Summary

Under general supervision, the Descanso Canyon Adventure Guide performs a variety of opening and closing tasks and safety checks, leads and directs guests as they navigate various course elements, and ensures each guest has an enjoyable and memorable experience; and performs related work as required. This position is subject to drug and alcohol testing.

Supervision Received and Exercised

Receives general supervision from higher-level supervisory staff and direction from higher-level staff.

Distinguishing Characteristics

This is an entry-level classification in the Descanso Activities Tour Guide series responsible for performing a variety of basic General Adventure Guide tasks. Guides at this level receive frequent instruction or assistance for their daily assignments. Work is reviewed upon completion for soundness, appropriateness, and conformity to policy and requirements. This class is distinguished from the Descanso Activities Tour Guide II in that the latter provides direction to lower-level support staff and is responsible for more complex skilled guide duties.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.

• Completes daily opening and closing procedures.
• Conducts complete inspections of all course components and gear.
• Inspects personal safety equipment for integrity and cleanliness.
• Inspects property for cleanliness and supplies (water, first aid, etc.).
• Assist with check-ins, weigh-ins, waiver completions, and safety equipment distribution.
• Fits harnesses and helmets correctly and supervises the use of all safety equipment.
• Conducts pre-tour safety orientation for each tour group.
  • Meets and establishes rapport with each participant.
  • Reviews safety guidelines, answer questions.
  • Demonstrates how to carry, wear and utilize safety equipment.
  • Demonstrates proper riding techniques.
  • Provides a safety demonstration on the sample course.
  • Builds excitement about the forthcoming experience.
• Reinforces safety guidelines.
• Introduces tour displays, answer questions and enthusiastically present island ecology facts and history.
• Performs proper safety checks while following a series of critical safety protocols and methods.
• Conducts continuous inspections of course elements and equipment throughout each tour.
• Performs course retrievals and rescues.
• Educates participants about Santa Catalina Island ecology.
• Debriefs participants enthusiastically while suggesting and cross-selling other Company venues, activities, and events.
• Manages all safety equipment inspection and maintenance, including but not limited to cleaning, sanitizing, organizing and preparation. Follows safe working practices and makes appropriate use of related safety equipment as required.
• Assists with course maintenance efforts.
• Attends required meetings and trainings.
• Performs custodial tasks.
• Maintains records and logs of daily activities.
• Directs passengers into the vehicle for zipline.
• Directs participants off the vehicle and escorts them to the initial platform for zipline.
• Attaches participants to the zipline system and performs essential safety checks every time before anyone zips, including self.
• Zips to consecutive platforms, demonstrating proper riding techniques.
• Assists with the landing of each participant, ensuring their safety on every approach.
• Performs other duties, as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to work comfortably at heights and perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Must complete and pass required site-specific aerial adventure safety training program and pass a written and practical skills test. Guides that do not have valid CPR, AED, and First Aid certification when hired will obtain certification during training.
• Must always possess a friendly disposition and professional demeanor;
• Ability to communicate personably and effectively with adults and children in both group and individual settings.
• Must utilize a kind and patient approach to working with people and accommodating their needs.
• Must be able to handle various tasks in a creative and motivated manner.
• Must be at least 18 old.

Education and/or Experience

• High school diploma or general education degree (GED).
• Prior experience with customer service, educational roles, outdoor recreation, athletics, ropes courses, or zip lines preferred, but not required.

Language Skills

• Ability to read, analyze and interpret general business periodicals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations.
• Ability to effectively respond to questions from managers, clients, customers and the general public.
• Ability to write clear inspection and safety reports.
• Bilingual English/Spanish preferred.

Physical Requirements

• Candidates must have the physical capability to maneuver themselves throughout the aerial adventure course and assist guests as needed, including rescue scenarios. This is a very physical position, which requires an individual to maneuver comfortably at height while balancing, suspending, climbing, reaching, stretching, pulling, and managing rope systems.
• Must be able to walk, stand, and exert physical mobility for up to 8 hours.
• Must be able to hike, climb, and work at various heights.
• Must be able to bend, twist, stoop, squat, stretch, push, and pull on a regular basis.
• Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs.
• Must have full range of overhead arm motions and full hand dexterity to use and operate all necessary equipment.
• Requires visual acuity and the ability to hear clearly in an outdoor environment.

Work Environment

• Each Adventure Guide is required to work in a fast-paced, physical, social, professional, and team-oriented work environment. Nearly all of the work is conducted outdoors in varied climates from 40-90 degrees Fahrenheit.

Disclaimer

• This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by this employee. Employee will be required to follow any other instructions and to perform any other duties requested by management.