Backroads

Backroads Leaders

• Backroads Trip Leader Positions
• Camp Assistant Positions
• Camp Chef Positions
• U.S. Leader Info Packet
• U.S. Leader Profiles
• Canadian Leader Information Packet
• Canadian Leader Profiles
• European Leader Information Packet
• European Leader Profiles
• Praise Letters

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 revisit this website in January 2010.

Sincerely,

Tom Hale
Founder & President

TRIP LEADER POSITIONS

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.)
  

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 brief 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