Program Guide (Part Time)

As a Program Guide

You’ll play a vital role in creating an exceptional guest experience. In addition to supporting and motivating guests on guided hikes, you'll also help tend to guests' needs around the property during afternoon and evening hours. This includes assisting with recovery activities, engaging with guests to ensure their comfort, and creating a welcoming, nurturing environment that fosters personal growth and relaxation.

Collaborate with other hiking guides

• Plan and prepare daily hikes, considering factors such as difficulty, weather, distance, guests’ fitness levels, and any relevant guest needs.
• Provide guests with thorough guidance on proper hydration and hiking techniques.
• Share insightful information about local flora, fauna, geography, and history.
• Enhance the guest experience by offering encouraging messages and support throughout the hike.
• Handle emergencies, such as injuries, heat exhaustion, heat stroke, or unexpected weather changes.
• Implement effective protocols to ensure the safety and well-being of all participants.
• Foster a positive and inclusive atmosphere with all guests.
• Offer support and encouragement to Ranch guests, particularly those with limited hiking experience or lower fitness levels.
• Aid in checking in or checking out groups of up to 40 guests on program transition days.
• Assist with additional support to Senior Program Guides in the afternoons/evenings and assist with guest needs/requests.
• Adapt to fluctuations between traditional ranch programming and corporate group bookings (the program guide role may be more hospitality and less hiking-focused during certain corporate events, and involve assisting with various needs on the property to support the group's customized wellness experience).
• Work flexible schedules, including early mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays, depending on guest programming.

Expected to maintain a professional, welcoming, and safety-focused presence

• Maintain a professional, welcoming, and safety-focused presence while supporting guests of varying fitness levels and abilities.

Here’s What You’ll Have

• Extensive knowledge of hiking trails, outdoor safety practices, and familiarity with local natural environments.
• Current First Aid and CPR/AED certification to ensure the ability to respond effectively in emergencies.
• Strong leadership and communication skills.
• The ability to adapt to changing weather conditions and handle unexpected situations or emergencies with composure.
• Demonstrate physical fitness and the stamina to lead groups through challenging 2 - 4-hour hikes.
• Engage effectively with Ranch guests, fostering positive interactions and contributing to an enjoyable experience.
• Patience, empathy, and a customer service/hospitality mindset, especially when working with diverse groups of up to 40 guests.
• Additional certifications such as Wilderness First Aid or qualifications as a yoga instructor, personal or group fitness instructor, meditation instructor, or any other certification enhancing the overall Ranch experience are optional but highly valued!

Here’s What We Need

• A minimum availability of one shift per week is required.
• Hike shifts are approximately 6-7 hours.
• Flexibility to work weekends or some holidays.
• The Program Guide role demands a genuine passion for engaging with people, a commitment to hospitality, a dedication to health and wellness, an appreciation for the outdoors, and the ability to function seamlessly as a team player.
• It necessitates high adaptability to diverse situations and guest needs, ensuring an enriching and enjoyable experience.

The Ranch Hudson Valley is an Equal Opportunity Employer

In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the New York State Human Rights Law, and applicable local laws, we provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals.