Overview

 

Live. Work. Explore. as a part of our Retail team in Columbia Falls, the gateway to Glacier National Park!

At Glacier National Park Lodges, we depend on our team members to be highly motivated, committed, share our vision and work together to attain it, while our work environment encourages responsibility for personal growth and promotes pride in each employee. No matter what your job is, you will be a proud steward of the park and play an essential role in providing warm and friendly hospitality to all our guests.

 

We’re hiring an Assistant Director of Retail to Live. Work. Explore. in Columbia Falls, Montana!

 

Job Summary:Help lead the daily operations of a diverse mix of retail locations in Glacier National Park—including gift shops, general stores, a coffee shop, and a quick-service food outlet. You'll also support operations at our distribution center in Columbia Falls. This role touches every part of the retail experience, from training and merchandising to inventory management, data entry, employee relations, and contract compliance. Flexibility is key, especially during the busy summer season, which includes regular travel throughout the Park and occasional overnight stays.

 

The Details:Position Type: Full-time, year-round with an 8-week furlough period in late-November/mid-January each yearStart Date: ImmediatelyPay: $2,420 bi-weeklySchedule: Typical schedule is 40-45 hours, 5 days per week (may include weekends, evenings, and holidays)Housing: Employee housing is not available

 

About Columbia Falls:Just west of Glacier National Park lies a collection of communities who proudly welcome millions of visitors each year to the Glacier Gateway area. Columbia Falls - a lively Montana town with many locally owned shops, restaurants, breweries, and summer farmers markets - is the ideal home base for exploring Glacier National Park and the 2.4 million acres in Flathead National Forest.

 

Benefits:

• Medical, Dental, Vision
• Paid Time Off and Holidays
• Disability Insurance
• 401k with match
• Life and AD&D Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• Wellness Programs
• Learning and Development Programs

Perks:

• Free Glacier National Park pass
• Free Red Bus Tours (if available)
• Retail, Lodging and Travel Discounts
• Planned employee trips and activities
• $350 Referral Bonus Program
• A fast-paced, exciting work environment with plenty of upward mobility and growth opportunities
• Meet people of all ages from all over the country and world
• The adventure of a lifetime!

Responsibilities

• Lead and support the hiring of store leadership across multiple retail locations.

• Develop thoughtful staffing plans and leadership structures that support operational success and create opportunities for growth across all retail locations.

• Coach and mentor store managers, contributing to performance evaluations and professional growth.

• Design and deliver training programs on hospitality, product knowledge, food safety, alcohol sales compliance, retail systems, best business practices, and workplace safety.

• Train and provide ongoing support to the Retail Administrator.

• Oversee daily operations including scheduling, inventory, merchandising, and troubleshooting.

• Ensure compliance with NPS Concessions Agreement by partnering with store managers to meet deadlines and deliverables across all retail locations.

• Collaborate with the Distribution Center Manager and Store Managers to optimize inventory flow and product presentation.

• Execute visual merchandising strategies that enhance guest experience and drive sales.

• Maintain inventory accuracy through audits and loss prevention initiatives.

• Coordinate key events such as vendor visits, department meetings, training sessions, and other retail functions.

• Resolve guest and employee concerns with professionalism and care.

• Jump in where needed! Flexibility is key in this dynamic, seasonal environment.

Qualifications

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Strong coaching and employee development skills
• Proven ability to work independently with minimal supervision; excellent attendance, punctuality, and a proactive management style
• Skilled in developing and leading management teams, with a focus on analyzing sales and labor budgets, POS reports, inventory, staff performance, and sales techniques
• Ability to foster a collaborative environment and effectively lead a diverse seasonal workforce
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate effectively with guests, department management, and retail staff.  
• Excellent written and verbal communication, along with problem-solving abilities.
• Strong financial and analytical skills.
• Must be able to pass both a ServSafe Food certification and a certified alcohol training program to train staff.
• Valid driver's license and ability to operate company vehicles in seasonal mountain conditions.

Experience:

• Minimum 2+ years of retail management in a high-volume, seasonal environment is required.
• Experience in resort or tourist retail, merchandising, or buying is a plus.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Excel, POS systems, and hospitality software.
• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Retail, Hospitality, or related field preferred (or equivalent experience).

Supervisory Responsibility:

• Oversee seasonal management positions

Physical Requirements include:

• Must be able to sit, stand, walk, and drive for long periods of time.
• Must be able to lift, carry, and load maximum 50lbs. 
• Must be able to push wheel carts with load capacity of 300lbs. 
• Frequent lifting and carrying of supplies, boxes, bags, bundles of firewood and ice. 
• Frequent trips up and down steep narrow stairs.
• Must be able to bend, kneel, stretch, and reach for extended periods of time. 
• Working safely with various chemicals. 
• Manual dexterity to operate equipment, tools, or technology relevant to role. 

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status.