How to hire a driver/guide

How to hire a driver/guide, step by step

Here's a step-by-step driver/guide hiring guide:

• Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
• Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
• Step 3: Make a budget
• Step 4: Write a driver/guide job description
• Step 5: Post your job
• Step 6: Interview candidates
• Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new driver/guide
• Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   Before you post your driver/guide job, you should take the time to determine what type of worker your business needs. While certain jobs definitely require a full-time employee, it's sometimes better to find a driver/guide for hire on a part-time basis or as a contractor.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

   Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

   Yes

   No

   Hiring the perfect driver/guide also involves considering the ideal background you'd like them to have. Depending on what industry or field they have experience in, they'll bring different skills to the job. It's also important to consider what levels of seniority and education the job requires and what kind of salary such a candidate would likely demand.

   The following list breaks down different types of driver/guides and their corresponding salaries.

   Type of Driver/Guide	Description	Hourly rate
   Driver/Guide		$9-24
   Escort	Escort is a service provided to accompany an individual, group of people, or vehicle to provide guidance and protection or mark of honor. Military Escort services accompany deceased military personnel to show respect-a healthcare escort sometimes accompanies patients to their destination for ongoing care safely... Show more	$10-17
   Bus Driver	Bus drivers are mainly responsible for safely transporting passengers to their destinations. Bus drivers must be attentive and highly focused to monitor road situations at all times, avoiding any cause of accidents... Show more	$13-21

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • CDL
   • DOT
   • Quality Customer Service
   • Natural History
   • Post-Trip Inspections
   • Pre
   • Vehicle Maintenance
   • Transport Passengers
   • Alaskan
   • Kayaks

   Responsibilities:

   • Manage the canoe landing including guests, workers, and canoe traffic in a way that all run smoothly and safely.
   • Respond to medical emergencies include administering first-aid and relay requests for services and transportation of patients to medical emergencies or appointments.
   • Deliver customers to their destination/homes/doorsteps with luggage/baggage groceries

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in your driver/guide job description is one of the best ways to attract top talent. A driver/guide can vary based on:

   • Location. For example, driver/guides' average salary in florida is 60% less than in alaska.
   • Seniority. Entry-level driver/guides 61% less than senior-level driver/guides.
   • Certifications. A driver/guide with certifications usually earns a higher salary.
   • Company. Working for an established firm or a new start-up company can make a big difference in a driver/guide's salary.

   Average driver/guide salary

   $15.53hourly

   $32,310 yearly

   ---

   Entry-level driver/guide salary

   $20,000 yearly salary

   Updated December 19, 2025

4. Writing a driver/guide job description

   A job description for a driver/guide role includes a summary of the job's main responsibilities, required skills, and preferred background experience. Including a salary range can also go a long way in attracting more candidates to apply, and showing the first name of the hiring manager can also make applicants more comfortable. As an example, here's a driver/guide job description:

   Driver/guide job description example

   *SmallGroup Tour Guide*
   
   Grand Canyon Destinations is a ground tour company, specializing in private tours. Headquartered in the entertainment capital of Las Vegas, Nevada, Grand Canyon Destinations conducts tours to the Grand Canyon and Hoover Dam. We know how to deliver the ultimate travel experience and leave each guest appreciating the natural elements that surround them.
   
   *Overview*
   
   Grand Canyon Destinations is seeking a fun, cheerful, and energetic Small Group Tour Guide that is focused on delivering quality tours and outstanding customer service. The ideal candidate will possess leadership skills, have the capacity to retain a mass amount of historical facts and provide information in a fun and entertaining way. The ideal candidate will also be able to adapt quickly, accept new challenges, and be passionate about the great outdoors.
   
   Daily responsibilities include leading tour groups and driving guests to and from each tour destination in our company vehicle while educating guests on natural, cultural, and historical facts. Other responsibilities include planning itineraries, promoting and selling company souvenirs, assisting guests with photo opportunities, and collecting vouchers from each guest if applicable. It is the responsibility of the Small Group Tour Guide to be safety-minded and monitor group activity to ensure they are following safety rules and regulations. The Small Group Tour Guide must inspect the vehicles to ensure it is compliance with all Laws, Regulations, and Company Policies and Procedures. All Small Group Tour Guides must follow company marketing and branding guidelines to maintain a professional and friendly etiquette.
   
   *Responsibilities*
   
   * Consistently meet daily sales goals through upselling
   * Plan, organize, and guide daily tours to specific points of interests in the Grand Canyon, Hoover Dam, and more
   * Provide a fun and safe environment while educating tourists in a memorable, informative, and professional manner
   * Drive safe on and off the road and have a general understanding of our permits and operating plan
   * Verify and follow the manifest to ensure the tour type is accurate
   * Properly maintain and refuel each company vehicle between each tour visit
   * Play the role of cultural and brand ambassador and step off the vehicle to greet all guests
   * Assist guests on and off the vehicle and respect and follow company procedures
   * Be polite to hotel resort personnel, competitors, other guests, and park officials
   * Use enthusiasm to story tell and present information on all tours, including the geology, plants, and history.
   * Maintain company standards and report any safety hazards and vehicle failures to management
   * Safely operate the vehicle in all types of weather and city traffic
   * Be available to work up to long tour days and communicate through two-way radio with the reservation and staff while on tour
   
   *Qualifications*
   
   * Must have a good driving record, and you must also pass a drug test and background check
   * Must have a minimum of 3 years commercial driving
   * Must possess a high school diploma, GED or higher
   * CPR/FirstAid certified
   * Experience in travel and tourism, hospitality or customer service is preferred
   * Valid Nevada driver's license is required and must be able to operate a vehicle safely
   * Must be fluent in English and bilingual is preferred but not required
   * Demonstrate a passion for the great outdoors and maintain a professional, empathetic, and friendly attitude
   * Must be able to remain calm and communicate effectively when dealing with medical emergencies
   * Must be available for day shifts, including weekends and holidays
   * Proper hygiene and a well-groomed appearance are required
   * Demonstrate exceptional time management skills, be highly organized, punctual, and ethical
   * Must possess excellent communication skills and deliver great stories in a fun and entertaining manner
   * Must be able to work outdoors and withstand various weather conditions and able to walk on uneven terrain, dirt trails, and rock formations
   * Must be able to stand for long periods of time and push, pull, and lift up to 50lbs
   * License B (CDL) preferred but not required
   
   *Benefits*
   
   * Competitive salary plus tips
   * This position is full-time.
   
   Job Types: Full-time, Part-time
   
   Pay: $225.00 per day
   
   Schedule:
   * Day shift
   * Holidays
   * Weekend availability
   Supplemental pay types:
   * Tips
   
   Experience:
   * Customer Service: 1 year (Preferred)
   
   License/Certification:
   * Driver's License (Required)
   
   Work Location: On the road

   Copy this example

   

5. Post your job

   There are various strategies that you can use to find the right driver/guide for your business:

   • Consider promoting from within or recruiting from your existing workforce.
   • Ask for referrals from friends, family members, and current employees.
   • Attend job fairs at local colleges to find candidates who meet your education requirements.
   • Use social media platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter to reach potential job candidates.

   Post your job online:

   • Post your driver/guide job on Zippia to find and recruit driver/guide candidates who meet your exact specifications.
   • Use field-specific websites.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   During your first interview to recruit driver/guides, engage with candidates to learn about their interest in the role and experience in the field. During the following interview, you'll be able to go into more detail about the company, the position, and the responsibilities.

   It's also good to ask about candidates' unique skills and talents. You can move on to the technical interview if a candidate is good enough for the next step.

   The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

7. Send a job offer and onboard your new driver/guide

   Once you've decided on a perfect driver/guide candidate, it's time to write an offer letter. In addition to salary, it should include benefits and perks available to the employee. Qualified candidates may be considered for other positions, so make sure your offer is competitive. Candidates may wish to negotiate. Once you've settled on the details, formalize your agreement with a contract.

   It's also important to follow up with applicants who do not get the job with an email letting them know that the position is filled.

   To prepare for the new employee's start date, you can create an onboarding schedule and complete any necessary paperwork, such as employee action forms and onboarding documents like I-9 forms, benefits enrollment, and federal and state tax forms. Human Resources should also ensure that a new employee file is created.

8. Go through the hiring process checklist

   • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
   • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
   • Define job responsibilities and requirements
   • Establish budget and timeline
   • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
   • Write job description
   • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
   • Promote the job internally
   • Process applications through applicant tracking system
   • Review resumes and cover letters
   • Shortlist candidates for screening
   • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
   • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
   • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
   • Conduct background checks on top candidates
   • Check references of top candidates
   • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
   • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
   • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
   • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
   • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
   • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)

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