Glowrow Associate
About Glowrow:
Glowrow is a vibrant, fast-growing company that offers unique, glow-lit kayaking experiences at night, on the water, creating fun, memorable outings for customers of all skill levels. We pride ourselves on delivering exceptional customer service in a positive, high-energy environment where both our team and guests can thrive.
Position Overview:
Compensation ranges from (Training is 12.50/hr 30 days or 4 tours), then 14-18/hr, (PLUS TIPS). Base pay depends on the position. All positions split tips for that location where you are working that night.
Career path opportunity: Lead Guides that have the solid ambition, motivation and passion for the job after working thru the ranks have a possible opportunity of being selected as a location partnership owner/operator after a minimum 2 years of experience.
Your First 30day/4 tours as Assistant Guide (The GlowRow Boot Camp)
Phase 1: New Hire Orientation (Day 1-ish)
- Sit through the brand brain-dump: Mission ("share the magic of safe night kayaking only GlowRow® can deliver"), vision, core values (Safety First, Innovation, Community, Professionalism with Humor, Consistency).
- Read & sign the Operating Handbook Acknowledgement
- Get the quick tour of gear: kayaks, glowing paddles, switches, batteries, trailers.
Phase 2: Shadow & Observe/Assist (Minimum 2 full tours)
- Watch customer check-in + waiver process like a hawk.
- Study how the Lead Guide delivers the safety briefing (that witty, Deadpool-meets-Southwest-Airlines script).
- Observe group management on the water, emergency gear checks, docking, and customer exit.
- Soak up how we keep 18+ crowd happy while never leaving gear unattended.
Phase 3: Assisted Practice (Next 2 tours)
- Help stage & check all equipment before the tour.
- Assign paddles and kayaks correctly.
- Deliver a portion of the safety briefing (start small maybe the paddle how-to or life vest section). Yes, part of this is public speaking.
- Assist with docking and helping customers exit safely.
- Prove you can lift 40 lbs.
Phase 4: Evaluation & Sign-Off
Site manager or senior guide runs you through a checklist:
- Proper equipment handling
- Correct safety procedures
- Clear customer communication
- Ability to handle curveballs without panicking If you pass, Congratulations, you’re officially certified as an Assistant Guide.
What an Assistant Guide Actually Does Once Certified
Core Rule: You assist only, you do not lead tours solo, not yet. You’re always under a higher-level guide’s supervision.
Daily/Shift Responsibilities:
- Show up on time, ready to move (this is an active gig).
- Help with pre-tour setup: staging kayaks, checking switches (test every color + SOS), battery levels, safety gear.
- During check-in: greet guests with the warm “Welcome to GlowRow® ” energy, verify IDs ( Anyone that looks under 18 we reserve the right to check ID, 18+ only, no exceptions), collect signed waivers.
- Assist on the water: support the Lead and Tail Guide with group flow, help manage spacing, be ready to jump in on any minor issues.
- Post-tour: help collect gear, assist customers exiting, reset the trailer for the next group.
- Never leave equipment unattended. Ever. (That includes the guide kayak, store it if not in use.)
Key Must-Knows:
- Full safety briefing script (you’ll deliver parts of it).
- Emergency response basics from the Safety SOP (capsize, man overboard, medical, lost paddler).
- Brand voice: reassuring, fun, witty, think Deadpool humor but zero safety shortcuts.
- Equipment care: follow Preventive Maintenance SOP (rinsing kayaks, switch checks, no dragging hulls on anything abrasive).
- Two-person staffing rule.
Promotion Path:
After ~10 assisted tours + CPR cert + proven skills, you can test for Tail Guide (rear sweep, emergency support, night nav help). Nail that and you’re on the road to Lead Guide.