Job description The Position - VagaGuide The Adventure Tours Driver-Guide with Vagabond Tours presents a dynamic, exciting opportunity for those who are passionate about Ireland, its culture, outdoor adventure, and guiding small groups through unforgettable experiences. Here’s a summary of the role and key points: Key Responsibilities: • Tour Guiding: Lead groups (5-15 days) across Ireland, delivering engaging, informative tours. You’ll be both a driver and a guide, explaining Irish history, culture, and nature. • Vehicle Preparation & Maintenance: Ensure the tour vehicle is clean, safe, and ready for each tour. Perform daily checks and keep the vehicle in excellent condition throughout. • Customer Care: Embark and disembark guests, assist with luggage, guide walks and activities, and manage guest safety and satisfaction. • Administration: Handle various tour-related admin tasks such as checking in guests at accommodations, and incident reporting. • Tour Variability: Be adaptable and ready to guide both adventure-focused Vagabond Tours and the more relaxed Driftwood Tours. Requirements: • Irish bus license (D or D1): This is essential, but support is available if you're in the process of obtaining it. • Knowledge of Ireland: You need a good understanding of Ireland's history, culture, and landscape. • Experience: Experience in tourism, outdoor adventure, or customer service is a bonus. • People Skills: Being personable, patient, and reliable with excellent communication skills is essential. • Physical Activity: You’ll need to lead group walks and promote other outdoor activities with our contracted suppliers. . Training Provided: • Comprehensive Training Program: Including a 4-5 week in-house and on the road training program and opportunities for first aid and leadership qualifications like the Lowland Leader National Qualification. Compensation & Perks: • Pay: • Starting from €190 per day • 10% KPI related bonus • Daily daily food allowance • Optional health insurance • Optional pension contributions. • Work-Life Balance: The job offers flexibility, with a varied and adventurous daily routine. • Community & Culture: Join a fun, passionate team with legendary end-of-season gatherings and a positive work culture certified by Great Place to Work. This role is ideal for someone who thrives on adventure, loves sharing knowledge about Ireland, and enjoys being on the road interacting with diverse groups of people. The Vagabond Company The first Vagabond tour set off on February 6, 2002, with Rob leading the group in the original "VagaTron," a modified 1990 Land Rover Defender, a far cry from today’s more advanced fleet of customized Mercedes 4x4 vehicles and luxury mini buses. Over the past 22 years, Vagabond Tours has steadily grown, expanding both its fleet and its offerings. The company now provides a diverse range of tours: • Vagabond Adventure Tours: Focused on active, off-the-beaten-path experiences. • Driftwood Ireland Tours: A more relaxed, culturally-focused option. The company has stayed true to its roots, remaining family-run and independent, with a commitment to sharing their love of Ireland with their guests. They have gained a loyal customer base, with many guests returning for second, third and even forth tours.The vagabond company has gained many awards and certification over the years, including becoming Ireland’s first travel B Corp, and also Great Places to Work certified business. As of 2024, Vagabond Tours celebrates its 22nd year of success, still living by their mantra: "We Want You To Love Ireland As Much As We Do!" Their passion for Ireland, dedication to customer satisfaction, and ability to adapt and grow over time have made them not only a first class Irish travel company, but also a great organisation to work for and be part of. What to do next 1. Prepare Your CV Tailor your CV to highlight relevant experience and skills for the Adventure Tours Driver-Guide position. Make sure to include: • Driving and Licence Information: Mention your D1 or D Passenger Carrying Vehicle Licence or your progress in obtaining one. • Tourism or Outdoor Experience: List any experience you have in tourism, outdoor activities, or customer service. • Adventure/Outdoor Leadership: Include experience with activities such as hiking, leading group tours, or any relevant qualifications (e.g., Lowland Leader Award). • People Skills: Emphasize your communication and interpersonal skills, which are crucial for guiding small groups. • Flexibility and Adaptability: Mention any roles where you’ve thrived in dynamic environments or handled multiple responsibilities. 2. Write a Lighthearted Cover Letter In your cover letter, show us your personality while addressing why you’d be a great fit for Vagabond Tours. For more in depth information on the Vagabond company and to learn more about the VagaGuide job and role, visit our website job page. Job Type: Fixed term Contract length: 8 months Pay: From €190.00 per day Additional pay: • Performance bonus • Tips Benefits: • Bike to work scheme • Company pension • Food allowance • On-site parking • Private medical insurance Language: • English (required) Licence/Certification: • Mini bus D1 class driving licence (preferred) Willingness to travel: • 100% (required) Work Location: On the road Expected start date: 03/03/2025