2012-13_Interior_5

Multi-sport Lead Guide-Zion Adventure Company

Submitted by zionadventures on Fri, 12/02/2011 - 16:36

Lead Guide

Southwest Utah is a North American mecca of canyoneering, rock climbing, and mountain biking, and ZAC instructors introduce these exciting sports to aspiring adventurers from all over the world. However, introducing new sports and terrain to clients is a minor part of any given guided event. Relationship building is the primary responsibility of a ZAC guide, and we focus on helping our clients develop strong relationships with:

• their environment
• our curriculum
• objective and subjective risk
• Zion Adventure Company’s mission

The first and most important quality we look for in a guide staff is a highly-developed sense of self-worth (self-esteem), embodied in a gregarious, loving, humble personality.

Teaching ability is the second-most important quality in a ZAC instructor. We seek not canyoneers, climbers, or bikers with long and impressive resumes, but rather impassioned teachers who love exploring the natural and human experiences of desert canyons. A Zion Adventure Company guide teaches in a way that helps clients:

• Learn about themselves as humans interacting with their fears, hopes, and passions
• Learn how to solve problems as an authenticated explorer
• Understand the value and poignancy of learning through experience
• Take greater responsibility for themselves and the outcome of any given moment
• See that the client, him or herself, is a defining character in the unfolding story of their life

Canyoneering trips and courses make up the bulk of our events (75%); rock climbing (15%), mountain biking (5%), and hiking trips (5%) complete our guided offerings.

Details
1) Age Requirements: Minimum of 24 years of age by March 1, 2012

2) Minimum Required Certifications: Current Wilderness First Responder, valid Taxi Endorsement for Driver’s License

3) Be drug-free and able to prove it any time, upon our request.

4) Required Certifications: PCGI or AMGA Single Pitch Instructor, or greater

5) Desired Certifications: ACA Canyon Leader or Canyon Guide, or equivalent experience

6) Required Qualifications:
a) 2-3 years independent teaching, training, or leading in any venue (not necessarily technical in the outdoors)

b) Comfortable with ropework

i. Can lead 5.9 trad or higher in single pitch terrain

ii. Exceptional knowledge of rappel skills, rescue skills, and mechanical advantage systems

c) Experience riding technical mountain bike terrain

d) Competency with map reading

e) Knowledgable in basic physics and geology concepts

f) Confident and precise in speech; uninhibited in group settings

g) Applicants should be physically fit, with strong hiking ability

h) Experience leading others in challenging terrain

i) Able to demonstrate exceptional teaching skills

j) Able to demonstrate the ability to learn quickly

7) Required Experience: At least two seasons, or 24 technical canyoneering descents (whichever is more) in the last 3 years. Familiar with Zion National Park and have visited at least once in the last two years.

8) Desired Experience: Familiar with the canyons and climbing of southwestern Utah and the Zion National Park area, and/or other canyon/climbing areas around the country/world.

9) Season: March 1, start, through October 2012, with winter furlough to recommence full-time work in March 2013. *Year-round employment opportunities are available for creative staff with strong writing, self-direction, and leadership abilities.

10) Schedule: Guiding (4-5 days/week) in the field, optional outfitting (1 day/week) outfitting in our store.

11) Compensation: Commensurate with experience and performance, based on an Apprenticeship Program. Apprentice Guides start at $47 per half-day and $78 per full-day; Assistant Guides earn $82 per half-day and $110 per full-day; Lead Guides start at $104 per half-day and $138 per full-day.

Responsibilities
• Complete training, as needed, in the ZAC apprenticeship program

• Facilitate half- and full-day canyoneering, rock climbing, mountain biking, and hiking trips and 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 and techniques

• Empower students to become self-guided canyoneers

• Wash, repair, and maintain canyon and climbing equipment

• Build an impressive knowledge base of the roads, hikes, 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