Job Opportunities

MTB Skills Factory exists simply to help people “Ride Better”. Whether you want to make a breakthrough with your riding skills to access more terrain with more confidence or need a local expert to take you on an unforgettable adventure, we offer the highest quality and most professional experiences in the region. Backed by a team of the most highly trained and experienced coaches and guides, we aim to raise the bar for the industry.

We believe that the best coaches and guides exist in a work environment based in internal and external professional development AND a culture of apprenticeship / mentorship where our collective experience and strengths can be shared to enhance the quality of our work. You’ll have the autonomy to do your job in a way that suits your strengths AND have the support and feedback to help you grow and improve as a professional.

Current Opening:

Job Title: Guided Rides Program Manager

Location: Mostly based around Brevard, NC for in-person work with the ability to complete additional hours of admin work remotely.

Reports to: Owner / Head Coach Josh Whitmore

Time Commitment: This position will start as part-time hourly with the potential to be full-time hourly as the program grows into the summer season. We generally stay fairly busy through Thanksgiving weekend with less time commitment December – February.

Job Overview:

Ride your mountain bike for a living! The Guided Rides Program Manager will oversee our new guided ride program. This leadership role will act both as the primary guide to take clients on rides, as well as admin of the program including program scheduling, staff scheduling, program development, simple marketing tasks, and staff training. The position will also have the opportunity to teach dedicated skills lessons and clinics through the skills instruction arm of the company.

Key Responsibilities:

Act as the Primary Ride-Guide

  • Meet clients at our partner location and walk them through picking up their bike rental (Clients may also bring their own bikes).

  • Drive Clients in our passenger van to the trailhead of choice. (We commonly use DuPont State Forest, Pisgah National Forest, Kanuga Bike Park, and Chestnut Mountain as destinations for guided rides.) Or meet clients at the designated trailhead if they choose that option.

  • Design a route that matches the client’s skill ability and goals.

  • Facilitate a magical adventure for the client while managing risk, including basic skill instruction as needed to empower success.

  • During the busy season, this could include two “half-day” rides per day.

Program Scheduling and Client Care

  • Keep the booking system up to date based on guide and van availability. (Minor admin updates are needed for every booking)

  • Answer client questions during the booking process via email, text, and phone to steer them towards the options that best suit their needs

  • Act as an ambassador and trusted resource for visiting clients

  • Coordinate and schedule company resources such as van availability

  • Take simple photos and videos during the ride to supply to the client and our social media channels

·Staff Scheduling

  • Manage availability and scheduling of assistant guides

  • Keep the online booking system updated based on staff and resource availability

Program Development

  • This position will have a leadership role in streamlining the operation of the program based on demand, sustainable profit, and efficient work flow.

  • Dream, plan, and implement new programs or “product” ideas in conjunction with company leadership

  • Work with and support our partner organizations where needed

  • Develop and promote our company equipment partners

Marketing Tasks

  • Occasionally create content for social media channels to showcase our rides, locations, and experiences.

  • Occasionally create or distribute other marketing materials such as rack cards or brochures

  • Contribute content to our email marketing campaign, such as a trail showcase or conditions report

Staff Training

  • In conjunction with the owner / head coach Josh Whitmore, contribute to the hiring, training, and ongoing development of assistant guides.

Occasional Skills Instruction

  • As needed, fill in to teach dedicated skills lessons such as private lessons, group clinics, or camp programs

Qualifications:

Education, Certification, and Experience

  • Bachelor’s Degree in Outdoor Education, Recreation, Sport Management or related field is preferred but not mandatory

  • 1+ years experience with program management or similar roles, ideally within the outdoor, recreation, or sports education industries

  • 2+ years experience guiding mountain bike rides and/or teaching mountain bike skills lessons

  • PMBIA Level 2 (or higher) certification is preferred but not mandatory. If not previously certified at the PMBIA Level 1, the ideal candidate would meet the minimum requirements to obtain Level 1 certification early in employment.

  • Wilderness First Responder (or higher) is mandatory for the position. The ideal candidate already has this certification, but if not, is able to obtain early in employment.

Skills and Competencies:

  • Strong background in customer service oriented programs. We’re primarily concerned with facilitating the most amazing experiences for our clients using a human-centric approach.

  • Excellent organizational and leadership skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities

  • Effective communication skills, verbal and written.

  • A strong aptitude for the highest level of professionalism. We’re offering a premium product at the highest quality, our staff need to reflect that ethos.

  • Proficiency with or aptitude to learn digital tools for trip booking (Explore Origin and Bike Rental Manager), basic website editing (Squarespace), spreadsheets, basic video/photo editing for social media, and Google Drive.

  • A passion for mountain biking and sharing adventure experiences with others.

  • Proficiency in riding the terrain and trails we guide, from green rated flow trails to black diamond tech trails at a pace that isn’t challenged by our average client. Some of our clients are great riders but just want someone to show them the best trails based on their goals and current conditions.

  • Ability to occasionally guide two “half-day” rides in a single day, potentially on back-to-back days. 

  • Availability to work flexible hours as needed to accomplish admin tasks. A LOT of our guided rides happen on weekends, so ability to work most weekends is a must.

Benefits:

  • This position will start as part-time hourly with potential to be full-time hourly as the program grows into the summer season. The hourly wage will be based on experience and qualifications. Our pay is generally higher than any other instruction or guide service in the region.

  • Monthly profit share bonus based on a percentage of profit of the guided ride program that month. Use your quality and expertise to grow the business and be rewarded by sharing the profit.

  • Gratuity, the position is entitled to retain 100% of any gratuity received.

  • A budget for professional development to be used for maintaining or obtaining certifications (or other career enhancing opportunities).

  • Be a part of a motivated team of high quality professionals where you have both the autonomy to do your work and are supported through mentorship and apprenticeship.

  • Access to industry discount programs and industry partner supplied products.

Timeline: Open until filled.

If you have any questions or would like to discuss the position, contact Josh Whitmore at josh@mtbskillsfactory.com or 828-222-0890