Railbike Guide

Mendocino Railway; Fort Bragg (CA); On-site; USD 21,000 - 30,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) retirement

Paid sick leave

Job summary

Mendocino Railway invites friendly individuals to join as Railbike Guides for the Skunk Train route. You will lead guests on recumbent railbikes, share local history, announce safety procedures, and ensure every rider feels confident and welcome.

This part-time role requires evenings, weekends, and holiday availability, with opportunities to perform routine bike inspections and minor repairs while maintaining a high safety standard.

Qualifications

• Minimum 1+ years in a customer service role.
• Must be at least 18 years old and able to work outdoors.
• Comfort with outdoors in mixed conditions.
• Bike repair/mechanical skills preferred.
• Proficiency with web-based reservation systems and timecard apps.
• Strong attention to safety and preventative maintenance.
• Pre-employment drug screen and background check.
• Fluent English communication.
• Reliable, punctual, professional in appearance.

Responsibilities

• Greet guests in a friendly, professional manner during excursions and events.
• Deliver a fun and safe guest experience.
• Assist guests with bike rentals and online reservations.
• Conduct a safety briefing prior to each departure.
• Perform daily bike and gear inspections and minor repairs.
• Clean and sanitize bikes and gear before use.
• Guide guests on bike rides, including pedaling on tracks.
• Turn bikes around for guests and manage timing.
• Communicate with guests, crew and supervisors for seamless service.
• Maintain a clean workspace and assist with side work.
• Ensure safety and comfort of all passengers.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Customer service experience

Outdoor work

Safety awareness

Communication skills

Punctual and reliable

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Web-based reservation system

Timecard apps

Job description

Mendocino Railway is the owner/operator of passenger and freight railroads including the California Western Railroad / Skunk Train and the River Fox Train. The world-famous Skunk Train is a standard gauge passenger railroad that was founded in 1885, and operates 40 miles between Fort Bragg and Willits, in Mendocino County, California.

The Skunk Trainis looking for outgoing individuals with an aptitude for fun and hard work to join the crew as a Railbike Guide. Railbikes are two-person, recumbent pedal powered bikes that travel on the rails of the Skunk Train route. Railbike Guides lead groups on railbikes through scenic railroad routes, provide clear safety instructions and procedures on equipment use, share local history and points of interest, and ensure every rider feels confident and welcomed. These trips are guided by a trained crew with safety being the highest priority.

This is a part-time position and includes working evenings, weekends, and holidays.

ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES (including but not limited to)

• Greet guests in a friendly, professional manner throughout excursions and events.
• Stay guest-focused in order to deliver a fun and safe experience.
• Assist guests with their bike rentals (including checking in via an online reservation system).
• Conduct a safety briefing prior to each departure.
• Conduct a daily written inspection on bikes and make minor repairs to bikes and running gear.
• Clean and sanitize bikes and gear prior to each use.
• Guide guests on bike rides (this means you will be peddling up and down the tracks multiple times per day).
• Turn bikes around for guests.
• Communicate effectively with guests, crew members and supervisors to ensure seamless service.
• Maintain a clean and organized workspace and assist with assigned side work.
• Ensure the safety and comfort of all passengers.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

• High school diploma or equivalent; must be at least 18 years old
• 1+ years of experience in a customer service role.
• Active individual who enjoys working outside in mixed fast paced environment.
• Bike repair/mechanical skills preferred
• Tech savvy with ability to easily operate web-based reservation system and timecard apps.
• Strong attention to detail with a focus on safety and preventative maintenance.
• Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions.
• Pre-employment drug screen (including cannabis) and criminal background check required prior to hiring.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills in the English language.
• Ability to effectively communicate and work with employees, contractors, regulatory representatives, public officials, and members of the public.
• Strong organizational skills with excellent attention to detail.
• Must be reliable, punctual, and professional in appearance and demeanor.
• Must be available to work weekends, evenings, and holidays.
• Willingness to work both onboard a moving bike and at a station or event locations.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Multiple bike rides (recumbent style) per day (up to 6 roundtrips which could be up 42 miles).
• Occasional lifting of bikes and other heavy items.
• Frequent bending, lifting, and standing for extended periods.
• Ability to stand for extended periods and walk on uneven surfaces (train platforms, gravel, etc.).
• Must be able to lift up to 50lbs. safely.
• Ability to bend, reach, stoop, push, pull, and use hand tools.
• Comfortable working in both indoor and outdoor environments and around moving rail equipment (with provided safety training).
• Must be able to perform duties safely while on the tracks and a moving train and bike.

BENEFITS & ADDITIONAL NOTES

• Employment is part-time and includes 401(k) retirement and paid sick leave.

EEO Statement

Mendocino Railway is an equal opportunity employer and provides equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disabled status or any other protected class.