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Zip Line Tour Guide Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Tram Tour Guide

Glencoe, IL ยท On-site

$18 - $21.15/hr

As needed, the tram tour guide assists other areas of the Visitor Services department such as helping with Garden events and exhibitions through a welcoming greeting, ticket sales, and line ...

Zip Line Staff

New Braunfels, TX ยท On-site

$13 - $14/hr

Assists with the hiring of seasonal staff Zip Ride Launching Platform Guide * Ensures all zip ride ... Zip line experience helpful QUALIFICATIONS/REQUIREMENTS * Excellent communication, customer service ...

Assists with the hiring of seasonal staff Zip Ride Launching Platform Guide * Ensures all zip ride ... Zip line experience helpful QUALIFICATIONS/REQUIREMENTS * Excellent communication, customer service ...

ZipTour Guide - Summer 2026

Bend, OR ยท On-site

$14.50 - $16.50/hr

Position Summary The ZipTour Guide coaches, harnesses, and guides guests throughout the tour while ... Ability to ascend/descend stairs leading to zip line platforms. * Comfortable working in high ...

ZipTour Guide - Summer 2026

Bend, OR ยท On-site

$14.50 - $16.50/hr

Position Summary The ZipTour Guide coaches, harnesses, and guides guests throughout the tour while ... Ability to ascend/descend stairs leading to zip line platforms. * Comfortable working in high ...

Sales Tour Guide

San Francisco, CA ยท On-site

$19.18/hr

Sales Tour Guide What you'll do * Travel + Leisure is currently seeking tour guides who have the ... line sales agent, vacation counselor. How You'll Be Rewarded: We offer a diverse range of ...

Climbing & Rappelling Guide

VA ยท On-site

$12.75 - $14.75/hr

On days with no guided tours, guides will work in the adventure park on the rope course, zip line ... Every day except Thursday (tour days will vary) Rotate on a set schedule Hours: Varies seasonally ...

Sales Tour Guide

Windsor, CA ยท On-site

$16.90/hr

Sales Tour Guide What you'll do Travel + Leisure is currently seeking Sales Representatives who ... line sales agent, vacation counselor. How You'll Be Rewarded: We offer a diverse range of ...

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Zip Line Tour Guide information

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How much do zip line tour guide jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for zip line tour guide in the United States is $18.81, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.42 and $21.15 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by Zip Line Tour Guides, and how can they be managed effectively?

Zip Line Tour Guides often encounter challenges such as managing diverse group dynamics, ensuring participant safety, and adapting to changing weather conditions. Guides must remain attentive and communicative, providing clear instructions and reassurance to guests, especially those who may be nervous or have questions. Staying up to date with safety protocols and regularly inspecting equipment helps minimize risks, while teamwork with other guides ensures smooth tour operations. Flexibility and a positive attitude are key to overcoming these challenges and providing a memorable experience for every guest.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Zip Line Tour Guide, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Zip Line Tour Guide, you need knowledge of safety procedures, basic first aid certification, and strong physical fitness. Familiarity with harness systems, zip line safety equipment, and radio communication devices is typically required. Exceptional communication, leadership, and customer service skills help guides create memorable and reassuring experiences for guests. These skills ensure that tours are conducted safely, efficiently, and enjoyably for all participants.

What is the difference between Zip Line Tour Guide vs Ropes Course Instructor?

AspectZip Line Tour GuideRopes Course Instructor
Required CertificationsSafety training, CPR/First Aid, zip line operationSafety training, CPR/First Aid, harness and course operation
Work EnvironmentOutdoor, high-altitude zip lines over scenic areasOutdoor, ground-based or elevated obstacle courses
Employer & IndustryAdventure parks, outdoor recreation companiesAdventure parks, team-building facilities
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

The main difference between a Zip Line Tour Guide and a Ropes Course Instructor lies in their work environment and specific skills. Zip Line Tour Guides primarily operate high-altitude zip lines, focusing on safety and customer experience in scenic outdoor settings. Ropes Course Instructors manage obstacle courses, emphasizing safety and guiding participants through ground-based or elevated challenges. Both roles require safety certifications and outdoor adventure experience, but their daily tasks and environments differ significantly.

What are zip line tour guides?

Zip line tour guides are professionals who lead and instruct groups of participants through zip line courses, ensuring safety and delivering an enjoyable experience. They provide safety briefings, assist with harnesses and equipment, demonstrate proper techniques, and supervise guests as they navigate zip lines and aerial obstacles. Additionally, zip line tour guides often share information about the local environment and wildlife, making the tour both educational and fun. Their primary responsibility is the safety and satisfaction of all participants during the adventure.
More about Zip Line Tour Guide jobs
What states have the most Zip Line Tour Guide jobs? States with the most job openings for Zip Line Tour Guide jobs include:
Infographic showing various Zip Line Tour Guide job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 53% Full Time, 26% Part Time, 16% Temporary, and 5% Summer. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $39,124 per year, or $18.8 per hour.
Tram Tour Guide

Tram Tour Guide

Chicago Botanic Garden

Glencoe, IL โ€ข On-site

$18 - $21.15/hr

Part-time

Retirement

Posted 4 days ago


Job description

Title: Tram Tour Guide

Exemption Status: Non-exempt

Department: Visitor Experience

Reports to: Coordinator, Visitor Services

Seasonal Part-time, anticipated to begin in April for approximately 7 months


Seasonal Part-time employees scheduled to work 29 or less hours per week are eligible for the following Benefits:

  • Wellness initiative benefit, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Retirement plan
  • Holiday Thank you pay
  • Garden membership - free to employees at Household Plus level
  • Discounts to Garden Shop, Cafe, Garden-sponsored educational classes
  • Employee events

Compensation Philosophy:

At the Chicago Botanic Garden, our compensation philosophy is rooted in our core values: Growth, Understanding, Resilience, and Trust through Transparency. We are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels respected, valued, and appreciated.

Our objective is to create compensation and growth opportunities for our employees that are highly competitive, internally equitable and transparent. The foundation of our efforts is a straightforward approach that can be easily communicated by managers with defined pay ranges for all positions. When posting job openings, we share the minimum salary up to the budgeted amount.

The starting salary for new staff members is determined by considering the salary range assigned to the position and by reviewing the candidateโ€™s qualifications for the job as compared with job responsibilities. Prior work experience should be considered in determining the salary offer, provided that it is relevant to the job. Additional factors such as secondary language proficiency or advanced degrees that enhance performance may also be considered. A candidateโ€™s salary may exceed the minimum amount based on factors such as experience, additional skills (e.g., secondary language proficiency), or pertinent degrees that enhance the individualโ€™s contribution to the role but are not required. Opportunities for increased compensation are provided through referral bonuses, shift differentials, Thank You Pay, promotions, and periodic pay increases based on the Garden's overall performance and financial budgets.

Our total compensation and benefits package is people centric. We prioritize employee wellness across three pillars: physical, mental, and financial. Our goal is to offer innovative total rewards that support continuous professional growth, personal development, and provide the flexibility needed to balance personal and professional commitments.


Position Overview: As an ambassador of the Chicago Botanic Garden and its mission, the tram tour guide will be friendly with an outgoing demeanor and exceptional communications and customer relations skills. The tram tour guide narrates a scripted tour for adults and children while driving a 48-passenger open air tram or walking on designated routes throughout the Garden. As needed, the tram tour guide assists other areas of the Visitor Services department such as helping with Garden events and exhibitions through a welcoming greeting, ticket sales, and line management. Creating a positive and memorable experience for Garden visitors is a priority while following the Garden's values and behaviors.

This position requires an average of three days per week, including one weekend day and some holidays/evenings. Hours scheduled may differ throughout the year.

Responsibilities

In this role you will be responsible for the following:

  • As both tram driver and tour guide, you will be trained to safely transport Garden visitors, staff, and volunteers along predetermined routes while simultaneously providing engaging, scripted 35-minute tours.
  • Occasionally transport visitors, staff, and volunteers in a variety of vehicles (e.g. vans, club cars) throughout the Garden.
  • Demonstrate both a high standard of safety for visitors and a strict adherence to the Chicago Horticultural Society's rules and regulations.
  • Maintain the cleanliness of the vehicles and monitor operating conditions.
  • Provide support for Garden attractions, exhibitions, and events including ticket sales, bar code scanning, and line management.
  • Remain knowledgeable of Garden current events, garden displays, and exhibitions, and proactively communicate these to visitors.
  • Customer service oriented, able to work independently and willing to work as a part of a team.
  • Maintain a professional appearance and demeanor while on-site or in uniform.
  • Work outdoors in all varieties of weather conditions and temperatures.
  • Assist the Visitor Experience manager and coordinator in other areas as requested.

Qualifications

Our ideal candidate will have the following:

  • Minimum age requirement of 18 years old.
  • Possession of a valid Illinois driver's license, driving record with no violations and insurable by the Chicago Horticultural Society is required; must be safety oriented.
  • High school diploma or equivalent required.
  • Articulate, with a strong command of the English language. Bilingual Spanish is a plus.
  • At least one year of experience in the service and/or tour industry as a public speaker with a talent for engaging an audience of adults and children or equivalent.
  • Knowledge of and interest in horticulture is preferred.
  • Available days, evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Physical Demands:

Frequent driving of tram, standing, sitting, walking, bending, lifting, listening, keyboarding, and speaking, and hearing, for long periods of time. Requirements for lifting, pushing, and pulling items up to 50 pounds. Exposure to the outdoor environment and to varied weather conditions.

Why Apply?
Come work in a setting that is like no other as you support our mission: We cultivate the power of plants to sustain and enrich life. Take the first step toward being one of the employees who make the Garden one of the treasures of the Forest Preserves of Cook County. Apply today. Please note that applicants who do not meet the required qualifications will not be considered.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran, or basis of disability, or any other federal, state, or local protected class.

Disclaimer: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and qualifications required of personnel so classified.

In accordance with Title IX of the Education Amendments Act of 1972, the Chicago Botanic Garden does not discriminate on the basis of sex in its programs or activities, including in employment or admissions. Please call (847) 835-8264 to contact our Title IX coordinator should you have questions or concerns. Please do not call this number to inquire about job postings or the status of your application, or with solicitations from companies or third-party recruiters.