The Lajitas Zipline Guide has a very physical occupation that requires extended periods outside in what some people would consider a harsh environment. This position involves delivering a powerful, high adrenalin experience that often can be the highlight of a vacation or even someone’s life. Great respect and understanding of this concept are a must for any candidate for this position.

Traits and skills needed for this position include:

• Good athletic ability
• Great personal skills
• Able to connect with people of all ages and backgrounds
• Safety Focused
• Excellent communication
• Mature enough to give and receive feedback
• Able to learn how to teach others
• Attention to detail
• Able to complete written reports in a timely fashion

Zipline guiding is a physical job in the outdoors in different weather conditions ranging from cold to very hot, mostly dry but occasionally humid and rainy. The candidate must be able to perform a range of tasks in these conditions. Zipline operators must be able to perform rescues at height including towing a Guest weighing between 250 to 275 lbs. along the zipline for a short distance.

Ziplining attracts people from all age groups and backgrounds. It is important that the Guide can make good connections with all Guests in order to give a feeling of confidence. Many of our patrons may be experiencing fear of heights/speed and will need emotional support from a Guide.

Gravity is the law. Zipline operators must often know how to entertain guests and make a tour fun, but they also need to manage safety at all times. The ability to recognize and manage risk when there are potentially a lot of distractions is mandatory.

Zipline Operators will deliver orientation and risk management information in the form of public speaking. Declaring associated risk and the means to manage risk clearly and effectively is key to running a successful operation. The candidate must be an excellent communicator.

Gravity is the law. The adventurous activity comes with inherent risk. This means that the traditional way of communicating/managing staff in a more ego-friendly way which is common in other occupations; Is not appropriate when managing life safety systems and procedures for managing people's lives. Direct feedback whether giving or receiving, verbal or written is a required skill as part of a broad risk management plan. This may be a difficult concept for certain candidates who are not accustomed to this level of communication. This can be the most difficult task in the aerial adventure industry and requires a certain level of maturity.

Able to pass a 40+ hour training program which involves learning the Guide roles, rope skills, technical rescues, equipment inspections, documentation, and vehicle driving. Learning is a process that takes time. The candidate must allow themselves to learn through the experiential method. Learn by doing, and that often involves learning from mistakes in a controlled environment where trainee safety is paramount. Learning also involves being able to teach others. Teaching Guests how to experience the Zipline while minimizing risk is a critical component of this job.

Attention to detail is a prerequisite as most of this job involves looking at personal PPE, zipline equipment, inclement weather management systems, and trip documentation/incident reporting. The ability to produce written reports in an efficient manner that is legible and to the point is a critical aspect of this operation.

Lajitas Zipline Guide Pay and Conditions

• All candidates will be required to complete an in-house training program for sending and receiving Guests on the zipline
• New guides will be shadowed by an experienced Guide or the Manager after training is complete until approved to facilitate unsupervised
• If a candidate does not complete or pass any portion of the training, they will remain in the lower role that they have successfully completed until they successfully pass the higher level
• If a candidate cannot complete the training this may lead to termination of the guide position. The candidate may then be approved for a transfer to another department
• Candidates will learn how to operate the retail store
• SUP guide training may be offered to successful candidates
• The pay rate will increase after successful completion of the receiving training/supervised facilitation period and approval by the Manager
• Pay starts at $12.00 increasing to $13.00 upon completion of training. Gratuities are common and are shared between Guides at the end of the day
• 1 pair of Pants, shorts, 2 shirts, and a hat will be provided. Sunglasses and footwear may be purchased at cost subject to availability
• Guide schedule will be 5 days a week with 2 days off unless special groups or holidays are in effect