Walking, Biking and Watersports Guide

The job description

Walking, Biking and Watersports Guide: a typical day

As a Guide on our holiday barge, you will deliver a range of activities to our guests, working closely with the Skipper to plan each day’s programme. You will lead small groups of up to 12 guests on walks, cycles, canoe sessions, and occasionally sailing experiences. The role is highly varied, and you may also assist with crewing duties, including handling ropes, piloting our 5m powerboat, and helping with general onboard operations.

Key Responsibilities:

• Plan and lead daily activities such as walking, cycling, canoeing, and sailing sessions.

• Ensure the safety and enjoyment of all guests during activities.

• Assist with crewing the barge, including deck work, rope handling, and powerboat operation.

• Support daily operations, including cleaning, maintenance, shopping, and guest interaction.

• Contribute to mealtime service and general hospitality onboard.

• Work as part of a small, live-aboard team to deliver a high-quality holiday experience.

• Participate in training to develop skills in deck work, powerboating, and other barge operations.

Who are we looking for?

what makes you the ideal candidate

Essential:
• Experience leading small groups in outdoor activities such as walking, trail biking, and canoeing.
• Passion for the outdoors and engaging with guests.
• Practical skills for carrying out basic maintenance tasks.
• Sociable, friendly, and adaptable, able to live and work closely with others on board.
• Eagerness to learn new skills and take on varied tasks.

Desirable:
• Powerboating and sailing experience.
• Paddlesport, RYA, or Mountain Leader qualifications.
• Knowledge of Scottish history and natural surroundings.

Additional Information:
• Training is provided for all aspects of the role, including deck work and powerboating.
• The role offers a unique lifestyle in a beautiful environment, working with a fun and enthusiastic team.
• Opportunities may exist for winter accommodation and part-time maintenance work, and full-time operations roles may become available for those with the right skills.

What can we offer you?

why choose Caledonian Discovery for your next adventure job

All of our seasonal crew work on a general rotation of 4 weeks on followed by 2 weeks off or 3 weeks on followed by a week off. The exact rotation may vary and might include additional weeks off or shorter stints on the barge, subject to the requirements of crewing the barges, but each stint of 4 weeks will always be followed by at least 2 weeks off, and each stint of 3 weeks will be followed by at least 1 week off. This allows for plenty of time for the crew to recuperate and hopefully gives enough time for them to follow their other summer-time passions and interests.

During the working weeks aboard the barges, crew are required to live aboard with food and accommodation provided. With no live-in deductions there are no further outgoings necessary except for personal spending.

Working hours while on board are typical for a charter boat. The crew work from 11am on Saturday to about 2pm on Friday. This makes the working weeks quite full-on, but we think that the number of weeks off makes for a good work-life balance.

We are also a RYA training center, and can provide training towards getting your RYA Powerboat Level 2 qualification. Furthermore, if you want to progress your outdoor qualifications whilst working for us, we offer plenty of time off for training courses and assessments and we can help with course costs too!