Monthly Archives: May 2021

Please provide the following documents with your Guide application. Note: they should all be in one PDF file. If you have any questions, please do not reach out to us on our online chat, but rather to careers@trektravel.com

1. Cover Letter: Explain to us why you feel you are the perfect candidate for this job.
2. Resume: Please send us a 1-page, updated resume. Show us what makes you unique.
3. Two Letters of Reference (optional): Provide two reference contacts OR two letters of reference from former employers or other professionals who can vouch for your suitability for this job. A Trek Travel team member reference can replace one of your two letters.

General Requirements

Please have the following general requirements in order to continue with the selection process.

Proficient Bike Mechanics

We expect our Guide Candidates to be competent and confident in the following Intermediate Bike Mechanic Skills BEFORE arriving at Guide Training:

• Remove and replace either a tube and/or tire from both the front and rear of a bike, and properly seat the wheel in the dropouts with proper tightening of the quick release lever in 5 minutes or less
• Remove and install pedals in 5 minutes or less
• Remove and replace a bike chain in 5 minutes or less
• Adjust a bike saddle, both height and fore/aft position
• Remove and replace a brake cable on a road bike equipped with internally routed cables
• Properly adjust both brake pad alignment and lever throw on a road bike
• Remove and replace a derailleur cable on a road bike equipped with internally routed cables
• Properly adjust both front and rear derailleurs on a road bike
• Adjust a bike helmet for the proper fit Properly tape handlebars on a road bike in 10 minutes or less
• Demonstrate general familiarity with carbon fiber bike frames
• Change a handlebar stem and properly tighten to the specified torque

It is important to note that if you are invited to New Guide Training, you will be tested on your proficiency with these skills in order to be considered for a Guide Contract.

Strong Physical Fitness

Guides mainly split their time between bike and van support however must be physically fit to ride every day if needed. Refer to our Rider Level 3 for general physical fitness required as you must be comfortable riding the distances and terrain on all road bike trips. In addition to cycling, we expect all Guides to comfortably lift 50lbs over their head. Guides are required to load and unload 20+ bikes on top of our vans, porter guest luggage and move large coolers and bins.

Proficient Driving a Standard Transmission with a Trailer

While our North American vans are automatic transmissions, our European vans are all manual transmission. We require all potential applicants to be proficient driving both while pulling a trailer, and all potential European applicants must have the correct licensing, B+E, in their country for driving while pulling a trailer of unlimited weight.

Clear Driving Record

Trek Travel will ask for a driving record at the candidate’s expense prior to the Virtual New Guide Selection Event. Candidate agrees that company may perform driver history checks on the candidate as a condition of their contract. Note, your driving record must have no more than 3 moving violations in the last 3 years. We will not hire anyone with a DWI/DUI (driving while under the influence of alcohol) conviction on his or her record, regardless of when the offense occurred.

Foreign Language

We run many trips in France, Italy and Spain. The ability to speak any of these languages, in addition to fluent English, increases your chances as a candidate.

Local Guides

We run many trips in various US states, France, Italy, Spain, and other countries around the world. Being a local of a region/area in which we run our trips may be an advantage over other candidates as we consider knowledge of the local culture and experience in an area an important characteristic of our Guides. While being local may be an advantage, it is not a requirement.

Age Requirement

In order to comply with our liability insurance, all potential Guides must be at least 23 years of age. There is no age limit.

Travel Experience

Having spent time travelling and experiencing other cultures certainly increases your odds. We look for candidates with an expansive worldview who relish the idea of working in other regions while imparting their knowledge of those experiences and cultures on Guests.

Strong Computer Skills

• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook email
• Comfortable with both Internet and Email
• Comfortable using a smart phone and capturing quality photos
• Familiar with GPS tracking devices and creating routes online
• Able to upload and download .gpx and .tcx files

If hired, Guides will need to provide the following items:

Current First Aid and CPR Certification: All candidates offered a Guide Contract will be required to obtain their First Aid Level 1 (or Basic) as well as Adult CPR certification, valid until the end of the year, and submit a copy of these to the Trek Travel office prior to commencing work. Guides are responsible for the cost of this certification and responsible for submitting evidence of re- certification yearly.

Scanned copy of your valid passport and drivers license(s): All Trek Travel Guides are required to either be in possession of or obtain a passport that is valid 6 months past the end of the current year and submit a copy of this to Trek Travel office prior to commencing work. This is a requirement for ALL our guides, regardless of whether or not you work in North America or abroad. Guides are responsible for the cost of obtaining their passport. Guides must also be in possession of a valid driver’s license, and it is the responsibility of the Guide to obtain the driver’s license. We will ask for these items prior to attending the New Guide Training Event. Also note: It is the responsibility of European Guides to obtain a B+E license in order to pull our trailers in Europe. We will ask for this prior to your season as a Guide.

Laptop/Tablet: All guides are required to provide their own laptop or tablet computer, equipped with the following capabilities to use while working for Trek Travel. (Trek Travel provides the online versions of office 365): Wireless networking capability, Web browser, MS Word, MS Excel, MS Teams installed (we use this program extensively to communicate with our Guides in the field. Please note that your laptop does not need to be equipped with a camera; beyond the initial video interviews, it is not required).

Bike tools: While all of our units come fully stocked with extensive bike repair tools, Guides are expected to have a basic tool kit with them at all times while riding bike support. This includes a multi-tool (1.5-8mm), torque wrench, set of tire levers, and a small patch kit.

First Aid Kit: All Guides must provide a cycling First Aid kit, which they are required to carry with them at all times while riding bike support. Guides are responsible for making sure that this is kept stocked for each trip they guide. If offered a Guide Contract, you will be given a list of items that must make up this kit. Guides are responsible for replenishing this kit as needed.

Camera-equipped, web-enabled smartphone: All Guides are required to provide their own web- enabled, camera-equipped smartphone. Your daily pay rate includes a per diem for phone use, therefore all costs associated with the use of your cell phone while guiding are the responsibility of the Guide, so it is advised that you keep all cell phone receipts for tax purposes. Trek Travel will provide a SIM card to use while working if located outside of your home country.

8-Megapixel camera: All Guides must provide and carry with them a portable digital camera. If your smartphone’s camera has at least 8-megapixel resolution, you are able to use that in place of a separate camera.

Guide clothing: Trek Travel provides some clothing and other gear at no cost to Guides given a contract. Outside of these items, all outwardly visible cycling apparel including cycling shoes must be branded Trek Travel, Trek or Bontrager. Please note Guides are able to purchase Trek and Bontrager apparel and gear at near-wholesale prices prior and during their guiding season.

Microsoft Program Applications: Trek Travel will provide an Office 365 account to all Guides. This enables online access to documents, email, and Trek Travel resources. It is encouraged that Guides obtain the version of Microsoft Office 365 that is available to install and use offline on their computers. The cost is not covered or required by Trek Travel, only highly recommended, as it makes many responsibilities more efficient.

Pay & Gratuities

Guide pay rates are based on an hourly rate that is provided along with contracts/offer letters and handbooks at the start of each season. Hourly rates are individual to each guide and start at $12 an hour. Guides will be paid on a bi-weekly basis. Trek Travel will consider pay increases on an annual basis based on several factors. More information regarding pay will be provided throughout the interview process and within the contract and handbook. In addition to their regular rate of pay, it is customary for Guides to receive gratuities directly from guests. Each guest is encouraged to tip an average of $40-50 per day.

Amount of Work

Guide earnings depend heavily on the number of trips guided and the amount and type of work performed on each trip. Guides with more availability have a better chance of being scheduled for more work and therefore have a greater chance of earning more income. On average, a full-time Guide will work 10-20 trips (or 100-200) days per peak season (April-October). In most cases, for every 2-3 weeks working, a guide will have 1 week off. Full-time guides tend to have priority with scheduled trips since they have full time availability; whereas, part-time guides have scheduled work depending on availability, location and other factors. In addition to guiding trips, Guides will have the opportunity to perform other paid services, including, but not limited to:

• Bike and equipment maintenance and miscellaneous warehouse work as scheduled
• Driving equipment between regions
• Updating all Guide & Trip Documents with changes as they occur
• Researching new trips
• Final trip preparation on ground conducted at the beginning of a season prior to running trips in a region
• Familiarization drives of a new region prior to guiding a trip for the first time
• Training and Meeting sessions

Guide Travel

Trek Travel will pay for all transportation costs to and from the Guide’s home airport and trip destinations. We enjoy the services of a dedicated Travel Agent who helps book Guide flights and rail tickets. Guides are only responsible for transportation costs if they choose to modify the itinerary planned by Trek Travel, for example, by extending their stay at or around the trip destination or traveling to and from home in-between trips.

Guide Housing

Trek Travel will pay for all lodging associated with the trip-related work. Guides room together while staying in lodging on trip, paid for by Trek Travel. When Guides are not working or are in between trips, Trek Travel will pay lodging at a regional Guide house or hotel (at its sole discretion) as well as all necessary transportation costs. If a Guide does not wish to take advantage of lodging provided by Trek Travel before or after (but not during) a trip, they may stay elsewhere at their own expense, including the cost of transportation to and from such alternative lodging.

Guide Meals

Trek Travel pays for Guide’s meals that we include in the trip for our Guests. For example, on a typical trip all breakfasts, most dinners and most lunches are included in the price of the trip for our guests, so Guides do not have to pay for these meals. Trek Travel Guides are responsible for paying for all meals outside of their trips while on contract with us.

Benefits

Workers Compensation Coverage

Worker’s Compensation Insurance provides medical expense coverage for hospital and out-patient medical treatment as well as a limited amount of disability income protection should the guide incur an injury on the job or contract an illness directly attributable to their work. In the event of a work- related injury, all Guides are covered by Workers Compensation Insurance.

Additional Benefits

Beyond working in amazing places and interacting with an incredibly diverse group of both Guests and Co-Guides, there are many advantages to being a Trek Travel Guide.

• Active work environment, we pay you to travel for work
• Vast array of opportunities within the growing company
• Desirable company values and culture
• Ride our top-of-the-line bikes while guiding and in the field
• Immediate access to discounted prices on Trek and Bontrager gear
• Generous discounts on purchase of Trek Bikes
• Privy to leading outdoor industry discounts through our network of Pro Deals
• Discounts on Trek Travel vacations for you and your family members
• Ability to keep personal frequent flyer miles from all work-related travel
• Be apart of a dynamic, worldwide Trek Travel family with an average of 5+ years retention
• Vibrant, passionate, committed coworkers who love cycling just as much as you do
• Continuous Training Programs for the entire Trek Travel team

The following information is relative for all Trek Travel employees. Please note: Guides that are US citizens are hired as Trek Travel employees.

Medical Insurance

Employees who qualify as full-time employees (FTEs), are eligible for the individual coverage health reimbursement arrangement (ICHRA). You are eligible on the first of the month following the first month you work 130 hours or more. Eligibility will be measured and determined on a monthly basis.

Dental & Vision Insurance

Trek Travel provides the dental and vision plans through Delta Dental and is 100% covered by the employee. Dental and vision have the same eligibility as the ICHRA.

401(K) Plan

Employees are eligible to make 401(k) Elective Deferral Contributions on the first day of the calendar month following the month during which you attain the age 21 and after you have completed 1 month of service, measured from your date of hire. After working 1,000 hours in 6 or 12 consecutive months, whichever comes first, you will be eligible to receive Trek Travel’s match of 50% on the first 6% you contribute, and you are 100% vested immediately.

Being a Trek Travel Guide offers a unique lifestyle with many opportunities and rewards. We are fortunate enough to see breathtaking corners of the world and work with a family of coworkers that are nothing short of incredible. We also have an extreme variety of responsibilities as a Guide representing Trek Travel.

During a typical day, we are extremely organized and flexible. We master trip logistics, manage trip finances and represent Trek Travel with subcontractors. We educate our Guests on safe techniques, enrich their cultural understanding, motivate those who wish to challenge themselves, pamper those looking for the ultimate in luxury, and provide vacations of a lifetime for all. This is simply the beginning. The following are qualities required to be a Trek Travel Guide.

Exceptional Customer Service

At Trek Travel our philosophy is that we have an option for all our Guests. Accordingly, on every trip Guides are expected to personalize each guest’s vacation to their individual abilities and desires by offering unparalleled support and flexibility, with options for all travelers throughout the entire trip.

Superior Hosting Skills

Guides are ALWAYS “on”! Our days can start as early as 5:00 AM and end past midnight with a primary goal to ensure that our Guests are having the time of their lives. Guides must extend their skills from wrenching on bikes to creating gourmet picnics to entertaining dinner conversations with a range of individuals.

Infinitely Flexible, Resourceful and Solution-Oriented

Guides must easily adapt to rapidly changing scenarios, find solutions quickly with their teammates and “roll with it” when faced with a situation that strays from the plan. While we spend an enormous amount of time planning our trips down to the last detail, a large part of what makes our Guests’ trip experience unforgettable are those spontaneous moments that you can’t predict.

A Natural “Connector” with all Personality Types

Mornings, afternoons, and evenings are spent engaging our Guests in conversation both on and off the bike all while maintaining Trek Travel’s legendary customer service and attention to detail. We must possess skills to accommodate any and all Guest personalities, connect the group and genuinely want to get to know each and every guest.

Culturally Aware and Involved

We weave each and every Guest into the fabric of a culture and region, whether it is an exclusive wine tasting at a private Bordeaux chateau, chance meetings with a local farmer on the side of a road or naturalists on our trips to talk about rain forest ecology. We have an innate and insatiable curiosity of our surroundings, as well as natural ability to extend that sense of discovery to those around us.

Fun, Passionate and a Dynamic Zest for Life

Guides are the type of individuals that others enjoy being around because they possess positive energy and a contagious zest for life. The charisma that each guide exudes extends beyond on-trip interaction, it is who we are. We love life, are extremely passionate about people and travel. We want to share that with all other people we interact with.

Polished Professionalism

We are expected to constantly display lightheartedness while always maintaining control of the situation. Responding quickly and decisively to challenging situations, informing our Guests of what is going on are paramount. Maintaining and enhancing mutually beneficial relationships with our sub-contractors in the field is also key, as they are critical to our business.

Safety-Focused

Due to the inherent risks in any physical activity, we have a peerless dedication to ensuring that safe practices are followed, and Guests are educated on proper etiquette habits when travelling with us. All Guides are required to be First Aid and CPR certified, deliver pre-ride Safety Talks and Tips, constantly be aware of Guests’ travelling habits and offer suggestions or warnings as necessary.

Committed to Continuous Improvement

While every trip we run has been painstakingly put together by a team of Guides, Researchers and Trip Designers, we never stop looking for a better way to do things. Are there more scenic routes to get to our picnic spot? Has someone met a charming artisan to host our Guests in their workshop for an intimate lunch? Guides are always looking to improve Guests’ experience and streamline logistical systems.

Fiscally Responsible

Guides have an enormous amount of responsibility placed on their shoulders as they are put in charge of sizable assets such as vehicles, trailers, bikes, and related equipment. We only hire those who display the highest levels of integrity and honesty. We trust our Guides and give them a large amount of discretion in the field; we expect them to maintain exceedingly high fiscal standards and keep all finances in order at all times.

Excellent Communicator

Guides are able to comfortably communicate with Guests by setting expectations, communicating the itinerary and relaying important information in an interesting and fun way. Beyond that, Guides must be proficient in providing thorough feedback and ideas for improvement for every trip they run plus comfortable providing constructive feedback to teammates.

Reliable Team Player

One of the best parts of this job is the people you work with. Not only are you working with another Guide (sometimes 2 or more), you are living, eating and breathing with that Guide for up to several months at a time. Due to the enormous amount of preparation and ongoing work that goes into each Trek Travel trip, our Guides must be able to rely on their teammates to get the job done and have fun doing it.

Dear Trek Travel Guide Applicant,

I started guiding over 20 years ago because I wanted to do something I truly had a passion for. I love to hear guests tell us their trip was the best trip they have ever been on. I especially love the smiling faces, hearing hearty laughter and watching them enjoying the simple pleasure of being outdoors in the most beautiful places on earth.

Our Guides are the cornerstone of our Business and are solely focused on providing the vacation of a lifetime. They have an intoxicating zest for life. They’re insightful, quirky and, from cartoon designers to engineers and lawyers, they come from a variety of backgrounds that have shaped their charismatic personas. They are magicians, able to transform from grease to grace.

One moment they are wrenching on bikes or appearing exactly when needed with a beverage, and the next they are eloquently explaining the intricate history of each hilltop village or confidently pairing two-star Michelin meals with the perfect local wine. With intimate knowledge of the landscape, they can suggest the best route to match any ability. What sets them apart from the rest is their infinitely accommodating, fun and flexible attitude. They live by the motto Your Day, You Decide and will attempt anything to ensure that every trip is a trip of a lifetime. These are the guide qualities and skills we look for:

Guide life is unique, rewarding and not an easy job. Please read through our Guide position information to determine if this is the job for you. If the answer is YES we look forward to hearing from you.

Good Luck!

Tania Burke

Steps to Apply

1. Read all pages of the Guide Job Description thoroughly.
2. Prepare all necessary documents: Resume, Cover Letter, and 2 References. Please review the Guide Requirements page if you have questions about any of these items.
3. Use the Submit Application button below to complete the application and attach your documents

Next Steps

Once the above steps are complete, your application will be ready for review. The Trek Travel Guide Selection Process and New Guide Training Program are unique processes designed to enable us to offer Guide Contracts to the very best candidates.

Please do not submit application items to our office by mail or fax. Applications received by mail or fax will not be considered. Please do not contact Trek Travel by phone to inquire about the status of your application. We will only be contacting the strongest candidates for an interview.

Note: Applications are reviewed in the order they are received. It is in your best interest to submit your application early to improve your chances of being hired as we utilize rolling admissions while processing applications. We do accept applications throughout the year to keep on file, should our needs change.

Microsoft Teams Video Interviews

We will select the strongest candidates for a Microsoft Teams video interview to be scheduled as applications are processed. If you are chosen for an interview, we will contact you to set up a convenient time. These interviews will last approximately 30 minutes.

Please note: If you are chosen for a Teams video interview, you will need to have access to a video- enabled computer or smartphone with strong Internet access.

Virtual New Guide Selection & In-Person Training Bootcamp Event

Our New Guide Training Program will be a combination of virtual and in-person training. Learn more about these events below.

Virtual New Guide Selection Event:

Our Virtual New Guide Selection Event takes place via Microsoft Teams and is conducted by our Trek Travel Selection Team. We will have multiple dates to choose from when these get scheduled. This is a 4-hour event online, structured as a group interview and comprised of a variety of activities. There is no pay for attending.

Upcoming Event: EU Hiking & Walking Selection – Saturday, May 18th, 2024

• Attendance of the Virtual New Guide Selection Event is mandatory to be considered for Guide Training.
• Candidates must have access to a computer video camera, a microphone and reliable internet connection.
• All candidates are notified quickly whether or not they have been invited to the New Guide Training Program.

2024 New Guide Training Bootcamp Program

Candidates invited to our New Guide Training Program will take part in an exciting two-step process:

Virtual New Guide Training is a series of virtual sessions totaling approximately 20 hours. There is no travel required for this section of training as it is open to candidates 10 days prior to the next phase of training and taken at your own pace, though it must be completed prior to the next phase of training. We recommend working on course material a few hours per day.

Virtual New Guide Training – Dates for 2024 training have been completed. Keep an eye in case more dates are posted for the 2024 season.

The New Guide Training Event (NGT) is the next phase of our New Guide Training Program. It is an in-person, 8-day bootcamp, consisting of hands-on training and practice with fellow candidates. Trek Travel covers accommodation and meal expenses during these days. Travel expense is a personal expense for candidates.

• New Guide Training Bootcamp – All New Guide Training Events for the 2024 season have been concluded. Information about 2025 events is coming soon!

Attendance is mandatory, if invited, in order to be considered for a Guide Contract. Training Events will be comprised of an intensive series of role-playing scenarios, group challenges, bike repair, trip financials, trip reporting and mock trips. After New Guide Training is complete, we offer Guide Contracts to our strongest candidates. Candidates must have access to a computer video camera, a microphone, and reliable internet connection. Candidates are responsible for associated travel expenses. Trek Travel will pay for accommodation, transportation, and meals while at Training.

All candidates are notified after the New Guide Training Bootcamp if they will be receiving a Guide Contract or not.

It is very important to point out that being invited to Guide Training does not guarantee you will be offered a Guide Contract with Trek Travel. Only those candidates who display the highest degree of competency during Guide Training will be offered a contract.

At any point during Guide Training, participants may be asked to leave if we do not feel they are meeting the established criteria. It is for this reason we strongly recommend candidates purchase changeable air tickets if they are invited.

Additional Virtual New Guide Selection Events will be announced as needed.