Vertigo Climb Manager

Jamie Whitburn says you need to be fitter than most to do this job. Picture / Greg Bowker

My Job

Vertigo Climb manager, Auckland
Name: Jamie Whitburn
Age: 23
Role: Manager, Vertigo Climb
Working hours: 45 hours a week, 9.30-6pm. Can vary depending on arranged sunrise, sunset and night climbs
Average pay: $45,000
Qualifications: Bachelor of Tourism

Q: Describe how you got this job?

A: I shifted up from Dunedin in February 2004. I spent two to three days researching the local tourism industry then introduced myself to local operators with my CV. I was given an interview climb and offered a position as guide.

I worked hard and earned promotion to senior guide and admin supervisor, and have recently been promoted to manager.

Q: Describe what you do?

A: Day-to-day running of all aspects of the business including accounting, management and marketing. I am also doing staff management, rostering and hiring.

We do fully guided tours taking people up to the first crow's nest of the Sky Tower's mast which is 300m above the city. We climb on a ladder which goes straight up on the inside of the mast.

People are clipped on to a cable attached to the ladder. It is a latchway system like they use on the Sydney Harbour Bridge climb.

If people do happen to slip the brake comes on and they can't go anywhere. It is 44m and then we step outside and it is a pretty amazing view. And then we climb back down. We do all the photography as well, with digital cameras.

Q: What have you had to do to succeed at this job?

A: Work hard to ensure that my team delivers a high quality product, ensuring the best experience for all, delivering the excitement of the climb with 100 per cent safety.

Being a friendly person is important and doing hard work to get into the industry pays off. I worked at a backpackers and dealt with a lot of people.

Q: What sort of training or experience do you need?

A: To reach the level of senior guide, in which all training is provided in-house, we cover safety at heights, first aid, and rescue training. Then you start learning the admin side of the business.

Q: What skills and qualities do you need?

A: Good time-management and communication skills. Business skills such as accounting - and you need to have an outgoing personality.

From a physical perspective, you need to be fitter than most, especially climbing the ladder three or four times a day in all conditions. You have to have a pretty good head for heights.

I am pretty confident and I think you have to be to be in the tourism industry. You have to be really friendly and get on with people.

Q: Best part of the job?

A: Coming to work each day and seeing the best view in Auckland, 300m above the city. Also meeting interesting people from all over the world. Their enjoyment keeps my team fizzing.

Q: Most challenging part?

A: Seasonality, the ups and downs of the tourism industry.

Q: How do you define success in this job?

A: That everyone who takes the tour is having a lot of fun and has really enjoyed the experience.

Q: What are your career hopes for future?

A: To continue in the tourism industry and to one day own my own tourism product.

Q: What advice would you have for someone contemplating a career like yours?

A: Start by trying to gain as much industry experience as possible, whether it's at a backpackers or hotel, anything in the tourism industry is a good starting point.

Obtain tourism or management qualifications. Any other outdoors experience is also useful. Learn as many skills and gain as much experience as possible.

Q: If I wanted a job like yours how would I go about it, and what qualifications would I need?

A: Think about what you want to do and what business you would like to work for, and then try to arrange a meeting to get some ideas. I was pretty lucky to be in the right place at the right time to get into the role.

A qualification such as the University of Otago's Bachelor of Tourism will get you off to a good start.