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Lead Guide-Zion Adventure Company

Submitted by zionadventures on Wed, 12/22/2010 - 16:38

Southwest Utah is a North American mecca of canyoneering and rock climbing, and ZAC instructors introduce these high-angle 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 self and the outcome of any given moment

• See that the client themselves 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 23 years of age by June 1, 2011

2) Minimum Required Certifications: Wilderness First Responder, Valid Taxi Endorsement on their Driver’s License.

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

3) Desired Certifications: ACA Canyon Guide, AMGA SPI or Rock Instructor, or PCGI SPG or Multi-Pitch Instructor

4) Required Qualifications:
a) 2-3 years independent teaching, training, or leading in any venue (not necessarily technical in nature).

b) Comfortable with ropework

i. lead climbing ability to 5.10 trad

ii. exceptional knowledge of rappel skills, rescue skills, and mechanical advantage

iii. map reading, and basic concepts in physics and geology

iv. Confident and precise in speech, and uninhibited in group settings

v. Applicants should be physically fit, with strong hiking ability

vi. experience leading others in challenging terrain

5) 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.

6) Season: March through November, with winter furlough. *Year-round employment opportunities ONLY exist for creative staff with strong writing, self-direction, and leadership abilities.

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

8) 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