Become a Trip Prep Specialist

What We're Looking For

Trip Prep Specialists (TPSs) work behind the scenes in tandem with Trip Leaders to ensure smooth Trip Logistics before and after each departure. The TPS role is based in the hubs of our many regions and does not work "on trip,” but is essential to our guest experience. The Trip Prep Specialist position requires someone with a systematic and methodic approach, impeccable self-sufficiency, great attention to inventory detail, strong organization skills, the ability to maintain all of Backroads' bikes and related equipment and the desire to create a great working environment.

Requirements

• 21 years of age or older 
• A valid driver’s license and clean driving record 
• English fluency 
• Legally authorized to work in the United States, Canada, France or the UK? See details here. 
• Ability to lift 50 pounds (22 kg), and 35 pounds (15 kg) above your head

We invite you to look at the questions below. If you find yourself answering yes frequently, then we want to meet you! Life is short—let's do this!

• Are you committed to delivering the highest level of quality and service to Backroads' guests and coworkers?
• Are you detail oriented while still being able to keep the bigger picture in mind?
• Are you a strong communicator and can you lead or work in a team to accomplish a common goal?
• Do you have a positive attitude and take pride in the work you do?
• Do you have strong logistical, organizational and problem solving skills?
• Do you strive for efficiency and take initiative to solve problems on your own without much direction?
• Do you enjoy understanding how things work and look forward to learning what you don't know?
• Are you comfortable working long hours and doing very physically challenging work where lifting and moving equipment is an everyday task?
• Do you have a strong mechanical aptitude or pick up new skills quickly?
• Do you enjoy working in an organization that has a culture of encouraging personal and professional growth?
• Do you thrive working in a fast-paced environment with some of the best coworkers and in some of the most beautiful places in the world?

Roles of a Trip Prep Specialist

Bike Maintenance and shipping: Prepare, clean, tune, and label bikes for trips that are departing on an upcoming date. Coordinate the movement of bikes through different regions. 

Warehouse or Storage Area Optimization: Help the Operations Expert organize the warehouse or storage area to function in the most efficient way for the region. Since you’ll be working in the space more often than most, you’ll have a thorough understanding of what works well and what may work even better! 

Unit Drives and Van & Trailer Maintenance: Load, unload and transport Backroads equipment by way of “unit drives” (vans and trailers) between regions. Unit Drives can range from 1 day to 10 days. Most Backroads employees make the most of these drives by planning day adventures along the way. You may also take vans and trailers to get work done or maintenance performed throughout the season. 

Operations Expert Projects and Tasks: Work closely with the Operations Expert to help with tasks that allow the region to function more efficiently. TPS’ can officially apply for OpX positions in their second year with Backroads and in a region in which they have experience. 

Various Pre & Prep Day Tasks: Scheduling will fill your schedule with “TPS misc” days which will allow you to clock the amount of hours you work preparing for a prep day. On prep day you will be responsible for assisting with certain tasks, but you also won’t be responsible for others 

Wahoo Route Loading and Organization: Ensure that all GPS devices are functioning properly and preloaded with the proper routes prior to trip departure.

Additional Roles for Canadian TPS: Food buying and food preparation; hotel and subcontractor communication and confirmations before each departure.

Schedules

First-year TPSs typically work in one - two different regions throughout the season (May-October). You will receive your specific schedule assignment during training. We're looking to hire TPSs to work in the following regions.

Europe: Tuscany, Dolomites, Provence, Loire Valley, Croatia, Sicily, Puglia, Catalonia, Iceland, Ireland, Netherlands, Czech Republic, Portugal, Andalucia, Brittany & Normandy, Bavaria, Piedmont, Parma, Switzerland, Pays Basques, Germany, Norway, Scotland, Slovenia, Mallorca, Alsace, Bordeaux & Dordogne, Greece, Sardinia & Corsica, and Denmark.  

United States: Anchorage, AK; Whitefish, MT; Jackson Hole, WY; Berkeley, CA; Anacortes, WA; Stowe, VT; St. George, UT; Portland, OR; Bend, OR; Portland, ME; Ashville, NC; Santa Barbara, CA and Miami, FL.  

Canada: Canmore, AB; Halifax, Nova Scotia; Victoria, BC; Quebec City, QC.

Pay & Allowances

Trip Prep Specialists receive a competitive rate of pay. Detailed information about the compensation will be provided during the interview stage of our hiring process.

Allowances & Housing
Food allowances are provided for days you're traveling for work. Housing is provided for all field staff so you will not incur any out-of-pocket expenses for housing during a season of work. Many of our regions worldwide have staff houses in wonderful places that are available to staff free of charge while working. Standard with these accommodations are computers, wireless internet and access to bikes for personal use. TPSs are also provided with a cell phone stipend to supplement communication costs.

Travel
Backroads provides all work-related travel throughout the course of the season. Travel to your starting hub (Salt Lake City, Utah; Canmore, Alberta or Pernes-Les-Fontaines, France) at the beginning of the season and to your home at the end of the season is your responsibility. TPSs enjoy keeping their own frequent flyer miles for travel, and may choose to stop over or extend their stay in desired locales within work-sponsored itineraries.

Recreational Benefits
Backroads also offers several benefits to TPSs that are of a more recreational nature, including generous discounts with brand-name equipment and clothing companies; Backroads labeled gear (items vary each year), Backroads trip discounts for family and friends, enjoying a lifestyle few can match, and our favorite: Staff Ride. All Field Staff in their second season and beyond are invited to our annual Staff Ride (our version of the company picnic). Staff Ride is an all-inclusive multi-day bike trip held in a different destination each year such as: Vietnam, California, Greece, Thailand, Italy, Spain, Slovenia, etc. Imagine working and having time off in some of the most desirable locations around the world. As a TPS, you benefit from a more consistent schedule and living space throughout the season and the chance to really get to know a region well. Being a Backroads TPS allows for a lifestyle of flexibility and variety that many value above all other benefits of the job.

Additional Benefits

Trip Prep Specialists employed by Backroads Utah enjoy these benefits: 

• 401k Plan: TPSs are eligible to contribute (up to 75% of their income) to a 401k plan after six months of employment. Backroads provides a 5% match on employee contributions of up to 15% of pay, vesting over the five-year period from date of hire.
• Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance: Backroads provides group medical, dental and vision insurance eligibility based on a field staff member's status. TPSs with extended seasonal status who work longer than six months are eligible on the first day of the month following their one-year anniversary if they work 1430 hours or more in their first 11 months of employment (or 1560 or more hours during the previous calendar year in subsequent years of employment). 
• Flex Plan: This plan allows employees to set aside money on a pre-tax basis to pay for qualifying health and dependent daycare expenses. 
• Workers Compensation Coverage: In the unfortunate event of a work-related injury all Backroads TPSs are covered by workers compensation insurance which provides coverage for medical care, disability pay and medically necessary transportation costs.

TPSs employed by our Canadian subsidiary enjoy these benefits: 

• A Health/Dental Insurance Program: Backroads will reimburse up to $150 CAD per month for provincial medical and/or supplemental medical insurance beginning the first day of the month following the first day of training. TPSs are eligible to receive this reimbursement during months in which they work 10 days or more. 
• Holiday Pay: Canadian TPSs receive paid holidays in accordance with Canadian Labour Code. 
• Vacation Pay: Canadian TPSs receive vacation pay at the rate of 4% of pay for employees who have been with the company for one to five years, and 6% of pay for employees who have been with the company for more than five years. 
• Workers Compensation Coverage: In the unfortunate event of a work-related injury all Canadian Backroads TPSs are covered by a combination of workers compensation insurance and employer paid travel medical plans (when working outside of Canada) which provides coverage for medical care, disability pay and medically necessary transportation costs. 
• RRSP: TPS are eligible to participate in our Canadian Retirement Savings Plan. This is a subsidy to your own individual retirements savings plan. Backroads currently matches 20% (on up to 15% of your total salary). Backroads will apply a five-year vesting period of 20% per year from date of hire. To receive a matching contribution, you must present a receipt for your retirement plan contribution by April 30th of the following year (e.g., 2021 RRSP contribution receipts must be received by the People and Culture department by April 30, 2022 and 2022 receipts by April 30, 2023).

TPSs employed by our French subsidiary enjoy these benefits: 

• Medical Benefits: Field Staff under the European hub benefit from either the national health plan from their country of residency, or from the French health plan depending on which country is in charge of their coverage (this will be determined by the country of residence). European health plans usually cover part or the entire cost of the cares, as well as a financial compensation during sick leaves. 
• Holiday Pay: Time worked on French holidays is paid time and a half. Time worked on May 1 (Labor Day) is paid double. 
• Vacation Pay: Vacation pay for European leaders is included in the paycheck and paid out at the end of each month worked. The amount of vacation pay is equal to 10% of the total gross pay leaders make during the month. 
• Sunday Pay: All work performed on a Sunday is paid double  
• European Trip Prep Specialists also qualify for French government approved retirement and unemployment plans covered by Klesia and Pole Emploi. 

The Hiring and Training Process

TPS applicants will go through the same application and interview process as Trip Leader applicants (see: Hiring & Training Process). If hired, you will be invited to attend the TPS Training Program. You will enter the field one to four weeks after your training graduation. 

The training focuses on the essential skills required to be a successful Trip Prep Specialist: problem solving, bike mechanics, equipment set up and overview, trailer maneuvering, internal systems, trip paperwork, etc. After you have completed training you will travel to your region and undergo additional training by "shadowing" an experienced member in the region as well as a first day of a real Backroads trip. 

Please note: The cost of travel to Hiring Events and Training is paid by the applicant. 

Career Growth Opportunities

Operations Experts: This position supports our various technology and equipment systems in the field. Operations Experts work closely with our Logistics and Transportation department, Bike Shop department, as well as the Leader Development department in making field operations smooth for all staff in centralized regions. 

Office Positions: Full-time or seasonal office positions provide opportunities for Field Staff to extend their employment in different ways at our Berkeley headquarters or our hubs in Salt Lake City, Canmore or Pernes-les-Fontaines. Over the years, Field Staff have contributed their valuable talents to our Leader Development department as Hiring & Training Coordinators, to our Sales department as Trip Consultants, and to our Trip Development department as Trip Development Coordinators.  

End-Of-Season-Maintenance Crew Chief: At the end of the season, work closely with the operations team to manage, facilitate, and strategize the return of all our equipment (bikes, trailers, vans, and gear) to one of our main warehouses.  

Winter Bike Shop Mechanic: This is a part-time opportunity to help overhaul the Backroads bike fleet to get them ready for the next season.  

Winter Warehouse Work: A position throughout the winter and spring to work with our team to maintain all equipment in the warehouse and facilitate the arrival and departure of equipment for trips.