Professional Guide (IGA/ACMG Certified)

Job description

Company Description

Embrace your passion for hiking, skiing, snowboarding and many other outdoor activities in Banff National Park while pursuing a fulfilling career at Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. Take a risk, make a change and experience a new adventure while further developing your career. To live and work in a National Park is a once in a lifetime opportunity.  Our team is a network of empowered individuals with a strong sense of themselves and the hospitality industry. Work hard, play hard and receive extraordinary benefits including subsidized onsite accommodations, which make saving money very easy to manage. Join our Fairmont family today!

What is in it for you:

·  Subsidized staff accommodation provided on-site for full time status employees
·  One complimentary meal per shift in our staff cafeteria (additional meals can be purchased for $5/meal)
·  Comprehensive benefits package (Medical, Vision & Dental) including extended benefits like; Mental Health (up to $5,000/year), Orthodontics (up to $2,500/year), Fertility Drugs and Gender Affirmation (Lifetime maximum of $10,000) for full time permanent status employees
·  Defined Contribution Pension Plan with employer matching up to 5% of annual earnings for full time permanent status employees
·  Employee travel program with discounts on room rates as well as on food & beverage at Fairmont & Accor properties world-wide
·  Access to the Mountain Explorer Travel Program - Discounted room rates including 50% off all food & beverage at Fairmont Resorts in Banff, Lake Louise, Jasper & Whistler (subject to availability)
·  Comprehensive wellness platform (GreenShield+) for employee mental health and wellbeing support
·  Discounts while using our resort’s Food & Beverage Outlets, Fitness Centre, and Spa 
·  Automatically added to our resort’s Colleague Lifestyle Program which includes access to staff activities and events
·  Opportunity to develop your talent and grow within Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise and over 5,000 properties with Accor

Job Description

The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise has a long rich history in Mountain Guiding in Banff National Park and we are excited to find a passionate Head guide that will keep that tradition alive and thriving.

As a Professional Interpretive Guide in the Canadian Rockies, you will be responsible for delivering high-quality, engaging, and informative tours to visitors in one of the most stunning and ecologically significant areas of Canada. Your role will be to share the natural and cultural history of the region, promote conservation, and provide an enriching experience for individuals and groups. You will guide tours, lead educational programs, and facilitate outdoor adventures while fostering a deep respect and understanding of the environment and stewardship of the Nation al Parks. You will be responsible for mentoring and training a team of Apprentice Guides under you and take pride in their professional growth as well as the growth of the Mountain Adventure Guide program here at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise.

What you will be doing:

Interpretive Tours & Programming -
Lead guided hikes, walks, wildlife talks and interpretive programs for visitors of varying ages and abilities.
Provide historical, geological, ecological, and cultural insights into the Canadian Rockies, including its flora, fauna, and Indigenous heritage.
Customize tours based on group interests, age, and fitness levels while ensuring educational content is accurate, engaging, and fun.

Educational Outreach -
Develop and present interpretive programs, talks, and demonstrations for visitors in a variety of settings, including luxury hotel, outdoor venues, and group settings.
Foster environmental stewardship by educating visitors on sustainable practices, conservation efforts, and Leave No Trace principles.
Train and provide feedback to a developing guide team under you. 

Safety & Risk Management -
Ensure the safety of participants during tours and activities by adhering to all relevant safety protocols and guidelines.
Maintain first-aid certifications and be prepared to respond to emergency situations if they arise.
Ensure that all outdoor activities are conducted in a safe and responsible manner, with proper risk assessments and preparation.

Customer Service & Engagement -
Provide excellent customer service by answering visitor inquiries, addressing concerns, and creating a welcoming atmosphere.
Act as an ambassador for the region, promoting local attractions, businesses, and experiences.
Tailor experiences to different visitor demographics, ensuring each guest has an enjoyable and memorable experience.

Team Collaboration -
Work collaboratively with other interpretive guides, the Sales and Marketing, and Group Tours teams and park management to deliver seamless, high-quality programs.
Participate in team meetings, training sessions, and professional development opportunities to enhance guiding skills and knowledge of the region.
Collaborate with the Director of Resort Activities to develop programs and maintain performance levels.

Administrative Tasks -
Maintain accurate records of tour participants, feedback, and program evaluations.
Assist with the preparation and maintenance of materials, equipment, and supplies for programs.
Ensure that all tours and programs meet required standards, policies, and regulations.
Schedule programs and staff accordingly.
Book and promote private group tours.

Others duties as assigned.

Qualifications

What you'll need:

·  Minimum of 2-3 years of experience as a Professional Interpreter in the Banff area or equivalent in outdoor guiding (ACMG).
·  Knowledge of the Canadian Rockies’ natural and cultural history, including geological formations, ecosystems, Indigenous history, and wildlife.
·  Class 4 Albertan drivers license.
·  Professional Interpreter (IGA) or Mountain Guide (ACMG) certified.
·  Experience in all season guiding - snowshoeing, hiking, and paddling big canoes required, cross-country skiing and asset
·  40-hour Wilderness first aid certification
·  Degree or diploma in Environmental Science, Outdoor Education, Recreation, Geography, Indigenous Studies, or a related field preferred
·  Strong communication skills with the ability to connect with diverse audiences, from school groups to international tourists.
·  Ability to deliver educational and engaging presentations in both formal and informal settings.
·  Physical fitness and comfort with outdoor activities, including hiking on rugged terrain in varying weather conditions.
 

Additional Information

Visa Requirements: Applicants must be legally authorized to work in Canada.

APPLY TODAY: We encourage you to visit our website to learn more about living and working in Lake Louise! www.lakelouisejobs.com

Why work for Accor? We are far more than a worldwide leader. We welcome you as you are and you can find a job and brand that matches your personality. We support you to grow and learn every day, making sure that work brings purpose to your life, so that during your journey with us, you can continue to explore Accor’s limitless possibilities.

About Fairmont Hotels & Resorts: At Fairmont Hotels & Resort we offer our guests the finest hospitality experience in each of our destinations. And we know that, to offer our guests the best, we first need to offer our employees the best. That's why you'll find exceptional work opportunities - throughout North America and the Caribbean, Europe and Africa, the Middle East and Asia Pacific - as well as industry - leading training, career development, recognition and rewards. Fairmont Hotels & Resorts is a celebrated collection of hotels that includes landmark locations like London's The Savoy, New York's The Plaza, and Shanghai's Fairmont Peace Hotel. Our teams are guided by values of Respect, Integrity, Teamwork and Empowerment; we employ the highest ethical and quality standards, treating all colleagues with fairness and dignity. A community and environmental leader, Fairmont is also regarded for its responsible tourism practices and award - winning Green Partnership program. An exciting future awaits!

Our Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion:  

At Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, we believe that the strength of our team lies in its diversity. We are committed to fostering an inclusive environment that respects the unique backgrounds, perspectives, and talents of the individual. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we are dedicated to providing equal access to opportunities. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates.

If you are contacted by a Recruiter, kindly inform them at any stage of the recruitment process if you will need support or accommodations.

Persons who anticipate needing accommodations for any part of the application or interview process may contact, in confidence: cll.careers@fairmont.com

Do what you love, care for the world, dare to challenge the status quo! #BELIMITLESS