River Guide

 

Leading the World Outdoors
Adventures on the Gorge’s company vision statement is intended to be interpreted in multiple ways.  First, it illustrates our need to be the best at what we do in our industry and the need to continue to develop ourselves and our business for the future.  Perhaps more importantly, our vision states that we have an altruistic goal of helping others venture outdoors, at times, in places and in activities that will further develop their lifelong skills and increase their knowledge about nature and adventure.  We benefit from a strong belief in who we are and where we are headed. We look to our vision and guiding principles as providing that sense of understanding and direction, serving as a map and compass to help us reach our full potential.

Guiding Principles
We use these principles, and more, to guide our daily behavior and business decisions:
• Always balance fun and adventure with safety 
• Strive always to exceed our guests’ expectations 
• Provide a unique environment for staff and guests that fosters camaraderie and hospitality 
• Value our people, knowing that the quality of our staff define our ultimate success
• Invest in systems and processes, to ensure we deliver a consistent quality experience 
• Treat each and every guest and staff member with dignity and respect 
• Raise the standard of the industry with an emphasis on innovation 
• Recognize that profitability is essential for us to be healthy and grow

Responsibilities
A River Guide is responsible for providing exceptional and safe guide services to whitewater participants in order to achieve Adventures on The Gorge's vision of Leading the World Outdoors.
  
Expectations
The River Guide is accountable for providing an exceptional guest experience during the specific trip the guide is scheduled perform and following directions of the Trip Leader. All AOTG employees are expected to help achieve our vision of leading the world outdoors by extending hospitality at all times, providing assistance where needed, and championing a one-company mindset.

Duties
-Arrive at scheduled time dressed and ready to work  
-Perform pre-trip tasks as assigned by the Trip Leader and River Managers  
-Prepare equipment at the put-in as designated by gear truck driver/trip sweep boater
-Provide guests with specific safety instructions regarding equipment and trip plan    
-Maintain trip order/plan established by the Trip Leader
-Provide interesting and entertaining information about popular locations or specific points of interest 
-Retell and relay important or interesting historical facts, dates, and anecdotes
-Engage wit and charm to enhance the guest experience
-Tailor trip content to the age and interest of guests; facilitate rich discussions that maintain visitors’ interest 
-Maintain compliance with all applicable safety practices, environmental regulations, and company policies
-Assist with post-trip jobs i.e. loading/unloading rafts, washing lunch dishes, etc.
-Attend post trip video (if applicable)
-Interact with guests post-trip in order to build a connection with them and encourage a sense of family 
-Maintain a working knowledge of all products and services offered by AOTG
-Assist all company guests with any general questions or directions as needed
-Perform other duties and responsibilities that may be added at the company's discretion

Qualifications
REQUIRED
-Completion of AOTG training program or equivalent
-Meet all requirements established by applicable state or federal regulatory agencies 
-Ability to work independently with minimal guidance and as part of a team
-Ability to identify and resolve problems in a timely manner and adapt to changes in the work environment
-Basic written and verbal communication skills
-First Aid and CPR or other higher medical training certification
PREFERRED
-Working knowledge and relevant experience in the outdoor industry
-Strong interpersonal skills and customer service skills
PHYSICAL DEMANDS & ENVIRONMENT
-This job is an outdoor position that is subject to working with and doing tasks that involve heights, temperature extremes, exposure to road dust and vehicle exhaust, heavy lifting (50+ pounds), long durations of standing, walking, balancing, grasping, and frequent bending, pushing and pulling.

A River Guide is required to work weekends and other irregular hours as deemed necessary. Flexibility in work schedule is required in order to accommodate rapidly changing trip schedules. 

*Training is provided at no cost and takes place in the Spring annually.