Carriage Tour Guide - Flex

The starting pay range for this position begins at $15.75/hour and is based on the level of qualifications and relevant experience above the minimum requirements. Flex: a position working between 20-29 hours per week (between 1000 - 1559 hours/year).

The Interpreters for the Carriage Program will be responsible for providing information regarding the estate’s history and interpreting natural points of interests for our guests during their ride. The primary responsibilities of this position focus on providing our guests with a safe, comfortable, informative and enchanting carriage ride experience. Secondary duties include assisting the driver with feeding, watering and grooming the horses, harnessing and hitching the horses to the carriage, and helping with the cleaning of the barn, carriages, equipment and all guest areas. The Carriage Interpreter will also provide general assistance and support for the department.

Schedules can vary, but are generally between 7:45am - 6:15pm

Requirements:

• High school diploma (or GED). Additional education, training, and/or certification(s) related to the equestrian field preferred.
• At least one (1) years of related experience. The ideal candidate will have two (2) years of experience in historic interpretation. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered. Preferably, candidates will have had prior experience in the same or similar role.
• Knowledge of horses and equestrian care strongly preferred. The ability to anticipate, identify, and troubleshoot issues desirable.
• Demonstrated commitment to the delivery of world class internal and external guest service.
• Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills; must be comfortable in and effective at communicating clearly with guests, vendors, and other audiences.
• Must be able to quickly acquire knowledge of the history of the estate and the Asheville area.
• Ability to be proactive and take initiative; should be able exercise good judgment in anticipating and addressing issues.
• Applicants must have or be able to obtain AED, CPR, and First Aid certification.
• Must have a valid NC Driver's License with clean driving record & be at least 18 years of age.

Essential Job Duties:

• Assist the driver in the feeding, grooming, harnessing and hitching of the horses to the carriage.
• Follow the schedule of horses, carriages and drives to be used for each day
• Adhere to all operating policies, procedures and safety guidelines. Be sure that your carriage is equipped with a radio, first aid kit, halter, lead line, umbrellas, lap blankets, etc.
• Warmly greet guests upon arrival, confirm departure times, and make sure that each guest has signed a liability waiver if the ticket agent needs assistance or if you are picking up guests at a location away from Deerpark.
• Offer any necessary instruction to guests and assist them in safely boarding.
• While the driver proceeds on the designated route at a walking pace your job is to focus on the guests. Provide historical interpretation, field general and estate specific questions, offer photo opportunities, point out flora and fauna, and interact with guests in a positive, professional manner to provide an enjoyable ride.
• Upon returning to the carriage barn, assist the guests in safely unloading from the carriage and thank them for their visit.
• Throughout the day, keep the barn aisle, stalls and all guest areas free of manure and debris. Properly store wheelbarrow and pitchforks after each use.
• Following the last carriage ride of the day, assist the driver with unhitching and unharnessing of the horses, wipe down tack as needed and store in harness room, brush down horses and turn out to pasture, follow closing procedure for the barn area and secure all areas as instructed.

Physical Requirements:

• Must be able to lift 60 lbs. constantly and be able to endure long days of lifting, walking and physical exertion involved with riding for extended periods of time.
• Ability to bend, stoop, kneel, reach overhead and below.
• Must be able to have the range of motion necessary to safely harness horses.
• Ability to work outside in all types of weather with fluctuations in temperature and conditions.

Experience

• 2 year(s): Experience working with horses, preferably draft types.