Program Guide (Part Time)

Job Description

As a Program Guide, you’ll play a vital role in creating an exceptional guest experience. In addition to supporting and motivating guests on guided hikes, you'll also help tend to guests’ needs around the property during afternoon and evening hours. This includes assisting with recovery activities, engaging with guests to ensure their comfort, and creating a welcoming, nurturing environment that fosters personal growth and relaxation. Your role requires strong hospitality skills, attention to detail, and a genuine passion for supporting others on their wellness journey. A deep knowledge of the environment and local trails is highly encouraged!

Here’s What You’ll Do:

• Collaborate with other hiking guides to plan and prepare daily hikes, considering factors such as difficulty, weather, distance, guests’ fitness levels, and any relevant guest needs.
• Provide guests with thorough guidance on proper hydration and hiking techniques.
• Cover aspects such as proper pacing, posture, and the use of hiking poles when necessary.
• Share insightful information about local flora, fauna, geography, and history.
• Enhance the guest experience by offering encouraging messages and support throughout the hike.
• Handle emergencies, such as injuries, heat exhaustion, heat stroke, or unexpected weather changes.
• Implement effective protocols to ensure the safety and well-being of all participants.
• Enforce the Ranch’s “Leave No Trace” protocol (LNT) to minimize the hikes’ environmental impact.
• Foster a positive and inclusive atmosphere with all guests
• Offer support and encouragement to Ranch guests, particularly those with limited hiking experience or lower fitness levels.
• Assist with checking in or checking out groups of up to 40 guests on program transition days.
• Providing additional support to Senior Program Guides in the afternoons/evenings and assisting with guest needs/requests.
• Adapt to fluctuations between traditional ranch programming and corporate group bookings (the program guide role may be more hospitality and less hiking-focused during certain corporate events, and involve assisting with various needs on the property to support the group’s customized wellness experience).
• May work flexible schedules, including early mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays, depending on guest programming.
• Expected to maintain a professional, welcoming, and safety-focused presence while supporting guests of varying fitness levels and abilities.

Here’s What You’ll Have:

• Extensive knowledge of hiking trails, outdoor safety practices, and familiarity with local natural environments
• Current First Aid and CPR/AED certification to ensure the ability to respond effectively in emergencies
• Strong leadership and communication skills
• Ability to adapt to changing weather conditions and handle unexpected situations or emergencies with composure
• Demonstrate physical fitness and the stamina to lead groups through challenging 2 - 4-hour hikes
• Capability to engage effectively with Ranch guests, fostering positive interactions and contributing to an enjoyable experience
• Patience, empathy, and a customer service/hospitality mindset, especially when working with diverse groups of up to 40 guests
• Additional certifications such as Wilderness First Aid or qualifications as a yoga instructor, personal or group fitness instructor, meditation instructor, or any other certification enhancing the overall Ranch experience are optional but highly valued!

Here’s What We Need:

• A minimum availability of one shift per week is required. Hike shifts are approximately 6-7 hours.
• Flexibility to work weekends or some holidays

The Program Guide role demands a genuine passion for engaging with people, a commitment to hospitality, a dedication to health and wellness, an appreciation for the outdoors, and the ability to function seamlessly as a team player. It necessitates high adaptability to diverse situations and guest needs, ensuring an enriching and

Environmental Demands

• Works primarily outdoors in varying weather conditions, including sun, rain, wind, heat, and cold.
• Frequently exposed to uneven terrain, trails, hills, rocks, and natural obstacles while leading hikes.
• Requires prolonged standing, walking, and hiking for several hours at a time.
• May lift, carry, or transport equipment, supplies, or backpacks weighing up to 25–50 pounds.
• Interacts continuously with guests, providing customer service, safety briefings, and wellness experiences.
• Must remain alert to environmental hazards such as wildlife, changing weather, slippery surfaces, and trail conditions.
• Requires the ability to communicate clearly in outdoor environments and respond calmly during emergencies.

The Ranch Hudson Valley is an Equal Opportunity Employment Employer - In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the New York State Human Rights Law, and applicable local laws, we provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals.