MB-Backpacking Guide at Moonlight Basin – Big Sky, Montana

Summary:

This part-time/as needed position within Moonlight Basin is leading the way for member and local kids to explore their backyard national park this summer! Guides will take participating kids and/or families on overnight trips in Yellowstone National Park to empower, expose, and educate.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Lead 11-17 year old kids or family groups on backpacking expeditions in wilderness settings.
• Maintain a schedule of multi-night trips with time off in between for entire season (July-August)
• Act as the primary risk manager & continuously evaluate group and individual experiences.
• Hike 5-10 miles per day with a 40lbs+ pack over steep, uneven, and variable terrain in all weather conditions.
• Assist in the transportation of groups when not leading trips.
• Be responsible for knowledge of trails prior to trips with Moonlight Basin.
• Prepare and manage all aspects of food preparation, camp setup, and Leave No Trace in the backcountry while empowering guests to participate in daily camp responsibilities.
• Participate in the pre-trip preparation, post-trip meetings, and post-trip de-rig
• Assist with the care and maintenance of backpacking gear before and after trips.
• Must be able to keep guests’ spirits high in all backcountry scenarios.

Competencies:

Risk Management

• Can handle all unexpected backcountry scenarios and emergencies.

Customer Service

• Maintains a personable and professional attitude during in all situations.

Self-motivated

• Prioritizes knowledge of Yellowstone National Park and backcountry camp skills prior to leading trips to be as prepared as possible while working independently.

Qualifications:

• Experience leading groups in backcountry camping, professional experience preferred.
• Current WFA or WFR and CPR/First Aid certification or ability to obtain prior to start date.
• Leave No Trace awareness.
• Ability to scout trails prior to trip dates or prior knowledge of Yellowstone National Park trails.
• Current Food Handler’s certification or ability to obtain prior to start date.
• Knowledge and experience working in wildness areas, Yellowstone National Park a plus.
• Understanding of wildlife, ecosystems, and stewardship as it pertains to the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem a plus.
• Comfortable guiding or personally recreating in bear country.
• Self-motivated and works well independently and with a co-guide/support staff.

Working Conditions:

This position will be 90% in- field and 10% in office during preparation and de-rigging. Work hours will vary depending on trip, typically beginning between 6am-7am and staying “on” for the entirety of the trip. Conditions in the field are typical to those found in Yellowstone National Park during the summer months. Guides can expect heat, wind, bugs, and precipitation while in the field and the conditions that arise from those events. Guides and participants will be equipped with the necessary gear to handle all weather events.

When in the office the work environment is characterized as that found in a typical office environment, with moderate temperatures and noise levels. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Physical Requirements:

• Position requires hiking and the ability to stand and exert well-paced mobility for up to 10 hours in duration.
• Must be able to carry a backpack with safety equipment and necessary gear for duration of trip on/around 40+ pounds.
• Understand and operate emergency communication devices.
• Interact with others requiring employee to verbally communicate as well as hear and understand spoken information.
• Use flammable and sharp tools to slice/cut or otherwise prepare food in the field.

Disclaimer:

The preceding job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and essential duties and responsibilities of work performed by employees within this classification. It may not contain a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees to do this job.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Team members need to request reasonable accommodations from their manager and/or human resources.

Benefits of Employment:

• End-of-season bonus
• Complimentary meal per shift
• End-of-season discounts on our retail store items.