The Roles of a Trip Prep Specialist
The foundation of our extraordinary guest experience is preparation, organization and service. Our worldwide team of Trip Prep Specialists (TPSs)—who assist with facilities, logistics, trip preparation and organization, and the maintenance of our bikes, vans and trailers—is key to this success.
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. TPSs can officially apply for OpX positions at the end of their first season with Backroads and in a region in which they have experience, or not!
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 a variety of tasks, such as food buying and food preparation; hotel and subcontractor communication and confirmations; trailer or equipment organization before each departure.
Wahoo Route Loading and Organization: Ensure that all GPS devices are functioning properly and preloaded with the proper routes prior to trip departure.
Hub Based Operations Work: Towards the beginning and end of our season, our Hubs often need extra hands to help with the loading and unloading of unit drives. TPS are often scheduled for this work. This work goes into October and is a great way to extend your season!
Other Paid Activities
- Backroads Leadership Training Program
- Traveling to/from scheduled regions
- Staff meetings
Career Growth Opportunities for Trip Prep Specialists
Backroads rewards exceptional performance with opportunities for career advancement throughout the company. Many field staff have spent a portion of their career with Backroads working in the field and then have moved into full-time office staff or management positions. Virtually all promotions start with working in the field.
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 Leadership 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 Leadership Development department as Hiring & Training Coordinators, to our Sales department as Trip Consultants, and to our Trip Development department as Trip Development Coordinators.
Seasonal Operations Specialist: 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.