Assistant Guide & Outfitter

Year after year, high performing staff have many of the same things in common. They are happy, improving & growing in helpful ways, like working hard, showing care for those around them, and feeling connected to people, and with the ZAC mission. Life here is an adventure as we explore the world outside and seek greater understanding of the human experience. Our staff come to Zion from all over the country. For many of us, our co-workers are an essential part of our community. We support each other, and we want to be supported. Getting to know each other is part of the adventure. Our lives overlap. We laugh with each other if the lid falls off the salt-shaker. We feel your pain when you run out of coffee. Often our coffee runs are expedited by the fact that we have each others' drinks memorized. Springdale is a small town. Some staff easily make connections with people outside the staff. Others find their best friends within our staff. There is no requirement from Zion Adventure Company nor its management that you spend your personal time with your co-workers. As you look for recreation outing partners, some may naturally come from the staff, and others from the townspeople. Some staff members have mentioned we are like a family. This is true to a degree. We care about you, want you to be happy, and to succeed. At the same time, we want to cautiously encourage you to think of the term “family” in helpful ways. Co-workers can help you, but won’t do everything for you and can't manage your life for you. We need you to do your job well and consistently. No amount of being close to co-workers alleviates this need to perform. We expect staff to be responsible and accountable. You need to take responsibility for your success and happiness. Help is almost always available and we encourage you to ask for help when you need it. Just a few of the ways we have helped each other are ride to the airport, technical assistance changing flat tires, and support meeting self-improvement goals at work. The Zion Adventure Company staff is an incredible team of connected individuals. Each of us wants to work with great people. Our hiring team does its best to find you and hire you. We pursue a high quality of life for ourselves, our guests and want the same for you. Staff members want each other to be great, and to pursue excellence in all they do. They also laugh a lot at the the funny and ironic moments we share. Sincerely, ZAC Hiring Team

Job Overview

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 a multi-year opportunity.

Starting Wage: 

$15/hour

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 of 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​
• A high level of social grace
• The ability to form meaningful connections with others quickly

Preferred:

• Wilderness First Aid or Wilderness First Responder Certification
• Experience with technical rope systems/skills
• 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 Employment:

• March 1st- November 28th
• 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.
• Each year, there are some year-round staff positions available.