Job Openings

Blue Ridge Hiking Company is currently seeking enthusiastic, outgoing hikers and adventurers to fill several positions for the 2022 season!  Open positions include Hiking Guide, Trips Coordinator, and Caretaker.  

In order to apply for any of our open positions, please send us an email (trips@blueridgehikingco.com) with your resume, cover letter, and a short video (less than 5 minutes) introducing yourself to us, and three professional references.  First round interviews will be held in late January, with second round interviews in early February.  Guide Training will be held February 28 - March 1, 2022.  Attendance at Guide Training is mandatory.
 

Hiking Guide

Blue Ridge Hiking Company's Contract Hiking Guides should be experienced hikers with a passion for sharing the outdoors with others.  Our trips take place on the Mountains to Sea Trail, the Appalachian Trail and the Art Loeb Trail as well as other trails in Pisgah National Forest, Dupont State Forest, and Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Guides are responsible for leading Half Day Hikes, Full Day Hikes, and Multi-Day Backpacking Trips.  Guides will uphold our Mission and Vision, and will be adaptable to a variety of situations.  They will act as good stewards of the land, practicing Leave No Trace Principles and encouraging their groups to do the same.

Core Guides must provide a minimum of 8 days of availability per month, March through October. Availability must include at least 1 weekend (Friday - Sunday or Saturday - Monday) per month.  Any periods longer than 10 days with no availability must be disclosed in advance.  This is a 1099 Independent Contractor contract position, so the more availability you have the more hikes you can lead; however, bookings are never guaranteed.  Guides typically work solo on trail.

Required qualifications include:

• Wilderness First Aid (or higher) and CPR Certifications
• Must have a reliable car, cell phone, email access, clean driving record, and pass a background check
• Basic computer skills, including Google suite
• Strong social skills, both in person and over the phone
• The ability and willingness work work with people of all backgrounds and experience levels

The most successful applicants will also have the following:

• Experience guiding hikes
• Experience hiking in all seasons and over various types of terrain
• Confidence in group management, risk management, and decision making
• The ability to think on your feet and adapt to changing circumstances
• Familiarity with trails across Western NC
• Experience in the outdoor industry; on long distance trails (ie, hiking the Appalachian Trail, Pacific Crest Trail, etc); and/or knowledge of local flora/fauna, history, foraging, mushrooming, photography, etc

At this time, we are only considering candidates currently based in the Asheville area.

Hiking Guides are paid a flat rate per trip + gratuity.
 

Trips Coordinator (Asheville, NC)

This position is an in-person Admin positions based at our downtown Asheville location.  Trips Coordinator candidates are encouraged to apply to our open Hiking Guide position as well.

This position is part time, roughly 15-18 hours per week, March through October.  Schedule will be 1-3 days at our downtown Asheville retail location (preference of Sunday-Monday) + several hours of flex time.  Exact schedule can be discussed during the interview process.  Trips Coordinator will also be expected to attend a weekly check-in (either in-person or over the phone) with the entire Admin team.  The Manager will be taking a Leave of Absence this fall, so flexibility to increase scheduled days/hours during her absence is ideal.  There may be an option to continue part time retail work through December.

Primary Responsibilities include:

• Operate our Retail Location in Downtown Asheville
  • Assist customers with their needs in the shop
  • Perform daily admin tasks, including answering company phone/email, social media, trip booking and guide scheduling, shipping online orders, etc
  • Handle emergency response
• Private Backpacking Trip Concierge
  • Work directly with Private Backpacking Trip clients to answer their questions and plan their trips
• Group Sales
  • Work with Groups (businesses, school groups, church groups, etc) to plan and book their day or overnight trips

Qualifications:

• Trips Coordinator must be self-motivated and able to work independently, with good communication, time management, and organizational skills
• Must have or be able to obtain Wilderness First Aid (or higher) and CPR certifications
• Must have a clean driving record and pass a background check
• Extensive wilderness knowledge and knowledge of local trails, as well as local history, geology, and flora/fauna
• Prior guiding experience is ideal

At this time, we are only considering candidates currently based in Asheville.

Trips Coordinator pay starts at $17.70/hour (Asheville Living Wage).
 

Caretaker (Hot Springs, NC)

The Caretaker is based at the “Appalachian Trail-er”, our basecamp and bunkhouse in Hot Springs NC.  The Caretaker is responsible for pulling and cleaning gear for our guided backpacking trips, driving trail shuttles, and acting as a host for our bunkhouse guests.  Caretaker must have a cell phone, email access, a valid drivers license, a clean driving record, and pass a background check.  Lodging in a private, locking room is included in this position.

The ideal candidate will be available for the full season (March - October); we require a minimum 3 month commitment.  This is a great position for a vanlifer looking for some stability for a few months!

Caretaker Responsibilities:

• Communicate with bunkhouse and shuttle guests on behalf of Blue Ridge Hiking Company.
• Book bunks and shuttles, and sell retail items from the retail desk.  
• As bunkhouse host, Caretaker is expected to turn over bunks between guests (launder linens, re-dress beds, clean bathrooms and bunk rooms), maintain general cleanliness of the bunkhouse, and complete/arrange general maintenance tasks.
• For BRHC Guided Backpacking Trips:
  • Communicate with BRHC Admin team and guides ahead of backpacking trips.  
  • Before Backpacking Trips: Pull and organize backpacking gear (per using provided gear request lists).  Be present for the last 30min of gear shakedown to provide any necessary gear exchanges.  Drive backpacking trip shuttles to the trailhead.
  • During Backpacking Trips: Be willing to serve as an emergency contact person for the guide.
  • After Backpacking Trips: Drive pickup shuttle, if needed.  Organize returned gear, and provide linens for hikers to shower/change after trips. Once all gear is clean and dry, inspect for any needed repairs.  If repairs are needed, either complete the repairs or arrange for them to be done professionally.
• For Gear Rentals, Caretaker should prep and clean gear similar to BRHC guided backpacking trips.  Help fit guests for their gear if needed.  Assess any damage or wear and tear at the end of the trip to determine if guest needs to pay repair fees, or if any repair is needed.
• Drive trail shuttles as needed (both for backpacking trips and a la carte shuttles).  Communicate with BRHC Admin about any needed repairs or maintenance for the company vehicle.
• Maintain admin records for trail shuttles driven throughout the season.

The ideal candidate will be:

• A “people person” inclined towards hospitality 
• Passionate about the Appalachian Trail community
• An experienced hiker or backpacker
• Self-motivated and able to work independently and as part of a team
• Experience with basic home and vehicle maintenance and/or basic gear repair a plus