My job: Nerves of steel a must for jumpy tourists

Julie Murton loves the different view she gets each day. Photo / Ted Baghurst

Name: Julz Murton
Occupation: SkyJump and SkyWalk Guide
Employer: SkyJump
Age: 24
Working hours: 9.45am-6pm daily
Pay range: $33,000-$41,000

Describe your job?

I am a guide for SkyJump and SkyWalk. I help people to jump off the SkyTower or take guided trips around the outside ring. We are a seven-days-a-week attraction so my days of work vary. As well as guiding, I gear clients up, teach safety information and help with maintenance.

Tell us about the walk?

The SkyWalk is 192m off the ground, and 130m around the outside ring of the SkyTower. There are no handrails, so you are exposed, but it is an amazing feeling. You are attached with safety restraints to an overhead rail. The process takes about 75 minutes from gearing people up, to taking the trip and getting back to the ground. We run eight walks a day, and I can do up to four trips per day.

What is your background?

I worked at Kelly Tarlton's for a couple of years and did well in tourism at school so that may have helped but it's not essential to have any previous qualifications as all the training is provided. I've always been attracted to the adventure tourism industry and I love heights, I'm lucky enough to be able to put the two together.

What does the job's training involve?

On-site training starts with a comprehensive two to three weeks of learning followed by regular ongoing training and assessments. We are also required to attend a two-day height safety course using fall arrest systems.

What skills are needed for this job?

You need to be a people person and to calm people who are freaking out. You need a love for the outdoors and you have to be on top form every day. We do have weather restrictions on SkyWalk - we don't operate in winds over 50km/h, but we can still go in light rain - it adds a new dimension. We can still take trips in cloud or fog, but there isn't much to see.

What is your "trademark" as a guide?

I'm a Westie.

Is it a job you can imagine doing for several years?

I have been with SkyJump and SkyWalk for a year and a half; every tour is different and this keeps the job interesting. I believe when the time comes to change jobs, my time at SkyJump will be a huge advantage and I hope to continue working in the adventure tourism industry.

You obviously don't have a problem with vertigo ... but what about the customers?

Some customers do get overwhelmed but it usually takes only a couple of moments to get used to the height. If I am relaxed, it helps them to relax.

Roughly about one in 200 people cannot complete the walk, they are usually very quiet, and so these are the ones you have at the front of your group so you can keep a closer eye on them. After the first couple of steps on to the ring you can usually tell if they are not OK and that's when you suggest that you take them back in.

Oldest, youngest and famous customers?

Our minimum age is 10 and our oldest SkyWalker to date is 87. We have had a few famous people - Tom Cruise and Charlize Theron have done SkyJump, and Flo Rider and some Shortland Street stars have done SkyWalk.

Why is the job important?

It's a unique way to see Auckland and important for Auckland's tourism.

The job's main challenges?

It is a repetitive job, so being enthusiastic can be a challenge. Language barriers can be a problem. I have a strong Kiwi accent, so I have to talk more slowly.

With large groups you have to cater for different personalities. Some people may be super-scared, while others are super-confident.

The best part of your job?

The view. You notice something new every day. Helping people overcome their fear of heights is rewarding. I can't believe how far some people will push themselves.

Any negatives?

Tying people's shoelaces really tight isn't much fun ... and shaking really nervous people's hands. Sometimes you have to find creative ways to wipe off your hand afterwards.

Your strengths?

I have lived in Auckland all my life so local knowledge is a definite strength. Also, I like to have a laugh, so I try to make my tours fun.

Any amusing tales?

Taking Paul Henry's mother, Olive, around with her walking frame was fun. I was told to keep walking around the ring with her but she kept stopping saying her restraint was annoying and that she didn't need it. Also, we had microphones attached, and she was busted telling me she didn't like the shirt Paul had got her for her birthday.

She was a character; she didn't want to come back inside the tower and did a good job of stalling us at the finish gate.

Advice to those interested in a similar role?

Don't be scared of heights.