Canopy Tour Zipline Guide (Seasonal: May-October 2025)

As a Zipline Guide for Gunflint Lodge & Outfitters’ Towering Pines Canopy Tour, you will lead treetop zipline tours for guests in the boreal forest of northern Minnesota.

We are looking for energetic, enthusiastic individuals to join our Canopy Tour guide team. Our guides provide guests with a unique, world-class adventure experience that includes an introduction to the flora and fauna of the Superior National Forest and unique geological formations of our landscape. Share an awe-inspiring adrenaline rush as you soar through the forest of majestic pine, birch and cedar trees, often at heights 100 feet above the canopy floor with our longest zip around 800 feet long. Our canopy tour consists of 8 zips, platform bridges, and a spiral staircase.

**Mandatory training for this position takes place in mid-May. This position is available through the summer season, although winter jobs are occasionally available in other departments. The zipline course opens in mid-May and closes in late October.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Arrive ready to work as scheduled for Guide responsibilities as requested by Supervisor
• Communicate well with co-workers and Supervisor
• Behave in a professional manner at all times
• Meet and greet Canopy Tour guests
• Maintain a good sense of humor and an encouraging attitude in working with all guests
• Treat guests in a positive manner that makes them feel respected, valued, and cared for
• Assist guests with gearing up, safety orientation, & Ground School (practice area)
• Guide guests safely through every segment of the Canopy Tour
• Educate guests on items of interest, including ecology, geology, local animal inhabitants, types of trees, and local history
• Manage risky behavior and maintain control of the tour group at all times
• Ensure personal safety and safety of others
• Maintain cleanliness of Sky Lounge facility and Canopy Tour course
• Conduct daily safety checks of course and equipment
• Prepare daily tour evaluation reports as a team with Supervisor

OCCASIONAL DUTIES

• Seasonal activities employees are frequently cross-trained for other areas and can expect to work in at least one secondary function.

QUALIFICATIONS

• High school diploma
• Conscious of safety and security of self and others
• Follows rules and is able to respectfully correct others to ensure they are abiding by rules and practicing safety requirements
• Energetic, enthusiastic, self-motivated
• Strong communication skills
• Work well independently and as part of a team
• Responsible, reliable, punctual, & committed
• Excited about engaging people & sharing knowledge of the boreal forest ecosystem, local history, and culture
• Friendly, pleasant, & courteous in all interactions with our guests
• Comfortable working at heights
• Comfortable and able to work at heights in excess of 75 feet above ground level
• Must weigh less than 270 pounds to safely ride on the Canopy Tour
• Must successfully complete Sky Guide training course in May, demonstrating industry-specified skill proficiency during practical testing
• Ability to make good risk management decisions
• Maintain composure and demonstrate good judgment under pressure
• Must complete or have a current First Aid and CPR Certificate (classes will be available for those without current certifications)
• Must possess current driver’s license, as zipline course involves transportation via side-by-side ATV

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential duties of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job duties.

• Ability to speak and hear.
• Ability to work in a standing position for long periods of time (up to 8 hours).
• Ability to reach, bend, stoop and lift up to 60 pounds.
• Ability to walk on uneven surfaces and climb stairs and ladders
• Ability to support self on ziplines and to stop self and others when traveling on the zipline
• Continual use of manual dexterity with frequent use of bi-manual dexterity and fine motor skills.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential duties of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job duties.

• Primarily in an outdoor setting under a variety of weather conditions.
• Canopy Tour course operates Fridays through Tuesdays during activity season.
• Regular exposure to heat/cold from the natural environment.
• Course operates on cables and platforms at least 50-100 feet above the ground.
• Several platforms are relatively small and may feel crowded on busy days.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually low.

WAGE RANGE: $15-17 per hour