Cave Tour Guide

Colossal Cave LLC; Vail (AZ); On-site; USD 19,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

Colossal Cave LLC in Vail, Arizona, seeks a Cave Tour Guide to lead or co-lead cave tours with a strong emphasis on guest safety and preserving the cave environment.

You will participate in tour trainings, follow standardized scripts, and assist with reservations for school and group tours to promote the cave and company.

Qualifications

• Must be self motivated with the highest professional and ethical standards.
• Must respond well to a changing work environment and perform with minimal direction.
• Must demonstrate effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Must be agile and able to conduct extended cave tours, including bending, twisting, lifting, squatting and crawling.

Responsibilities

• Adhere to the scheduling of the cave operations staff, special cave events, school and group tours and participate as requested.
• Actively participate in cave maintenance activities including trash cleanup, changing of light bulbs, and ensuring a clean and safe cave environment.
• Maintain extreme attention to cave safety procedures to protect staff, guests and the cave.
• Be mindful of cave equipment to ensure safety and report repairs as needed to the Cave Operations Lead.
• Assist with reservations for group tours with schools, churches, and community groups to promote the cave and company.
• Stay current with industry trends regarding protective cave gear and keep the Cave Tour Lead informed.
• Participate in training and guide enrichment as necessary and follow scripts for each tour type.

Skills

Self-motivation

Verbal communication

Written communication

Physical stamina

Adaptability

Education

High school diploma

Job description

Colossal Cave is located in Vail, Arizona, and attracts visitors from around the world who delight in the incredible natural features found only in a cavern experience; stalactites, stalagmites and other extraordinary formations.

Cave Tour Guide

Summary of Position

Assist with all Cave Tours, leading or co-leading as necessary, with a focus on ensuring the complete safety of our employees, guests and the cave itself.

Responsibilities

• Adhere to the scheduling of the cave operations staff, special cave events, school and group tours and participate as requested
• Actively participate in the on-going cave maintenance activities including trash cleanup, changing of light bulbs, and utilizing the monthly checklist to ensure a clean and safe cave environment. Activities also include cleaning paths, walkways, displays, etc.
• Extreme attention and adherence to cave safety procedures to protect cave staff, guests and the cave at all times
• Be mindful of all cave equipment to ensure safety and effectiveness, including working flashlights, helmets in good condition, gloves (where and when needed) and immediate notification of needed repairs to the Cave Operations Lead
• Assist with the coordination of reservations for group tours with schools, churches, community groups, etc. to promote the cave and the company when requested
• Stay current with industry trends regarding protective cave gear and keep Cave Tour Lead informed
• Participate in the training schedule for tour guides and adhere to the detailed and appropriate scripts for each type of tour focusing on history, ecosystem and safety.
• Utilize the cave tour scripts to ensure accuracy and consistency of message
• Participate in staff training and guide enrichment as necessary
• Respect cave operation guidelines and rules and be accountable in following them
• Promptly inform the Cave Tour Lead or general maintenance of any structural or electrical issues within the cave requiring attention
• Keep Cave Tour Lead apprised of all cave concerns and brainstorm solutions

Position Requirements

• Must be self motivated with the ability to perform with the highest professional and ethical standards
• Must respond well to a changing work environment and able to perform at the highest level with minimal direction
• Must demonstrate effective written and verbal communication skills
• Must be very agile and able to conduct/participate in extended and advanced cave tours. This position involves frequent bending, twisting, lifting, squatting and crawling.

Knowledge and Experience

Education: High school diploma (or equivalent)
Experience: Prefer prior caving experience and/or customer service experience

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.