DIRECTOR OF SURF OPERATIONS

DSRT SURF isn't a traditional workplace, and we're not looking for traditional people.

We're building a fast-growing hospitality and lifestyle brand where surf culture, guest experience, and high performance come together in a unique way. We're looking for people who thrive in energetic environments, take pride in their work, and want to help build something special from the ground up.

This is a fully on-site role in Palm Desert, California.

What You'll Do

The Director of Surf Operations is one of the most critical and non-negotiable hires at DSRT SURF. This is not a role to grow into — it is a role for someone who has already built a career in water safety and surf operations and is ready to lead at the highest level.

You will own the full spectrum of in-water operations, reporting directly to the VP/GM, and you will set the standard for everything that happens in and around our wave.

This is the kind of role most people in water safety and surf ops spend their careers working toward. If leading a world-class surf facility is your dream job — this is it.

Responsibilities include:

• Own and oversee all surf operations including wave management, surf instruction, water safety, and lifeguard programs
• Directly lead, manage, and elevate the Water Safety Manager, Surf Manager, Lifeguard Leads, Coaches, and supporting staff
• Establish, enforce, and continuously improve water safety protocols, emergency action plans, and operational procedures across all in-water disciplines
• Partner with StarGuard Elite to ensure all water safety standards, staff certifications, and training programs are implemented, current, and exceeded
• Lead and develop the Surf Coaching and Water Safety management teams, ensuring each department is performing at the highest level and continuously improving
• Ensure all surf equipment including boards, safety gear, and water assets are properly maintained, inventoried, and guest-ready at all times
• Oversee surf and wave bookings in coordination with Guest Experience to ensure smooth scheduling, capacity management, and a seamless guest journey
• Develop each functional area within Surf Ops — setting performance standards, training programs, and clear growth pathways for every role on the team
• Ensure all staff certifications, training requirements, and compliance obligations are current, documented, and upheld without exception
• Partner with HR on recruiting, onboarding, scheduling, and performance management for the Surf Ops team
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Guest Experience, Facilities, and F&B to deliver a seamless world-class operation
• Partner with Sales and Marketing departments to support events, group bookings, and the growth of DSRT SURF's surf programming — providing operational expertise, capacity guidance, and on-water execution
• Monitor, investigate, and respond to incident reports, near-misses, and safety concerns with urgency and accountability
• Serve as the subject matter expert and final decision-maker for all in-water operations
• Build and protect a high-performance, safety-first culture across the entire Surf Ops team
• Represent DSRT SURF at industry events and within the broader surf and water safety community