director and Park District staff to provide bikes and see that appropriate, engaging education is provided for community programming as well as individual park users. The Outfitter is not *just* a bike rental, but many users' first introduction to mountain biking, trail riding, and competitive cycling. Friends of Big Marsh’s mission is to be central to the success of the Outfitter and the Outfitter should serve as an introduction to the larger world of eco-recreation.

This position is seasonal and considered “At-Will” employment. Friends of Big Marsh is an equal opportunity employer. This position is compensated at $24-$27/hr, with an additional self-care stipend monthly. Sick and Paid leave time to accrue in accordance with City of Chicago laws at 1 hour sick time and 1 hour paid leave for every 35 hours worked. Please send resumes to paul@bigmarsh.org.

This position is seasonal and considered “At-Will” employment. Friends of Big Marsh is an equal opportunity employer. This position is compensated at $24-$27/hr, with an additional self-care stipend monthly. Sick and Paid leave time to accrue in accordance with City of Chicago laws at 1 hour sick time and 1 hour paid leave for every 35 hours worked.