How to Be Skydiving Center Manager - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Oct 14, 2022 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

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The Skydiving Center Manager plays an integral role in providing an unforgettable experience to skydiving enthusiasts. Their primary duties include organizing staff, overseeing safety protocols, managing budgets, and coordinating group skydiving events. As a result of their expertise and efficient management, visitors to the center have access to high-quality equipment, dependable instructors, and a safe and thrilling skydiving experience. This, in turn, leads to higher ratings, customer satisfaction, and increased business opportunities for the center.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a Bachelor's Degree. To become a skydiving center manager, it is recommended to have at least a bachelor's degree in business, hospitality, or a related field.
Gain Relevant Work Experience. Many skydiving centers prefer potential managers to have prior experience in the field of skydiving, either as an instructor or in another administrative position.
Complete Safety Courses. Before becoming a manager, you should complete safety courses and be certified in CPR and first-aid.
Obtain a Pilot License. In some cases, skydiving centers may require prospective managers to have a pilots license.
Become Certified by the United States Parachute Association (USPA). The USPA offers certification courses for skydiving center managers and instructors.
Find Employment. The best way to find a job as a skydiving center manager is to network with current managers or instructors and to apply for positions through industry websites.

The success of a skydiving center is largely dependent on the skill and competence of its Manager. If the Manager is experienced and knowledgeable in running a skydiving center, then the customers will feel comfortable and confident in their experience. This will lead to increased customer satisfaction and more repeat business.

the Manager can ensure that all safety protocols are being followed, which will ultimately lead to fewer accidents and a safer environment for everyone involved. Finally, a competent Manager can also help to train new staff members and customize the skydiving experience for customers. All of these factors will lead to a successful skydiving center with a satisfied customer base.

You may want to check Skydiving Adventure Guide, Freefall Camera Operator, and Canopy Formation Instructor for alternative.

Job Description

Oversee daily operations of the skydiving center including scheduling of staff, ordering of supplies and equipment, and safety compliance.
Develop and implement policies and procedures for the skydiving center to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for customers and staff.
Supervise staff, including training and evaluation of employees, ensuring the proper use of safety equipment.
Facilitate customer service, resolving customer complaints and inquiries in a timely manner.
Develop marketing strategies to increase sales and promote the skydiving center.
Maintain accurate financial records for the skydiving center, including tracking of income and expenses.
Ensure compliance with all local, state, and federal laws and regulations related to skydiving operations.
Manage relationships with vendors, suppliers, and other partners.
Coordinate with local emergency services for emergency preparedness and response protocols for the skydiving center.
Prepare yearly budget and forecasts for the skydiving center and submit to management for approval.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Leadership and strategic planning skills
Financial management experience
Ability to develop and implement safety procedures
Knowledge of skydiving regulations and best practices
Strong customer service orientation
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
Ability to develop and manage a team of instructors
Experience with scheduling and booking skydiving activities
Proficiency in computer software programs
Ability to troubleshoot and problem solve quickly and efficiently

The most important skill for a Skydiving Center Manager to have is strong organizational and communication skills. Being able to effectively communicate with staff, customers, and vendors is vital to the success of the business. Good organizational skills are also essential in order to be able to effectively manage the daily operations of the skydiving center.

These skills will help with resolving customer complaints, scheduling staff for events, and ensuring that safety protocols and procedures are properly adhered to. the manager should have a thorough knowledge of the regulations and laws governing skydiving and the ability to stay up to date with changes in the industry. Having these skills will allow the manager to successfully run a safe and profitable skydiving center.

Skydiver Load Organizer, Skydiving Safety Officer, and Skydiver Deployment Specialist are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have working in the skydiving industry?
How would you develop and manage customer relationships?
How would you ensure that safety standards are met at all times?
What strategies would you use to market the skydiving center?
What strategies would you use to increase revenue for the skydiving center?
How would you go about hiring, training, and managing staff?
How would you handle customer complaints or issues?
What experience do you have with budgeting and financial management?
What are your thoughts on developing a customer loyalty program?
What do you consider to be your greatest strengths and weaknesses when it comes to managing a skydiving center?

Common Tools in Industry

Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Software. This software is used to store customer information and track interactions with customers. (Eg: Salesforce)
Booking System. This software allows customers to book activities or services online. (Eg: Rezdy)
Safety Management System Software. This software helps ensure compliance with safety and risk management regulations. (Eg: Risk Manager Pro)
Point of Sales (POS) Software. This software helps manage transactions and handle payment processing. (Eg: Square)
Online Scheduling Platform. This software allows customers to book appointments with instructors or staff. (Eg: Calendly)
Inventory Management Software. This software is used to track and manage inventory. (Eg: Zoho Inventory)
Accounting Software. This software is used to manage financial transactions and prepare financial reports. (Eg: QuickBooks)
Business Intelligence Software. This software provides insights into customer behaviour, performance, and trends. (Eg: Tableau)
Document Management Software. This software is used to store and manage documents associated with the skydiving center. (Eg: Dropbox)
Email Marketing System. This software is used to send promotional messages and newsletters to customers. (Eg: MailChimp)

Professional Organizations to Know

United States Parachute Association (USPA)
European Skydiving Council (ESC)
World Air Sports Federation (FAI)
International Bodyflight Association (IBA)
British Skydiving Association (BPA)
Canadian Sport Parachuting Association (CSPA)
Australian Parachute Federation (APF)
International Parachuting Commission (IPC)
World Freefall Convention (WFC)
International Association of Military Parachutists (IAMP)

We also have Skydiving Flight Technology Specialist, Skydiving Flight Logistics Coordinator, and Wing Suit Pilot jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Aircraft. A vehicle that is able to fly using lift from an engine or other power source.
Drop Zone. A designated area where skydivers exit an aircraft to deploy their parachutes and land.
Flight Instructor. A certified professional who is responsible for teaching and training skydivers.
Parachute. A device used to slow a person's descent through the air, allowing them to safely land on the ground.
Rigging. The process of packing a parachute and connecting it to the skydiver's harness.
Tandem Jump. A type of skydive in which two people are connected together, with one person controlling the parachute and the other person free-falling alongside them.
Wind Tunnel. An enclosed chamber used to simulate free-falling by creating a constant stream of air moving upward at high speed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What qualifications do you need to be a Skydiving Center Manager?

To be a Skydiving Center Manager, you typically need a minimum of five years experience in the skydiving industry, an FAA certification as a Senior Parachute Rigger, and a current United States Parachute Association (USPA) D-License.

How many staff does a typical Skydiving Center Manager oversee?

A typical Skydiving Center Manager oversees around 10-20 staff members, including instructors, pilots, riggers, and other support staff.

What are the primary duties of a Skydiving Center Manager?

The primary duties of a Skydiving Center Manager include maintaining safety standards, ensuring compliance with federal regulations, managing staff schedules and training, developing marketing strategies, and managing the finances of the business.

What skills are important for a Skydiving Center Manager to possess?

A Skydiving Center Manager should possess excellent organizational and communication skills, strong leadership qualities, good problem-solving and decision-making skills, and an understanding of the regulations and safety protocols associated with skydiving.

Are there any additional certifications that can help a Skydiving Center Manager succeed?

Yes, having additional certifications such as an FAA Aircraft Dispatcher Certificate or a USPA AFF Instructor Rating can be beneficial for a Skydiving Center Manager.