Tasmanian Walking Company launches applications to recruit up to 25-full time staff

A Tasmanian tourism operator has launched a recruitment drive, looking to employ about 25 full-time staff as it responds to the impacts of Covid-19. DETAILS >>

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TOUR guide Stephanie Wilson considers Tasmania’s wild places as being like a second home.

Born and bred in the state, it’s why she loves her job with the Tasmanian Walking Company, which will this week launch a recruitment drive for more guides.

The company has advertised for 25 full-time roles this week, in another sign of the tourism industry’s continued rebound from the coronavirus crisis.

“The main perk is sharing what feels like a second home with the guests which is a pretty special feeling,’’ Miss Wilson said.

“When you do a walk time and time again, it does become a bit like a home, and it’s pretty amazing just watching the guests be completely moved by the wilderness.

“I get quite proud that this is home, and getting to show it off is a real privilege.”

A tour takes in Bear Hill walk on Schouten Island.

The 24-year-old said she worked mostly on the Three Capes Track, with cameo appearances at Cradle Mountain and Bruny Island.

Another guide, Francesco Aimassi, is originally from Italy and on a working visa, but has fallen in love with Tasmania and applied for permanent Australian residency.

“I’ve been in Tassie since 2017 and I’ve never really left. My girlfriend is also Tasmanian. It’s a pretty special part of the world,’’ he said.

“What I find really special about Tassie is the nature, the environment, it’s quite stunning.”

Mr Aimassi said his favourite walk to guide was the Bay of Fires, and said tourists were struck by the state’s beauty.

“People really appreciate how pristine and clean the place is,’’ he said.

“I think it’s very beneficial for them, especially professionals from the big cities and it gives them a good chance to switch off and connect with nature.”

Tasmanian Walking Company Walk with Heart Three Capes Walk. Picture: Zak Simmonds

Mr Aimassi said he did not qualify for JobKeeper support but found work on a farm in Tasmania’s north-west during the coronavirus slowdown last year.

Tasmanian Walking Company general manager Heath Garratt said recruitment for full-time roles was designed to increase job security for guides and other staff.

Mr Garratt said the company typically operated a mostly casualised workforce, an approach tested coming out of the Covid-19 pandemic.

He said the company lost some workers to other vocations, and were left scrambling to find enough qualified guiding staff to cope with demand.

Heath Garratt, Tasmanian Walking Company general manager. Picture: Tom Huntley

But he said there was great perks to a career as a tour guide.

“Tourism is amazing because you’re dealing with people when they are in a happy place, they are on holidays,’’ he said.

“It’s a really enriching type of tourism, really rewarding, and you’re taking people out into these wilderness places.”

Mr Garratt said there was strong demand for walks in coming months, leading into the peak season in September through April.

“Business is good across all of our products and we’re seeing unprecedented forward booking numbers,’’ he said.

Applications for the roles open on Tuesday and are open until the end of June.

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