There will be 10 surf parks opening this year, and all need to be staffed. In addition, the projects on our Surf Planner Map represent more than 5000 job openings in the next 3-5 years. We’ve collected a few of the listings on Wavepooljobs to give you a small idea of what’s out there. Atlantic Park needs a GM, The Wave Bristol and o2 SURFTOWN MUC need staff and Surf Abu Dhabi is still seeking a few perfect candidates. Check the link to see the full Wavepooljobs job listings.

The $325 million Atlantic Park in Virginia Beach, that development backed by musician Pharrell Williams, will transform three city blocks with retail, restaurants, offices, apartments, and a performance venue. But central do this development is a huge Wavegarden Cove. And they need someone to manage the whole deal. Is this your dream job?

Summary: The GM oversees all operations at the Atlantic Park Surf Lagoon, including revenue, expenses, regulatory and fiscal management, and overall guest experience. This role entails managing both aquatic and land-based operations, overseeing finance, marketing, human resources, and facilities. The GM collaborates with other stakeholders to maintain smooth operations and uphold exceptional guest satisfaction. Essential qualifications include proficiency in financial reporting, P&L analysis, and strategic capital investments. The GM drives the achievement of company goals and ensures alignment with the organization’s vision and initiatives. Maintaining a deep knowledge of park events and amenities is crucial for optimizing guest experience. Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, are essential. The GM is accountable for developing an executive team and fostering the growth of all staff. Collaborating with Beach Street Operations, the GM focuses on efficiency, long-term ROI, customer service excellence, and cultivating a top-tier team.

Atlantic Park – Virginia Beach

Responsibilities include, but not limited to:

• Direct, implement, and oversee Atlantic Park surf lagoon operations to ensure compliance with SOPs, safety regulations, and local laws, enhancing service, safety, quality, and guest hospitality.
• Collaborate with Beach Street Operations and on-site teams to establish short-term objectives, long-range goals, budgets, pricing strategies, policies, and operational and marketing plans for Atlantic Park.
• Lead and inspire management staff through effective motivation and leveraging individual strengths to maximize guest satisfaction and productivity. Foster positive team member relations through effective delegation, maintaining high morale, upholding operational standards, and executing performance management processes.
• Review financial and non-financial reports, and devise solutions for improvement. Take corrective action to address deviations from approved budgets and safety standards.
• Oversee the organization’s budgeting process, financial controls, and reporting, ensuring adequate funding aligns with company mission and customer experience expectations. Review financial performance across all operations, aligning activities with company objectives, and implementing corrective measures for suboptimal performance.
• Cultivate and maintain positive relationships with Atlantic Park partners, employees, vendors, customers, government agencies, and the local community. Engage regularly with facility guests and patrons.
• Collaborate closely with lodging, retail, and food & beverage concessionaires to ensure a seamless guest experience.
• Negotiate potential partnerships and contracts with outside vendors and or partners.
• Oversee site safety and communicate all incidents including rescues, injuries, workers’ compensation, and water-related illnesses to senior management, legal, and risk management/insurance entities.
• Administer and ensure adherence to all Atlantic Park and Beach Street rules, regulations, processes, and policies.
• Perform additional duties as required by the Beach Street Operations.

Experience and Qualifications

• 7 to 10 years of hospitality management experience, including financial oversight of business operations. Experience in Water or Surf attraction management is advantageous.
• Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent education/experience preferred.
• Proficiency in project accounting, scheduling, budgeting, document management, contract management, and cost forecasting.
• Outstanding interpersonal and communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Strong leadership abilities including critical thinking and problem-solving capabilities.
• Effective handling of internal and external customers with diplomacy to resolve conflicts and gather accurate information.
• Deep understanding of marketing principles relevant to lifestyle-oriented venues.
• Experience working in technology-forward settings, integrating digital platforms, applications, and systems to support venue operations.
• Preferred experience in surfing and other water sports activities (not required).
• Familiarity with local, state, and federal water safety and health regulations is beneficial.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Windows and Excel is essential.
• Availability for a flexible schedule, including mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays.  

Check out WavePoolJobs.com

• Additional Resources:
• Beach Street Development website: www.BeachStreetDev.com
• Atlantic Park project website: www.AtlanticParkVB.com
• Virginia Beach website: https://virginiabeach.gov
• Visit Virginia Beach website: www.VisitVirginiaBeach.co

The Wave

Various surf-related job positions are available at The Wave in Bristol, England, and Surf Abu Dhabi / Modon Properties in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. These positions include Senior Surf Coach, Lifeguard, Trainee Lifeguard, Surf Coach, Surf Guide, Front of House Lead, Water Safety, and Water Safety Director. The roles at The Wave range from full-time to seasonal, with hourly pay rates varying between £11.73 and £12.63.

o2 SURFTOWN MUC

Surftown GmbH in München, Bavaria, Germany is hiring for various surf-related positions, including Lifeguard, Trainee Lifeguard, Surf Coach (a) – Aushilfe, and Surf Coach (a) for the summer season. These roles are either full-time or seasonal, with specific start dates and hourly pay rates. Additionally, Consul8 in Gumefens, Fribourg, Switzerland is seeking an Assistant Project Manager for a full-time position.

For those looking to work in a surf park, check out WavePoolJobs.com

Watch Now: How do wave pools do hiring?