JOB DESCRIPTIONS

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Currently Zion Adventure Company employs over 40 staff members. While many of us perform a variety of jobs here, when hiring we narrow things down to six essential positions.

Below is a list of those positions along with their qualifications and responsibilities. Most staff members here fill more than one position in order to keep a more varied schedule and probability of more work hours.

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES 

​APPLICATION GUIDELINES 

​JOB APPLICATION

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Outfitter

Position Description:

Helping People Have Fun. The Outfitting Staff of Zion Adventures forms the backbone of our business operations. Outfitters work inside and play outside; they go canyoneering, hike, climb, and bike to understand Zion and all it has to offer. Hundreds of Park visitors stop by each day seeking assistance in making the most of their time here. It is the Outfitter’s responsibility to help them leave Zion Adventures with an empowering sense of direction. Outfitters prepare visitors to hike the Zion Narrows, answer questions about our services, maintain the vast amounts of equipment we send out each day, and perform other crucial tasks that help visitors have memorable experiences.

Position Qualifications:
Required:

• ​Minimum of 18 years of age
• Desire to help people, specifically help them have fun visits and stay safe
• Professional and responsible attitude when working with clients
• Willingness to learn and teach
• Strong spoken and written communication skills
• An ability to work in a team-oriented environment
• Sense of humor. Can make work fun and/or funny in positive ways
• Ability to work and stay on-task with minimal supervision
• Ability to apply problem-solving skills

Preferred:

• Some familiarity with computer programs such as Word or Excel. Previous experience with Mac is helpful.
• An outstanding work ethic
• Commitment to serving others
• Strong attention to detail
• Enjoys creating order in chaotic environments
• Ability to take initiative

Position Responsibilities:​​

• Answering visitor questions
• Outfitting customers for the Narrows
• Answering the phone and replying to e-mails
• Booking guided trips and shuttle reservations
• Checking in, cleaning, and repairing gear
• Checking out customers at the cash register
• Helping connect clients with guided trips and other Zion activities
• Offering expertise on local recreation opportunities and logistics
• Building an impressive knowledge base of the roads, hikes, canyons, and hidden secrets of Zion National Park and the surrounding area on personal time
• Informing customers about retail products in the store
• Managing product inventory on our retail floor
• Facilitating meaningful, helpful, intelligent, and pleasant conversations with customers
• Attending staff meetings outside the work day (approx. 1 per month)

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Dates of Employments:
March 2nd - November 29th
Schedule is determined by shop demand as well as other positions you might work, such as a shuttle driver. As a result, you may work 4 days during some weeks, but will most often work 5 days. Our aim is to create a regular work schedule for you where you have the same 2 consecutive days off.

Year-Round Potential:
There is year-round outfitting available for a several staff members. Some stay to outfit part-time or work on seasonal projects.

Trailhead Shuttle Driver

Position Description:
The Trailhead Shuttle Driver is responsible for transporting adventurers to their desired destinations in a friendly and professional manner.  The Trailhead Shuttle Driver must also be comfortable operating a 14 passenger Ford E350 Van safely on narrow, winding dirt roads. Zion Adventures is committed to providing exemplary customer service, so drivers need to be able to speak knowledgeably about other services we provide, as well as the Zion area. ​

Position Qualifications:
Required:

• ​Minimum of 23 years of age 
• Must have a current and valid drivers license
• Current First Aid and CPR certification, or Wilderness First Responder
• Knowledge base of the roads, hikes, canyons, and hidden secrets of Zion National Park and the surrounding area on personal time
• Desire to learn and share that knowledge with others

Preferred:

• Familiarity with the area
• Ability to be engaging and polite
• Some familiarity with computer programs
• An outstanding work ethic
• Commitment to serving others
• Strong attention to detail
• Enjoys creating order in chaotic environments
• Ability to take initiative

 Position Responsibilities: ​​

• Driving courteously
• Transporting clients as safely, comfortably and efficiently as possible
• Avoiding risks which could harm passengers, the vehicles, or the environment
• Running efficient shuttles without creating the hurried feeling
• Solving problems with grace and efficiency
• Helping connect clients with Zion Adventures guided events, Narrows rentals, and other Zion activities
• Facilitating meaningful, helpful, informative, and pleasant conversations with customers
• Operating single run and back-to-back morning shuttles 
• Early arrivals at work. Drivers of 6:15 AM shuttles arrive at Zion Adventures by 6:00 AM, which makes for early mornings, and an early end to the work day.
• Maintaining the shuttle vehicle for cleanliness, fueling, and informing Maintenance Coordinator of possible problems and needed repairs
• Being able to change flat tires on trips, possibly along unimproved roads
• Offering expertise on local recreation opportunities and logistics
• Make reservations, provide refunds, and cash register sales

Dates of Employments:
March 2nd - November 29th
Shuttle drivers work about 4-5 days a week running 1-2 shuttles per day. The work schedule depends on shuttle demands. Our aim is to create a regular work schedule for you where you have the same 2 consecutive days off.  Shuttle drivers are often combined with an outfitting role for those that are interested in a more diverse schedule.

Year-Round Potential
Trailhead Shuttle drop-offs are usually slower during the winter months yet past staff have found part-time work through seasonal projects and outfitting.

Assistant Guide

Position Description:
Many dream of working in the outdoor industry, but few find opportunities for real-world training like this. Being an assistant guide at Zion Adventures is demanding, rewarding, and extremely educational. ZAC Assistant Guides spend about 2/3rds of their season working in the shop as an outfitter, and the other third out in the field on trips. Towards the end of the season, some Assistant Guides feel ready to lead trips on their own and stay on staff as Lead Guides the following season.  We invite our applicants to view working with us as multi-year opportunity.

Position Qualifications:
Required:

• Minimum of 23 years of age
• An enduring commitment to learning, and the ability to do so quickly  
• Ability to work well with all types people, especially children
• Patience
• Strong ability to communicate clearly and effectively
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment
• Strong attention to detail

Preferred:

• Wilderness First Aid or Wilderness First Responder Certification
• Experience with technical rope systems/skills
• Experience riding technical mountain bike terrain
• Experience climbing in single pitch terrain
• Commitment to serving others
• Ability to create order in chaotic environments​​

Outfitter:

• Checking in, cleaning, and repairing gear
• Answering questions and facilitating meaningful, helpful, intelligent, and pleasant conversations with customers
• Outfitting customers for the Narrows and other hikes
• Answering the phone and replying to e-mails
• Booking guided trips and shuttle reservations
• Offering expertise on local recreation opportunities and logistics
• Managing product inventory on our retail floor

Assistant Guide:

• Participate in professional training opportunities regularly
• Work collaboratively with fellow guides and guide management
• Facilitate half- and full-day canyoneering, hiking, rock climbing, and mountain biking trips
• Create a safe, fun, and educational atmosphere
• Build, evaluate, and manage a wide variety of anchor and rope systems
• Wash, repair, and maintain guide equipment
• Build a comprehensive knowledge base of the roads, hikes, canyons, and hidden secrets of Zion National Park and the surrounding areas

Dates of Employments:
March 2nd- November 29th
Schedule is determined by client demand and trip bookings. As a result, you may work 3 days during some weeks, but will most often work 5 days. Our aim is to create a regular work schedule for you where you have the same 2 consecutive days off.

Year-Round Potential
Each year, there are some year-round staff positions available.

Lead Guide

Position Description:
Guides at Zion Adventures are canyoneers, hikers, mountain bikers, and climbers, we are also educators and leaders.  We thrive on sharing our passion for the outdoors with others and by giving them the skills and autonomy to do so on their own. For over 20 years, Zion Adventures guides have helped tens of thousands of guests unlock their potential in the outdoors, all while maintaining an excellent safety record. As a new guide here, you will be held to the same high standards and expectations that we all hold ourselves to everyday. You will be joining a diverse group of individuals from a variety of backgrounds all united by a common mission and a passion for service, education, and the outdoors. A Zion Adventure guide is a powerful mixture of character, empathy, integrity, curiosity, and humility. We are in a constant pursuit to better ourselves and the organization. Many of those who have moved here to be guides with us have found this chapter of their lives to be much longer than they expected, and are happy for it. If working with and being challenged by these types of people excites or inspires you, we encourage you to apply. All qualified candidates will be given thorough consideration and evaluation.


Position Qualifications:
Required:

• Minimum of 23 years of age
• Wilderness First Responder Certification & CPR Certification
• An enduring commitment to learning, and the ability to do so quickly  
• Ability to work well with all types people, especially children
• An appreciation for working with beginners and experts alike
• Patience
• Strong ability to communicate clearly and effectively
• Ability to clearly demonstrate specific skills
• Strong and sound judgment

Preferred:

• Previous teaching, training, or leadership experience (Strongly preferred)
• Experience with technical rope systems/skills
• Experience riding technical mountain bike terrain
• Experience climbing in single pitch terrain

Helpful Characteristics:

• Skills and knowledge within the realm of your guide specialty (canyoneering, rock climbing, mountain biking, backpacking)
• Additional credentials such as AMGA or PCGI training/certifications, Search and Rescue experience, WEA Outdoor Leadership Training Course, LNT Master Educator, etc.
  
  

Position Responsibilities:​​

• Participate in the initial 7-day, paid, guide development training curriculum
• Progress through the guide development sequence, from assistant to leading your own trips by June 1
• Participate in professional training opportunities regularly
• Work collaboratively with fellow guides and guide management
• Facilitate half- and full-day canyoneering, hiking, rock climbing, and mountain biking trips as well as courses
• Create a safe, fun, and educational atmosphere
• Build, evaluate, and manage a wide variety of anchor and rope systems
• Teach students basic to advanced technical skills
• Wash, repair, and maintain guide equipment
• Build a comprehensive knowledge base of the roads, hikes, canyons, and hidden secrets of Zion National Park and the surrounding areas
  
  

Dates of Employment:
March 2nd-November 29th
Schedule is determined by client demand and trip bookings. As a result, you may work 3 days during some weeks, but will most often work 5 days. Our aim is to create a regular work schedule for you where you have the same 2 consecutive days off. 

Year-Round Potential
There is year-round guiding available for a few staff members. Guides who have stayed throughout the winter months (slower season) have found most work through completing projects around the shop.

Trail and Recreation Construction Crew Member

Position Description:
Sculpting the Future of Zion Recreation.  The Kolob Trail and Recreation Construction Crew is responsible for the development of infrastructure supporting our developing line of premier product offerings. The projects slated for 2018 are interesting, varied, and unique - and as a result, our trail crew must be the same.  The ideal candidate has experience in all aspects of trail construction, as well as experience in other trades including carpentry, forestry, residential construction and/or renovation. Trail Crew members are motivated, hardworking, problem solvers who find enjoyment in working in a wide array of disciplines in beautiful, peaceful, and isolated outdoor locations.
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Position Qualifications:
Required:

• Minimum of 23 years of age
• Experience in one or more of the following related fields: trail building, forestry, carpentry, residential construction, etc.
• Ability to work in a team oriented environment as well as on solo, un-supervised projects
• Safety oriented
• Strong verbal communicator, with demonstrated ability to plan, analyze, and problem solve
• Ability to work outside in all weather conditions performing manual labor including: carrying 30+ lb pack over steep terrain, lifting up to 40 lbs, using hand and power tools
• Interest in learning new skills, and teaching skills to others
• Ability to see the big picture of a project and use this scope to guide smaller everyday decisions.
• Ability to interact with customers, and the public responsibly, respectfully, and professionally
• Clean driving record

Preferred:

• Experience with a multitude of hand and power tools including, shovel, pick, Pulaski, hand saw, chain saw, drills, generator
• Experience in construction of outdoor recreation focused infrastructure such as: trails, bridges, benches, decks, ladders, railings, stonework, etc.
  
• Experience operating heavy machinery including, pick-up trucks, towing a trailer, operating a tractor
• Experience in the ‘vertical world’ i.e. working while on rope
• Strong attention to detail
• Willingness to perform necessary task related research and planning
• Ability to organize and prioritize
• Takes initiative

Position Responsibilities:​​

• Perform manual labor outdoors in all weather conditions
• Carry a 30+lbs pack over varied, steep terrain
• Lift objects up to 40 lbs
• Work with a team to construct recreation infrastructure including trails, bridges, retaining walls, ladders, etc. from initial construction to final dressing
• Duties may include but are not limited to: digging, cutting trees and brush, constructing facility resources using dimensional and rough hewn lumber, painting, rock work, landscaping, spreading gravel, etc.
  
• Follow instructions as they relate to the task at hand, as well as the larger scope of the project
  
• Maintenance and repair of tools
  
• Other duties as assigned
  

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Dates of Employment:

• April 1st – September 30th: Position has the potential to be extended as weather and availability of projects allows.
• 40 hrs/week, 4 to 5 days/week depending on the current project.

4 x 4 Overland Tour Driver

Position Description:
We are seeking gregarious, entertaining, and intellectually-strong historian and geologist type characters, who are savvy vehicle drivers with some off-road driving experience. This combination of diverse skills is used as you navigate our 2012 Mitsubishi Fuso 4 wheel drive vehicle on dirt roads, mesas and drainages of the southwest Zion Plateau, offering interpretation on flora, fauna, human history, and geology along the way.

Position Qualifications:
Required:

• Minimum of 23 years of age by April 1st 
• Current First Aid and CPR certification, or Wilderness First Responder
  
• Utah Department of Transportation Med Card (may be obtained in Utah)

Preferred:

• Familiarity with the area
• Ability to be engaging and polite
• Desire to learn and share that knowledge with others
• Experience leading a tour

Position Responsibilities:

• Driving courteously, avoiding risks which could harm passengers, vehicles, or the environment
• Enhancing the Overland experience by further developing and improving the tours
• Building an impressive knowledge base of the recreation opportunities, roads, hikes, canyons, and hidden secrets of Zion National Park and the surrounding area on personal time
• Helping connect clients with other ZAC guided events, outfitting for the Narrows, or other Zion activities
• Maintaining the tour vehicle for cleanliness, fueling, fluid checking, and communicating maintenance needs to the vehicle fleet manager
• Solving problems with grace and efficiency
• Educating clients in the principles of Leave No Trace travel
• Offering knowledge, anecdotal stories, and interactive communication with clients on flora, fauna, geology, local history, and natural history during tour routes
• Facilitating meaningful, helpful, informative, and pleasant conversations with customers

 
Freedoms:

• An astounding clientele, from all ages, places, and walks of life
• Free use of company rental gear for personal recreation days 
• Free tuition for ZAC guided trips and courses in canyoneering, climbing, mountain biking, hiking, and road biking
• Work with an incredible team connected individuals dedicated to a high quality of life for themselves and our guests. We want the same for you. Unlike cubicle neighbors, we get to know each other. Our staff want each other to be great, to pursue excellence in all we do, to support each other, be supported and deliver a high level of performance every day.
• Pro-purchase opportunities from many outdoor equipment manufacturers
• Live within the towering walls of Zion National Park
• Opportunity to work outside

Dates of Employment:
June 1st-October 1st

Schedule: 
Overland drivers work about 5 days a week. The work schedule depends on demand for the tours. We offer one tour each day in the evening near the sunset. An average tour is about 3 - 3.5 hours.

Year-Round Potential:
Off season work may be available to extend the work season into year round work.