Click here to download standard
job application (MS WORD File)
or click here for an Adobe Acrobat file
Click here to download special guide
application addendum (MS WORD file)
or click here for an Adobe Acrobat file
Guide applicants will need to send both applications
MKSA is an ecotour operator based on Hawaii's Kona coast. Founded in 1983 MKSA specializes in educational tours to the summit of Mauna Kea volcano. Known for constant innovation, MKSA is at the forefront of Hawaii's ecotour industry. The most important element in our success is the professional guide staff we maintain. We are very selective about the guides we hire and train. Those that make the grade will enjoy an well paid career full of natural beauty and interesting people.
For our Full-time employees we offer top of the industry pay, full medical dental and vision coverage, one week paid and one week unpaid vacation annually. Meals and uniforms are also provided.
For our Part-time employees we offer top industry pay, optional full medical, dental and vision coverage, and one week unpaid vacation per year.
Although we are not continually recruiting we always welcome applications from well qualified persons.
How to Apply:
You may send in your application or resume by Email, FAX or postal mail. We will not respond to unqualified applicants but if you feel your application has been overlooked you are invited to send a reminder email. Please no phone calls.
Email: please include your name and the words "MKSA employment application" in the subject line. Your application can be sent in the email as an attachment.
EMAIL:
FAX 808-334-0405
Postal mail:
Pat Wright -MKSA
P.O. Box 9027 Kailua Kona, Hi 96745
:Attention employment
Guides drive and narrate our tours on Mauna Kea. The workday begins 5 hours before sunset at our office in Kailua Kona. Our vehicles are new 13 passenger 4x4 Micro- coaches with automatic transmissions. We pick up our passengers at several designated pick up points and collect payment and necessary documents from the passengers. During the drive up the mountain guides interpret a wide variety of subjects using a PA system and look after guest comfort . Guides also answer a myriad of questions. At the mid-level station we pause for 45 minutes to serve dinner. We arrive at the summit (13,796ft.) just in time for sunset. At night we descend to mid-mountain and produce an educational astronomy program. Guides will setup and operate large, computerized telescopes, interpret the night sky and teach basic astronomy. Afterwards we drop off our guests and return to Kona 5 hours after sunset.
Our guides normally work 3 or 4, 10 hour shifts per week. The work days begins 5 hours before sunset and ends 5 hours after. Work days normally remain fixed for a month or two at a time but change from time to time. Normally guides do not work more than two days in a row. Flexibility is important in this job. This is a career and as such, any other work you have must be scheduled secondarily to this position. While we try to make a consistent work schedule outside factors including weather, fluctuations in business levels, equipment issues and illness can all change the normal schedule.
Our guides are thoroughly trained and tested. The training period varies depending on the individuals aptitude and study habits. The basic training period can be rather intense and progress must be rapid. This training includes a great deal of technical driving instruction, observation and personal study time. During this probationary period you will be driving and interpreting while a senior guide rides along helping with narration or driving as necessary. Individual study will concentrate on geography, geology, speaking skills and natural history. This part of the training needs to be completed in 5-10 work days. Study materials, internet access and written materials are supplied. Some trainees fail during this time due to poor driving habits/skills, lack of study/recall, substandard speaking/interpersonal ability or inability to work in the high/cold environment. A pay raise accompanies the successful completion of this sector.
You will move to the next phase when we feel you are ready to drive and narrate solo. During this phase you will be polishing your presentation, learning astronomy and operating the telescope. There will always be another guide along driving a second vehicle, and mentoring. This phase may last a few weeks up to a few months. A significant pay raise accompanies the successful completion of this sector.
After this phase you will be a regular guide and may work completely solo at times. Training is continuous at all levels.
Guides are the most important element in our business. They must be very versatile and adept in many subjects. Although our training program is extremely thorough a good candidate should have some substantial knowledge in some if not most of the areas listed below. They will also need to possess certain personal qualities that we will list below. Our interview process includes some skill and knowledge testing. Please save yourself some time and abstain from applying if you don't really qualify.
#1 A guide candidate should be a great driver; Safety conscious and courteous and with well above average technical driving skills. We road test applicants and skills such as: safe backing with mirrors, precision parking, gear changing (automatic) and smooth braking will be examined. Of course, a driving resume and a traffic abstract will be required at the interview. Experience with larger vehicles or professional driving experience would be a great asset. A C.D.L.. is not necessary
#2 Guides must be quick learners and great at retaining and recalling rather large amounts of factual and statistical information. Good study habits and a real interest in the material are quite important. Most of our clients are post graduates; the questions will be tough and the answers have to be correct and concise.
#3 Guides need to be good public speakers and comfortable interacting with and leading a wide range of people. Language skills should be well above average.
#4 Be in good physical health and capable of doing somewhat strenuous tasks at high altitudes and under difficult environmental conditions. Guides need the physical capability to lift 65lbs. to torso height and hold for 30 seconds. Excellent day and night vision are necessary as well as stamina to remain alert and cheerful throughout a 9 hour work day. You cannot do this job if you have a heart condition, lung condition, severe obesity or pregnancy. Guides are subject to drug testing and background checks at any time.
#5 Appearance is important in the visitor industry. As we are professional drivers and we need to look the part. Drivers should be neat and tidy with no visible piercings beyond the ears. Uniforms and parkas are provided.
Guide candidates should have significant knowledge and/or experience in at least two of the following subjects or a degree in any one before undergoing training:
Astronomy, Geology, Natural history, Hawaiiana, Geography
Note: This knowledge, need not have come from formal education. It could well be from reading or personal avocations. There is a special guide application addendum for listing all relevant knowledge even from informal sources. A brief quiz accompanies our personal interview in an effort to determine your actual Knowledge levels in subjects appropriate to our job.
As our operation is relatively unique we don't often expect to find people with experience in our particular field. There are, however, some prior occupations that might be quite relevant to our work.
#1 Professional drivers especially diesel, bus or limo experience
#2 Visitor industry workers with direct public contact expertise
#3 Teachers, professors and trainers
#4 Outdoor leaders, guides, park rangers, scout leaders etc.
The Utility Worker is in charge of cleaning our vans, preparing our drink service, shuttling vehicles and a wide variety of other minor chores. The utility worker needs to dependable, detail oriented and versatile.
The work conditions are quite pleasant and most work is done without direct supervision.
A drivers license and dependable transportation are necessary.
Aside from the core duties each day there are a wide variety of additional tasks that may be assigned.
These task may include: light vehicle maintenance, shuttling vehicles or custodial duties.
Because the work day is rather brief it would be desirable to live near our work site in Kailua Kona. Working hours are flexible but always in the mornings. If you are a dependable, self starter and love to work independently; this might be a great job for you. Note: The worksite is in the Kailua industrial area.
Hawaii drivers license and abstract
Ability to drive our Micro-coaches in tight quarters
Ability to do moderate physical work for 3 hours
Ability to work without direct supervision
Excellent references
Very good hourly pay
pleasant work environment
convenient early morning work schedule
somewhat flexible hours
1 week un-paid vacation yearly
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