Programme, Maintenance, Activities
Duration: 
4 months
Start Date: 
15th of May 2024
End Date: 
15th of September 2024
Deadline for applications: 
3rd of January 2024
Closed position

The Hut Warden is responsible for the preparation, as well as the running and day-to-day maintenance of the Centre’s two mountain huts (Gfellalp & Ueschinen Hut). This includes opening the hut after winter, keeping the hut stocked with food and supplies, and taking down the waste. Approximately 2-3 days a week will be spent working at the huts, and the rest of the time will be spent helping with the Programme administration in the office. If you have basic maintenance skills and would like to provide high alpine overnights for Scouts from all over the world, 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
  • Fully vaccinated against Covid-19 with one of the vaccinations recognised by Switzerland

Skills & Qualifications

Essential

  • Ability to work with and 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
  • Holds a full driver’s licence (for manual cars)

Desirable

  • Has previously been a member of staff at KISC
  • Has experienced the Summer season in the last 3 years
  • Experience in maintenance work
  • Experience in coordinating and organising activities and staff
  • Experience in driving on mountain roads
  • Ability to communicate in German

Main tasks

Main tasks

  • Ensure a high quality of guest service at all times
  • Lead the operations of KISC mountain huts, including manage and plan maintenance, waste disposal, stocking and smooth running of all areas involving guest experience
  • Coordinate the opening and closing of our mountain huts
  • Work in the Front Office, welcome guests and deal with guests enquiries
  • Assist with the Programme Administration
  • Assist the Programme Team with the daily coordination and management of Programme Short Term Staff
  • Assist in training and assess Staff to lead activities in a safe and correct manner
  • Plan and deliver of summer staff training, including how staff supervise groups at mountain huts

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 Hut Warden, the Programme team consists of the Programme Director, Assistant Programme Director, Programme Development Assistant, Programme Administration Assistant, and in Summer Programme Admin Assistant, and High Adventure Assistant.

Line manager

The line manager for this position is the Programme Director. The Hut Warden 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 Hut Warden 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 Hut Warden assist 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 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.
  • For citizens of non EU/EFTA countries who have not been Staff at KISC before and are selected for the position, KISC will apply for a 4-month visa, for a 4-month contract maximum. The applicant needs to be under 35 years old for the whole duration of the contract.
  • For citizens of non EU/EFTA countries who have been Short Term or Long Term Staff at KISC before, unfortunately it is not possible to obtain a work permit/visa even for a 4 month period.
  • The employment is dependent on securing the necessary special permission from the Swiss authorities.

Testimonials

Hut Warden

Eleanor

United Kingdom
Hut Warden
The Hut warden is one of the most varied positions at KISC. As well as being in charge of all 'Hut Stuff' (the running of our two mountain huts), I have gained huge amounts of knowledge and experience in office work, leadership and time management. The training of the new STS was a real highlight for me; as I was able to pass on my skills and enthusiasm for the Programme Team and KISC to others. If you enjoy driving on crazy mountain roads, fixing toilets and drinking coffee in the rain, then perhaps Hut Warden is for you!