Outdoor Adventure Guide Onboarding Checklist

Outdoor Adventure Guide Onboarding Process

Are you looking for help setting up a staff orientation process so that when your new Outdoor Adventure Guide starts their role, they can learn about their responsibilities and your company as quickly as possible? Whether you’re keen to use buddy onboarding, want to automate your Tourism onboarding experience or just need an onboarding checklist for your new Outdoor Adventure Guide, you’re in the right place. We’ve put together a sample Outdoor Adventure Guide onboarding checklist below and have created onboarding templates & resources to help.

Outdoor Adventure Guide Onboarding Checklist

1. Orientation: The first task for a new outdoor adventure guide is to attend an orientation session. This session provides an overview of the company’s mission, values, and policies. It is usually conducted by the HR department or a senior manager to familiarize the guide with the company’s culture and expectations.

2. Safety Training: As an outdoor adventure guide, safety is of utmost importance. Therefore, the new guide must undergo comprehensive safety training. This training includes learning about emergency procedures, first aid, CPR, and how to handle potential risks and hazards. The training is typically conducted by experienced guides or safety officers within the company.

3. Equipment Familiarization: Outdoor adventure guides work with various types of equipment, such as kayaks, hiking gear, ropes, and safety harnesses. Therefore, it is crucial for the new guide to become familiar with all the equipment they will be using. This task is usually performed by experienced guides or equipment managers who provide hands-on training and explain the proper usage and maintenance of each item.

4. Route and Trail Familiarization: Outdoor adventure guides need to be well-versed in the routes and trails they will be leading guests on. This task involves studying maps, understanding the terrain, and becoming familiar with the landmarks and points of interest along the way. Senior guides or route planners within the company typically assist in this task, providing guidance and sharing their knowledge.

5. Guest Interaction Training: Interacting with guests is a crucial aspect of being an outdoor adventure guide. New guides should receive training on how to engage with guests, provide excellent customer service, and address any concerns or questions. This training is often conducted by experienced guides or customer service representatives who share best practices and provide role-playing scenarios.

6. Environmental Education: Outdoor adventure guides often work in natural environments, so it is essential for them to have a good understanding of the local flora, fauna, and environmental conservation practices. This task involves attending workshops or training sessions conducted by environmental experts or conservation organizations to enhance the guide’s knowledge and ability to educate guests about the environment.

7. Group Management: Outdoor adventure guides frequently lead groups of guests, so they must learn effective group management techniques. This task involves learning how to communicate with and motivate different types of individuals, manage group dynamics, and ensure everyone’s safety and enjoyment. Experienced guides or team leaders within the company typically provide guidance and mentorship in this area.

8. Company Policies and Procedures: Every company has its own set of policies and procedures that guides must adhere to. This task involves familiarizing the new guide with these policies, including booking procedures, cancellation policies, reporting protocols, and any other relevant guidelines. The HR department or operations managers typically handle this task, providing the necessary documentation and answering any questions.

9. Physical Fitness Training: Outdoor adventure guiding often requires physical stamina and endurance. Therefore, new guides may undergo physical fitness training to ensure they are adequately prepared for the demands of the job. This training may involve activities such as hiking, swimming, or strength training, and is typically conducted by fitness trainers or experienced guides.

10. Shadowing Experienced Guides: To gain practical experience and learn from seasoned professionals, new outdoor adventure guides often shadow experienced guides. This task involves accompanying experienced guides on trips or tours, observing their techniques, and gradually taking on more responsibilities under their guidance. This hands-on training helps new guides develop their skills and confidence in the field

Setting Up Your Employee Onboarding Process

From reading through the items in the example Outdoor Adventure Guide checklist above, you’ll now have an idea of how you can apply best practices to getting your new Outdoor Adventure Guide up to speed and working well in your Tourism team. Scroll up to see the link to our onboarding templates & resources or get in touch to discuss getting help setting up your systems and processes in this area.