Job Openings

Blue Ridge Hiking Company is currently looking for enthusiastic, outgoing hikers and adventurers for two open positions for the 2023 season - Core Guide and Caretaker for our Appalachian Trail-er bunkhouse.

To apply for either open position, please submit a Resume, Cover Letter, and three Professional References via email to trips@blueridgehikingco.com. Optionally, candidates can also include a short (1-2 minutes) video introducing themselves. Please include anticipated availability in your cover letter. We conduct 2 rounds of interviews, in late January and early February. Guide Training will be held February 27-28, 2023. Attendance at Guide Training is mandatory.

Core Guide

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. 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, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and along the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Core Guides must provide a minimum of 8 days of availability per month, March through October. Availability must include at least 1 three-day 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
- Wilderness First Aid course must be a 16-hour course with an in-person, hands-on component for practicing skills
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

Guides are paid a flat rate per trip, which covers time spent communicating with the client and Admin team before the trip, leading the trip, and any necessary post-trip communication with the client and Admin team.

At this time, we are only considering candidates currently based in the Asheville, NC area. Trips typically start and finish in either Asheville, NC or Hot Springs, NC. Occasionally, trips may meet at other locations in Pisgah National Forest or Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

To apply for this position, please submit a Resume, Cover Letter, and three Professional References via email to trips@blueridgehikingco.com. Please include your availability in your cover letter or email.

Caretaker

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 driver's license, a clean driving record, and pass a background check. On-site lodging in a private, locking room is included in this position. RV Hookups (water and electric only) are available on the property.

This position is based at the Appalachian Trail-er in Hot Springs, NC. Our open season is March - October. The ideal candidate will be available for the full season; 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 (including lawncare).
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 30 min 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 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. Ensure basic vehicle maintenance tasks (ex: oil changes) are completed. Company vehicles include 2 full-size SUVs and a 15 passenger van.
Maintain admin records for trail shuttles driven throughout the season.

The ideal candidate will be:

Certified in Wilderness First Aid (or higher) and CPR
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

The Caretaker is paid a flat monthly rate for all BRHC trip-related tasks (pulling and cleaning gear, driving shuttles, prepping food, communicating with guests, etc). They are paid commission for any additional work they book (ex: standalone shuttles, bunkhouse guests, gear rentals, etc).