Descanso Canyon Adventure Guide I

Under general supervision, 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.

This is an entry level classification in the Descanso Activities Tour Guide series responsible for both the Zip Line and Aerial Adventure courses. Guides at this level receive frequent instruction and assistance with 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 2 in that the latter is fully cross trained in Zipline, Aerial Adventure, and Basecame responsibilities. Descanso Activities Tour Guide 2 Must also have completed 200 tours or have been employed for 6 months with our company. This classification also provides direction to lower-level support staff and is responsible for more complex skill guide duties and basic maintenace of equipment.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of various 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 training.
• 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.

Qualifications

Qualifications

Education and Experience:

• High School Diploma or GED;
• Prior experience with customer service, educational roles, outdoor recreation, athletics, educational roles, and/or ziplines preferred, but not required.
• Must be at least 18 years of age.

Knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of record-keeping.

• Principles and practices for providing an elevated level of customer service.
• Modern office practices, methods, and computer equipment and applications.

Ability to:

• Learn new skills and tasks with a willing eagerness
• Work comfortably at heights.

• Maneuver themselves and customers through the adventure courses at height while balancing, suspending, climbing, reaching, stretching, pulling, and managing rope and cable systems.
• Fully complete required site-specific safety training and pass written and practical skills tests.
• Obtain valid CPR, AED, and First Aid certification.
• Safely and effectively use, operate, and maintain equipment and tools.
• Perform heavy manual labor.

• Understand, interpret, and apply all pertinent laws, codes, regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Independently organize work, set priorities, meet deadlines, and follow up on assignments.
• Demonstrate strong customer service skills and establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships.
• Maintain records and files on work performed.
• Use English effectively to communicate in person, over the telephone, and in writing.

• Maintain physical conditioning to successfully pass physical exam.
• Pass drug screening requirements.
• Obtain the Naturalist Level II certification through the Catalina Island Conservancy.

Licenses and Certifications:

• At time of appointment, a valid Driver’s License with a satisfactory driving record that is maintained throughout employment.

• Current CPR, AED, and First Aid certification

Physical Demands

Must possess:

• Strength, stamina, and mobility to perform medium to heavy physical work, to work around machines, to climb and descend ladders, to operate a variety of tools and equipment, and to operate a motor vehicle.
• Visual acuity and ability to hear clearly in an outdoor environment.

• Hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone or radio.
• Ability to walk, stand, and exert physical mobility for extended periods of time (8+hours).
• Full range of overhead arm motions and full hand dexterity to use and operate all necessary equipment.
• Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard, calculator, and to operate tools and equipment.
• Ability to frequently bend, twist, stoop, squat, stretch, push, and pull.

• Ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects weighing up to 50 pounds or heavier weights with assistance and/or the use of proper equipment.

Environmental Elements

Guides work primarily in an outdoor environment with moderate noise levels. May work in cold and hot temperatures, or inclement weather conditions. Guides will interact with individuals in interpreting and enforcing rules, policies, and procedures.

Working Conditions

• This position requires a flexible schedule with shifts that consists of a rotating schedule of weekday and weekend shifts, including day, night, and holiday work hours.