Onboard Host - Denver (Seasonal Full Time, March to November 2027)
Description
Armstrong Collective is the parent company of Rocky Mountaineer and Canyon Spirit, creating unforgettable rail journeys through some of the most breathtaking landscapes in Western Canada and the American Southwest. Guided by our values, Create Meaningful Moments, Be One Team, and Achieve Extraordinary Outcomes, we show up every day with pride, ownership, and a shared commitment to excellence. We work hard, support one another, embrace new possibilities, and celebrate growth, all in a respectful and inclusive environment where integrity, collaboration, and passion for the guest experience lead the way.
Important Timeline
We are currently reviewing applications and will begin contacting selected candidates by February. Candidates moving forward in the recruitment process may be invited to participate in additional interview stages between November and January. Successful candidates are expected to begin their roles in March. Please keep an eye on your email, including your junk/spam folder, for updates regarding your application.
Role Overview
Reporting to the Guest Services Manager, the Onboard Host delivers exceptional guest service and life-changing experiences throughout our rail journeys between Colorado and Utah. Working in Signature and Premier Upgrade service, the Onboard Host creates meaningful moments through personalized service, upscale meal and beverage delivery, engaging storytelling, and one-on-one guest interactions.
As a visible ambassador for Canyon Spirit's values and culture, the Onboard Host champions the guest experience by taking personal responsibility for service excellence, building positive relationships with guests and colleagues, and embracing opportunities to improve the journey experience.
This role is deemed Safety Alert. This position requires the incumbent to periodically access an active railway area where impaired performance could result a significant incident affecting the health and safety of team members, guests, team members, the public, property or the environment.
Key Responsibilities
Guest Experience & Service Excellence
• Create a welcoming, engaging, and memorable onboard environment by anticipating guest needs and delivering personalized service.
• Resolve guest concerns professionally and empathetically, ensuring timely and effective solutions.
• Deliver meal, beverage, and snack service in accordance with established Signature and Premier Upgrade standards.
• Prepare railcars for service, including galley setup, inventory preparation, cart stocking, and coach readiness.
• Deliver engaging, accurate, and enthusiastic storytelling that enhances guests' understanding of the route, region, and history.
• Demonstrate Canyon Spirit's values through authentic interactions that create positive experiences for guests.
Team Collaboration & Operations
• Build strong working relationships with onboard team members to provide seamless service throughout the journey.
• Collaborate with Train Managers, Guest Services Managers, Culinary Hosts, and colleagues to coordinate service delivery, address guest needs, and support operational objectives.
• Adapt effectively to different railcars, teams, and changing operational requirements.
• Maintain clear communication and share relevant information to support team success.
• Complete cash handling, transactions, and reconciliations in accordance with standard operating procedures.
• Support inventory management, food audits, stock control, and waste reduction initiatives.
• Clean, stock, and maintain coaches, galleys, and washrooms to established standards. Support onboarding and training of new team members while remaining receptive to feedback and opportunities for personal growth.
• Actively utilize company communication platforms including Microsoft Teams, Outlook, Connecteam, and SharePoint.
• Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, service delivery, and the overall guest experience.
Safety & Compliance
• Adhere to all Canyon Spirit safety, security, and operational standards.
• Follow policies and procedures related to personal protective equipment (PPE) and hazard prevention.
• Maintain food safety, sanitation, HACCP, and cleanliness standards across service areas.
• Comply with all applicable regulations regarding food and alcohol service in Colorado and Utah.
• Remain proactive in identifying and addressing potential safety concerns for guests and team members.
What You Bring
• A passion for creating exceptional guest experiences and meaningful moments.
• Strong serving, hosting, and guest engagement experience.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to build trust and collaborate effectively with a diverse team.
• Professional judgment, accountability, and a positive, solution-focused mindset.
• Adaptability and resilience in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
• Confidence engaging groups of up to 54 guests through storytelling and presentations.
• Curiosity and openness to new ideas, processes, and ways of enhancing the guest experience.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Ability to work independently while contributing to team success.
• Professional, polished, and energetic presence with a commitment to service excellence.
Experience & Qualifications
• High school diploma or GED required.
• Fluency in English required; additional languages are an asset.
• Experience delivering service in a full-service dining or hospitality environment required.
• Public speaking, theatre, acting, tour-guide, or large-group presentation experience considered an asset.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.
• Food preparation or culinary experience considered an asset.
• Canyon Spirit requires all team members to complete their Utah Food Handler and Utah On-Premise Alcohol Server permits.
• First aid certification is an asset.
• Valid identification that meets domestic travel requirements (state ID, driver's license, or passport).
Work Environment
• Must be at least 21 years of age.
• Exceptional physical endurance and emotional resiliency with the ability to work long days. Frequent stooping, lifting, kneeling, bending, crouching, and climbing.
• Must be able to lift and carry up to 50lb (23kg).
• Able to travel away from home base for 12-15 days in a three-week period. Please note, back-to-back trips may be required depending on operational demands.
• Able to work weekends and holidays.
• Must be legally allowed to work in the United States for the duration of the operating season (March – November).
Compensation
• Salary: $19.75 USD an hour plus gratuities. All gratuities are reported and taxed per federal and state laws.
Eligible Benefits
All team members regularly working 30 hours per week will be eligible for our group benefits plan, which includes:
- Health Benefits
- Canyon Spirit is covered under the Railroad Retirement Act. The U.S. Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) administers the benefits programs covered under the Railroad Retirement Act, including retirement, survivor, unemployment, sickness, and disability benefits. For more information regarding the benefits of the RRB, visit the Railroad Retirement Board website at rrb.gov.
- Business travel accident insurance and business travel emergency medical insurance
- Vacation time, sick time, and company holiday pay
- 401(k) plan (employee contributions only)
- Friends and family rail tickets and packages discount
- Seasonal wage increases
- Growth opportunities
We use E-Verify as part of our hiring practices to comply with having a lawful workforce.
The company is an equal opportunity employer, driven by our values of Creating Meaningful Moments, Being One Team, and Achieving Extraordinary Outcomes. Our strong company culture supports our vision of a diverse, open, safe, and respectful workplace. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all team members. If you require any accommodation during the application process or throughout your employment, please let us know. We will work with you to ensure your needs are met and to create a supportive environment.
Please ensure to opt-in for text messages when you apply in order to receive interview updates.
This job description is not exhaustive of all duties and will encompass additional duties assigned. Responsibilities, title, reporting structure and duties may be changed in response to business requirements.
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