Southwest Utah is a North American mecca for canyoneering, rock climbing, hiking, and mountain biking, and ZAC instructors introduce this magical world to aspirants from all over the world. Relying on direct experience as the most potent teacher, we teach almost entirely on-site "within" the trip locations respective to our disciplines. This allows students and participants to engage and involve themselves in each moment of decision-making throughout each day. We strive to teach more, using less less words, less prescribed and formal presentation, and less intervention between the students and the curriculum they are here to explore. In any given moment, many questions arise for a thought-full instructor
Where are opportunities for students to test their ideas, push their fears, and manage risk?
What questions elicit clarity and help students engage the material before them?
Which moments instill confidence? Which instill fear?
How do I enable my students to grow independent of me?
Experience has revealed experiential teaching ability to be the most important quality in our instructors. We are seeking Experiential Educators (not guides) who are able to invest and become tenured in leading canyoneering courses and trips, plus one or more of these additional disciplines: mountain/road biking, rock climbing, and interpretive/adventure hiking. We define experiential education as the ability to use the surrounding environment, combined with the natural occurence of moments during outings, to promote and understand one's self, others, and the relationships thereof. We are not necessarily seeking hard-core climbers, hikers, bikers, and canyoneers with long resumes of days in the field (though this helps a great deal), but rather impassioned teachers who love exploring the natural and human experiences of the desert.
Details
Age Requirements: Minimum of 25 years of age by June 1, 2007
Required Certifications: Wilderness First Responder
Desired Certifications for Canyoneering and Climbing Instructors: ACA Canyon Leader or Canyon Guide, AMGA Top-Rope Site Manager
Required Qualifications: 2-3 years independent teaching, training, or leading in any venue (not necessarily technical in nature). Comfortable with ropework (climbing, rappelling, rescue), map reading, and basic concepts in physics and geology. Confident and precise in speech, and uninhibited in group settings. Applicants should be physically fit, strong hikers, able to handle heavy packs, and relentless learners.
Desired Experience: Familiar with and experienced in canyoneering, hiking, biking, and climbing in and around Zion National Park, as well as around the country and the world.
Season: March through November, with winter furlough. *Year-round employment opportunities exist for creative staff with strong writing, logistical, and computer skills.
Schedule: Part-time (2-3 days/week, typically combined with administrative duties, training, and Adventure Outfitting hours and experience), evolving to Full-time (4-5 days/week)
Compensation: Commensurate with experience and performance, based on an Apprenticeship Program. Apprentice Guides start at $59/day, while experienced lead guides earn between $125 $175 per diem.
Responsibilities
Complete training, as needed, in the ZAC apprenticeship program
Facilitate half- and full-day trips trips and courses
Create a safe, fun, and educational atmosphere
Evaluate and manage a wide variety of risks
Teach students basic to advanced skills and techniques particular to the trip or course they register for
Empower students to become self-guided
Wash, repair, and maintain equipment
Build an impressive knowledge base of the roads, hikes, climbs, canyons, and hidden secrets of Zion National Park and the surrounding area.
Freedoms
A truly astounding clientele, from all ages, places, and walks of life
Train and work with expert field instructors
Live within the towering walls of Zion National Park
Pro-purchase opportunities from most outdoor equipment manufacturers
Opportunities to create and increase your own income
Work with an incredible team dedicated to a high quality of life and excellence in all we do
Free tuition for all ZAC trips and courses
Continuing education and tuition reimbursement plans
To apply for this position, click here.
