Multi-Day Tour Guide

Overview

REI Co-op is united around discovering, building and celebrating better ways of working in this world, all so that folks can find and pursue a love of the outdoors. When you work for the co-op, you do your best work with the support to live your best life. And you play a part in shaping the future of the outdoors, for people and our planet.

This job contributes to REI's success by leading groups of guests on multi-day outdoor Experiences trips in Shenandoah NP, Virginia; Washington D.C. metro area; and New River Gorge NP, West Virginia. Experiences trips include hiking, backpacking, and camping with accommodation styles ranging from basic camping to high-end lodge-based trips. Our itineraries feature a combination of trips for mixed adult groups, all women groups, families, and a new collection of trips operated in partnership with Outdoor Afro, Inc (separate and distinct from Outdoor Afro, Org public events). Multi-day guides are professionals focused on providing unparalleled customer service, food quality, well-researched and spoken local interpretation, and have the skill and demeanor to facilitate a safe and fun experience for our guests, and acts by REI's guiding values and mission.

Responsibilities and Qualifications

How you will be successful

• Take guests on multi-day tours, as advertised, while demonstrating exemplary customer service, ensuring a five-star guest experience.

• Hold conversations, read social cues, and adjust presentation style. Facilitate introductions and relations between guests.

• Ensure safe practices and procedures are followed at all times.

• Demonstrate cultural awareness, share in-depth knowledge of regional destinations and/or cultural activities (e.g., art, natural and cultural history, food, and wine).

• Provide interpretation relevant to the location, e.g., geography, geology, local flora/fauna, and other elements to ensure a quality guest experience.

• Meal preparation, ensuring safe cooler and food management.

Communication

• Communicate the itinerary and important information with all guests in a fun and exciting way (pre-trip, debriefs, orientations, safety talks, regional/cultural information, etc.).

• Set clear expectations for the guests about schedule, safety, and their responsibilities to the group. Offer suggestions and appropriate warnings when needed.

• Provide thorough feedback and ideas for improvement.

• Mentor or train new Guides, as assigned.

• Be open and candid with teammates and Guides and be comfortable providing constructive feedback.

As assigned, perform Trip Run duties, such as:

• Act as final decision-maker about last-minute trip itinerary changes, crisis and risk management, compliance, conflict resolution, and group management.

• Operate as head contact for home office and vendor communication and logistics for 3rd party service providers.

• Complete all required documentation, including Post Trip Reports and Expense Reports.

• Respond to all communications received from Core Team in a timely manner.

Your qualities

• 2+ years experience in guiding outdoor and/or overnight tours and/or outdoor educational skills/programs in a group setting.

• Must have a valid, state-issued driver's license with an acceptable driving background and the ability to obtain a medical examiner's certificate, which includes a physical and drug screen.

• CPR Certification.

• Wilderness First Responder certification.

• Must be skilled in at least two activities for which we run trips, such as Hiking, Camping, and Backpacking.

• Food Handlers certification.

• Leave No Trace certification.

Closing

At REI, we believe the outdoors is for all. We are committed to becoming a fully inclusive, anti-racist, multicultural organization (~~~) . We know that there's strength in our diversity - that each employee brings unique skills, experiences, and perspectives. Every day you are driving change, fostering a culture of respect, and knowing you're backed by benefits that support your whole life. To work towards this commitment and fulfill our brand promise of inspiring and enabling a life outside for everyone, we seek employees who demonstrate different ways of working, create a sense of belonging, and actively listen and learn.

Pay Transparency

We are committed to practices that promote pay equity and transparency. As required by applicable Pay Transparency laws, REI provides a range of compensation for roles that may be hired in locations under these requirements. Factors that may be used to determine your actual salary may include a wide array of factors, including: your specific skills and experience, geographic location or other relevant factors.

REI offers all regular employees a generous employee discount, access to health benefits, a retirement savings plan and accrued time off. Click here (~~~/) for a detailed overview of benefits plans by employee profile.

Pay Range

$17.67 - $21.83 per hour