Outdoor Adventure Center Guide I - Reserve

Starting pay begins at $16.32/hour, based on qualifications and relevant experience above the minimum requirements.

About the role

Biltmore’s Outdoor Adventure Center Guides provide safe and exceptional outdoor recreational and educational programs for guests, annual passholders, and groups. Activities include bike rentals and guided tours, guided raft and kayak river trips, hiking, archery, fishing, croquet, naturalist presentations, mindfulness and well-being programs, and team-building activities. Guides also perform basic maintenance for equipment, facilities, and trails, assist with administrative duties, sales, bookings, and estate seminars, and support the leadership team and company.

Guides are expected to learn and present Biltmore, Vanderbilt family, and land history, as well as activity-specific information, while adhering to Biltmore Guest Services Standards and modeling core values.

Schedule

Generally 8:30 AM–5:30 PM daily, including weekends, evenings, and holidays. Weekend, evening, and holiday availability is required.

Responsibilities

• Assist guests with information, rental equipment, and trail map orientation.
• Load and unload equipment (rafts, oars, boats, kayaks, paddles, bikes, etc.) on and off vans and trailers.
• Drive a 15-passenger van and trailer loaded with guests and equipment, as well as other company vehicles.
• Clean and maintain bikes, rafts, kayaks, and other equipment.
• Maneuver kayaks and rafts using paddles and oar frames; launch and row drift boats or rafts.
• Return all equipment and vehicles to appropriate locations, ensuring readiness for next use.
• Perform basic trail and habitat maintenance, including mowing, weed-eating, and digging.
• Present naturalist, well-being, and history programs to guests.
• Assist with special programs for large groups, including fishing schools.
• Help guests with estate information and other Biltmore activities.
• Book tours, process payments, and interpret online reports.
• Provide general support to the department, leadership, and company as required.
• Demonstrate knowledge of the estate and cross-sell other services and amenities.
• Exhibit knowledge of Asheville and Western North Carolina, particularly outdoor activities.
• Perform additional duties as assigned by department managers and supervisors.

Requirements

• One year or more of experience in outdoor program activities, related education, or equivalent experience.
• Experience leading interpretive activities; guiding or teaching outdoor activities preferred.
• Excellent guest service and communication skills; public speaking experience preferred.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Current First Aid and CPR certification (onsite required, not online) or ability to obtain within one month of hire.
• Ability to work well with coworkers and management, representing the company professionally.
• General knowledge of horticulture and regional wildlife preferred.
• Familiarity with Orvis 101 instructional programs preferred.
• Familiarity with, or ability to quickly learn, safety regulations, state regulations, and procedures related to fishing and wildlife management.

Physical Requirements

• Good physical condition for outdoor activities in all temperatures and weather conditions.
• Ability to lift equipment onto racks, trailers, and vans.
• Ability to swim.
• Ability to work effectively with exposure to dirt, dust, pollen, and other particulates.
• Manual dexterity to handle bait, lines, and equipment.
• Must pass a physical exam and drug screen test.
• Must be able to see, hear, and speak.