Duration: 
7 months
Start Date: 
1st of March 2024
End Date: 
30th of September 2024
Deadline for applications: 
3rd of January 2024
Closed position

The High Adventure Assistant assists in the coordination and running of our High Adventure Programme: the hikes, climbing activities, glacier workshops and our Challenge activities. The person helps with the training of our Short Term Staff and Helpers to make sure they are capable Hike and/or Climbing Guides. A large proportion of the work takes place in the office, serving guests or helping with the Programme administration, including replying to emails and preparing check-ins. If you want to inspire Scouts to go out and explore the Alps, and are able to teach people about hiking and climbing, we look forward to your application.

Requirements

  • Needs to be at least 18 years old
  • Is a member of an Association recognised by WOSM/WAGGGS
  • Communicates well in written and spoken English

Skills & Qualifications

Essential

  • Ability to work within an international team of volunteers
  • Ability to work well under pressure and within strict timelines
  • Demonstrated professional, disciplined and efficient approach to work and planning
  • Affinity for customer service and guest contact
  • Strong interest and experience in outdoors activities
  • Certification and experience in adventurous outdoor activities

Desirable

  • Has previously been a member of the staff team at KISC
  • Has experienced the Hiking, Climbing, Snow & Ice, and Challenge Activity Programme at KISC
  • Has experienced the Summer season in the last 3 years
  • Experience in coordinating and organising activities and staff
  • Holds a full driver’s licence
  • Ability to communicate in German

Main tasks

Main tasks

  • Ensure a high quality of guest service at all times
  • Support and assist in the management and control of all activities of the High Adventure Programme
  • Assist  in all aspects of safety in the area of High Adventure Programme
  • Assist in assessing Staff to lead activities in a safe and correct manner
  • Manage the alpine equipment according to the Centre’s equipment policy
  • Assist with the Programme Administration
  • Work  in the Front Office, welcome guests and deal  with programme check-ins and other guests enquiries
  • Assist with the daily coordination and management of Programme Short Term Staff
  • Assist with delivery of summer staff training, mainly training in the High Adventure Programme

Other responsibilities

  • Deal with any guest enquiries relating to the Centre
  • Run and develop staff training
  • Assist in other areas of the Centre where necessary
  • Involvement in the execution of the Centre’s Operational Plan
  • Work and communicate effectively with all staff and guests

Management

General

The position is part of the Programme Team at KISC. In addition to the High Adventure Assistant, the Programme team consists of the Programme Director, Assistant Programme Director, Programme Development Assistant, Programme Administration Manager, and in Summer Programme Admin Assistant, and Hut Warden.

Line manager

The line manager for this position is the Programme Director. The High Adventure Assistant has weekly meetings with the line manager and Programme team to cover operational matters, and also has regular one-on-one appraisals.

Team Management

The High Adventure Assistant will have regular contact with other members of the Long Term Staff team and it is essential to building a good working relationship and honest communication with them.

Staff Management

The High Adventure Assistant assists the Programme Team with the daily management and coordination of Programme Short Term Staff.

 

Practical information

Insurance

  • Accident Insurance (provided by the Centre): Everyone is insured for accidents, both work and non-work related over the duration of the contract.
  • Private Liability Insurance (provided by the Centre): This insurance covers any damage caused by any staff on an object or person.
  • Sickness Insurance (provided by the Centre): All LTS will get private sickness insurance if necessary. The deductible (amount each LTS has to cover per calendar year themselves) is, if nothing else mentioned, CHF 300.-. This insurance covers any treatment due to sickness.
  • Social Insurance according to the Swiss Law (provided by the Centre): Every LTS must have Social Insurance according to the Swiss regulations. This includes invalidity insurance, maternity leave and old-age and survivors' insurance (OASI). More information will be given during training.

Benefits

  • A room in one of the shared flats in Kandersteg
  • All meals at the Centre, both while at work and on days off
  • 2 days off per week
  • Pocket money starting from 400 CHF per month      
  • Management and leadership training
  • Administration of work permits
  • Other benefits
  • Other benefits as detailed here on our website

Important information

Visa

  • Citizens of EU/EFTA countries do not need a visa, and the Centre secures the necessary work permit.
  • Unfortunately, citizens of non EU/EFTA countries are not eligible for this role. 
  • Citizens of the UK there may be a possibility to secure a visa for the role if the applicant is suitable for the role and fulfils specific requirements set by the Swiss authorities. 
  • The employment is dependent on securing the necessary special permission from the Swiss authorities.

Testimonials

High Adventure Assistant

Lasse

Denmark
High Adventure Assistant
As High Adventure Assistant, I was given the responsibility of many different things, e.g. training our guides and purchasing alpine equipment for our Snow and Ice activities. I’ve been taught and gained knowledge in people-, project-, and self-management. The best part of being the ‘High Adventure Assistant’ was that I got to give training to the Short Term Staff and I took part in the Snow and Ice activity training. If you have the slightest interest in the outdoors and in being part of a great team, then you should apply for High Adventure Assistant!