Regional Field Lead, Pacific Northwest

JOB TITLE: Regional Field Lead, Pacific Northwest 
DATE: September 30, 2025 
REPORTS TO: Barbara Borst, Regional Director, US West Coast & Hawaii 

LOCATION: In region – Preference to be in or around Puget Sound or Bend  
LENGTH OF SEASON: March 1 – October 31 (8 months full-time), with hourly work in other 4 months 

REGIONS COVERED: Puget Sound, Crater Lake, & Columbia Gorge. Regions listed are subject to change. 

PURPOSE OF JOB 

The Regional Field Lead (or RL) is a Trip Development (TD) role responsible for meeting critical company deliverables as they relate to TD, including but not limited to coordination and mentorship of TE’s, overseeing trip logistics, maintaining vendor relations, sub-contractor relationships, ensuring Ascent updates are timely and accurate, and reviewing associated trip materials. RL’s primary focus is trip quality, TE mentorship, and operational oversight of their regions, supporting Regional Directors (RDs) on trip quality and accuracy, hotel service agreements, crisis management, scheduling, custom/private trips and new trip development. RLs work closely with Regional Directors and Trip Experts to successfully manage trip and regional logistics for a designated segment of trips. RLs are a vital link between the office and field and across departments, working within Trip Development and partnering closely with the Leader Development and Operations teams. A high degree of organization, attention to detail, self-motivation, creativity, coordination and leadership is required to carry out the responsibilities of this position along with a focus on timely execution of defined processes. 

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Supervise Trip Experts in critical quality decisions, timely execution of Ascent updates, and delivery of all TD guest and leader facing materials.   

• Mentor Trip Experts including providing feedback, mentoring performance, completing Mid-Season Check Ins and End of Season Reviews. 

• Host village meetings to help connect leaders to company, provide informational tips, and foster good morale.  

• Serve as vital communication link between field and office. Keep up with company and departmental communication – transmit/translate/reiterate for Field Staff as needed.  

• Recruit, review applications, and make hiring recommendations for Field Experts, with a focus on TE applicants 

• Onboard and train new TEs in region 

• Provide real time crisis management for on-trip issues including supporting the weekend on-call team  

• Provide high-level support for Field Staff in the region, with LD Managers and LDLs. 

• Proactively look for ways to improve trip quality. Review and respond to guest, leader and staff feedback.  Provide feedback and ideas to RD(s). Plan, create and update all aspects of trip quality and design, including research and Presearch, for designated trips by mentoring and working closely with Trip Experts.  

• Build and maintain strong relationships with key vendors to ensure smooth operations. Foster positive community relations including in National Parks where applicable.  

• Help provide hotel and activity solutions for desired trip capacity, working closely with RD and hotels team. 

• Respond in a timely manner to private trip requests if needed. Work closely with Private Trips Team, researchers, and all partners to insure the best possible experience for guests.  

• Provide guidance to the Scheduling Team on Field Expert Schedules 

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:   

• Experience in Trip Development or prior Trip Expert or Regional Expert experience required. 

• Extensive Trip Leading experience in the area preferred and understanding of Backroads’ service ethic. 

• Strong understanding of TE Program 

• Experience in Leadership Development as a mentor is strongly preferred 

• Strong organizational skills  

• Strong interpersonal skills, including proven feedback skills via FTR feedback on trips and with co-leaders 

• Analytical skills preferred but not required  

• Ability to focus on strong time management skills, and the ability to meet deadlines and time-sensitive RD demands in-season.  

• Strong relationship coordination and problem-solving skills  

• Cost management abilities 

• Systems and database skills   

• Understanding the connection from office to trip to leader to guest, and ensuring quality at every step is paramount 

• Proficient in Microsoft Office, Excel, & Word 

• Excellent verbal communication skills including training and speaking in front of groups 

ELIGIBILITY, COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS: 

• Compensation to be determined based on experience and qualifications 

• Eligible to lead 1-3 trips annually, as agreed upon by your RD(s) 

• Eligible to join our group medical, dental, and vision plans depending on the location (benefits might vary) 

• Backroads will cover vehicle, accommodation and some food costs for business purposes when conducting field visits or traveling for work. You are responsible for providing your own housing, vehicle, & food when working from your base.  

• Eligible for Trip Credit  

• Work authorization in US required 

 APPLICATION DETAILS: 

• Please apply via Workday, including a cover letter explaining why you are interested and your qualifications as well as your resume 

• Reach out to Barbara Borst, Regional Director, US West Coast & Hawaii or Daysha Lichty - Senior Manager, Field Expert Program. 

• Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible.