Backroads Leaders
Thank you for your interest in working for Backroads.
We will begin reviewing applications for the US Trip Leader position, US or Canadian Camp Assistant, and US or Canadian Camp Chef positions in March 2009. If you wish, you may fill out the online application and submit your resume now, but we will not be
starting our hiring process until March.
We look forward to speaking with you then.
Dear Leader Applicant,
30 years ago, I was inspired to start Backroads by the belief that traveling actively, under one's own power, was the most rewarding way to experience the world. Researching and leading those first trips was an education and a challenge. But most of all, it was fun. And it's still fun. After more than a quarter century of being intimately involved in the growth of Backroads into the world's #1 active travel company, I'm more excited than ever about where we're headed. In 2008, we added our new Insider Trips which feature a special emphasis on the unique cultural and regional connections. Our quest is an escalating level of excellence, based on a passion for creating an extraordinary guest experience.
Backroads exists to treat our guests to a style of travel that is unparalleled in the travel industry. The foundation of our extraordinary guest experience is legendary service - and we go so far as to guarantee the quality of our trips. This is where you come in. Fulfilling this commitment is not an easy job, and it's not for everyone. It may be for you, however, if you can share our passion for this unique mode of travel and the quality of experience for each Backroads guest. Both the challenges, and the rewards, are abundant.
Do you have "the right stuff" to be a Backroads leader? Although leaders enrich each trip with unique personality, they all bring certain critical qualities along as well. A love for the beauty of the natural and cultural world. The joy of interacting actively with the outdoors - biking, walking, kayaking, rafting. Appreciating the elegance of dining in a 16th-century chateau as well as sleeping beneath the stars. Possessing a zest for life and a desire to share it with others. Connecting with each and every guest, and appreciating them for who they are. Showing compassion, patience and an unwavering sense of humor. Thinking on your feet and communicating with your head. Sustaining energy and motivation through long days and myriad tasks. Taking the initiative to discover the best an area has to offer. Sharing your knowledge intelligently and generously. Always searching for smarter ways to get the job done. Helping to create an even better work environment. Never losing sight of the big picture while focusing on the details. Being forever flexible. Delivering the highest level of service. Loving what you do.
Our goal is to accommodate guests’ individual needs and desires for their vacations in a personal and flexible manner. Every employee at Backroads, myself included, works toward this goal. As the company grows, we're looking for more natural leaders who can do a world-class job with style and professionalism. Please study the information packet. If you feel that you're a match for the challenges and opportunities of being a Backroads Trip Leader, please follow the instructions on our website to apply.
Sincerely,
Tom Hale
Founder & President
TRIP LEADER POSITIONS:
HIRING AND TRAINING PROCESS
We will begin reviewing applications in March 2009. Please read the information below and the information packet on the sidebar that applies to your work eligibility prior to applying. We look forward to receiving your application!
Requirements
We can only accept applications from candidates that are eligible to legally work in the United States, Canada and the following European countries (European candidates must have an EU or Swiss passport and citizenship): Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Luxemburg, Malta, Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the UK.
Skills and Schedules
The trip-leading schedules available in 2009 will primarily be in North America and Europe during the spring, summer and fall. Winter schedules may be available in the U.S. and Latin America. We are especially interested in hiring applicants who have foreign language skills, experience working with families, and rich backgrounds in cultural and/or natural history. We encourage those of you with these talents in particular to highlight them on your application.
New leaders’ schedules will be assigned after you have completed the training process. Schedules will begin, in most cases, within 5-30 days after finishing training. Trip leading schedules will vary and may include camping, casual and premiere trips, as well as Insider, biking, walking, or multisport trips, for groups of families, solos, or couples.
Qualifications
The following list of qualifications serves as our guide as we search for exceptional Trip Leader candidates. You’ll see that we have very high expectations of our leaders - so do our guests! Being a world-class Trip Leader requires a rare combination of talents. Do your skills, experiences, and aptitudes enable you to answer “yes” to most of the questions below?
- Are you committed to delivering the highest level of quality and service to our guests?
- Do you possess superb people skills? Do you have a dynamic personality? Are you a sophisticated conversationalist? Are you confident, caring, warm, and friendly? Do you have a zest for life?
- Are you good at anticipating, troubleshooting, and solving challenging problems?
- Do you have in-depth knowledge of any of our regional destinations and/or cultural activities—art, natural and cultural history, food and wine, etc.?
- Do you speak other languages fluently? (Italian, French, Spanish, and German are extremely desirable, but language skills for any of our destinations are helpful.)
- Are you comfortable working long hours? Are you physically fit and capable of lifting bikes and luggage?
- Are you passionate about—and experienced in—active traveling and the outdoors? Do you enjoy camping, hiking, and cycling?
- Do you have a valid driver’s license and an excellent driving record? Are you mechanically inclined? (All applicants must have significant driving experience; Canadian applicants must also have the ability to obtain a Class 4 Commercial Drivers License).
- Are you over 21 years of age? (If not, please see our Camp Assistant position or Camp Chef position for more information.)
Application
Once you have read the Leader Information Packet, and you feel your skills match our qualifications, go to the Trip Leader Application for details (also on this site’s sidebar) to start the application process.
Interview
After we review your application, we will contact you via email or phone to let you know the next steps. We may follow-up with a few questions to learn more about your skills and experiences that relate to the leader position in a 10-20 minute phone interview.
Leader Hiring Event and Training
Based on applications, phone interviews and references, the most qualified prospective leaders will be invited to attend a day-long interview: the Leader Hiring Event. If you are invited to an event, you are required to attend in order to be considered for the Trip Leader position.
Thank you and we look forward to hearing from you soon!
The Backroads Leader Hiring and Training Team
“The reason I continue to come back to Backroads are your leaders. They are engaging, bright and competent. While ensuring a memorable adventure for the group, their attention to detail and anticipation of individual needs are what elevate them beyond what is expected. They are your greatest asset.”
—Carmel Mitchell
South Boston, MA
