Backcountry Rental and Operations Assistant

Job Description [Updated 22/08/2026]

Backcountry Rental & Operations Assistant - Niseko

Location: Niseko

Dates: Mid-November through to April

Wages: ¥1,850 per hour starting

Reports to: Backcountry Rental & BC Logistics Manager - Niseko

Direct Reports: None

Position Type: Seasonal Hourly Wage (between 20 - 40 hours per week)

About us:

Rhythm is about creating epic experiences for our customers, which starts with our people. We live by our values and put people first. We take pride in creating working and living environments that foster innovation, adventure, and balance. Working at Rhythm is more than a job; it's an experience you will have forever.

The Role:

The Backcountry Rental & Operations Assistant supports the daily rental, equipment and operational needs of Rhythm Rides' Niseko Backcountry Department.

The role fits rental equipment, prepares guest avalanche packs and guide equipment, supports daily departures and returns, and helps maintain accurate equipment records.

When rostered as Base Commander, the Assistant monitors guide movements and check-ins and immediately escalates missed communications, injuries, avalanche reports or other safety concerns to the operational or technical leader on duty.

Guest Services manages sales, reservations and pre-arrival communication. This role focuses on rental service, equipment readiness and daily operational support.

The Backcountry Rental & Operations Assistant is accountable for:

• Accurate and efficient rental fittings
• Daily readiness of avalanche packs and guide equipment
• Safe, clean and correctly tracked equipment
• Reliable Base Commander communication when rostered
• Flexible support for daily backcountry operations
  
  

Key Responsibilities and Duties:

Backcountry Rental Service

• Review guest sizing and equipment information provided by Guest Services.
• Fit touring skis, snowboards, boots, bindings, skins, poles and related equipment.
• Explain correct equipment use and identify concerns before departure.
• Process equipment issue and return accurately.
• Inspect, clean, dry and store returned equipment and keep the rental area organised.

Avalanche Packs and Guide Equipment

• Prepare guest avalanche packs with approved transceivers, probes and shovels.
• Complete function, battery and condition checks before equipment is issued.
• Prepare guide radios, satellite communication tools, first-aid kits and rescue equipment.
• Track equipment issue and return and report damaged, missing or unsafe items.
• Reset equipment so it is ready for the next operating day.

Daily Operations and Base Commander

• Review the daily run sheet and confirm equipment and logistics requirements.
• Support departures, meeting points, equipment movement and end-of-day returns.
• Operate the Base Commander function when rostered, following the daily operating plan.
• Maintain two-way communication with guides and record group movements and check-ins.
• Immediately escalate missed check-ins, injuries, avalanche reports, guest or guide concerns and other potential safety issues.
• Continue communication and logistics support under the direction of the incident lead when required.

Inventory and Equipment Care

• Maintain accurate inventory, inspection, maintenance, loss and damage records.
• Complete stock counts and report discrepancies.
• Identify equipment requiring tuning, repair, servicing or replacement.
• Support preseason set-up, peak-period preparation and end-of-season storage.

Guest Experience and Teamwork

• Provide a welcoming, professional and efficient fitting experience.
• Work closely with Guest Services, guides, Logistics and the wider backcountry team.
• Communicate equipment shortages, delays and operational concerns promptly.
• Support other backcountry operational tasks during peak periods as directed.

Role Boundaries

• Guest Services owns product sales, reservations, pre-arrival communication and overall complaint management.
• The Backcountry Rental & BC Logistics Manager owns the rental, equipment, logistics and Base Commander operation.
• The Backcountry Programs Manager and Guide Safety Officer own guide allocation, terrain decisions, safety briefings and technical incident leadership.
• This role records information, supports daily delivery and escalates concerns; it does not make technical safety decisions.
  
  

Key Measures of Success:

• Accurate and timely rental fittings and equipment preparation
• Reliable daily readiness of avalanche packs and guide equipment
• Safe, well-maintained and accurately tracked equipment
• Efficient departures with minimal equipment delays
• Accurate guide-movement records and prompt escalation of concerns
• Strong teamwork and professional guest service
  
  

What you need to succeed:

Qualifications and Experience

• Experience in rentals, outdoor operations, logistics or technical-equipment support.
• Good knowledge of backcountry ski and snowboard equipment.
• Good knowledge of avalanche safety equipment.
• Experience with rental, inventory or equipment-tracking systems is preferred.
• Basic equipment maintenance and troubleshooting experience.
• Valid Japanese or recognised international driver licence; snow-driving experience is preferred.

Skills and Attributes

• Strong attention to detail and commitment to safe equipment preparation.
• Clear and professional communication.
• Ability to remain calm and organised during busy operations.
• Strong practical fitting and equipment-care skills.
• Reliable record-keeping and follow-through.
• Flexible, collaborative and comfortable working independently.
  
  

The Perks and Benefits:

As a Rhythm employee, you’ll experience the same legendary hospitality we extend to our guests. We’re passionate about looking after our crew, and here are just a few of the perks you’ll enjoy when you join our team:

• Live, Work, and Play in Paradise: Immerse yourself in one of the world’s top mountain resorts.
• Work with a Legendary Crew: Join a team that’s passionate, fun-loving, and deeply connected to the industry.
• Subsidised Staff Accommodation: Affordable housing options and housing assistance to help you settle in.
• Epic Social Scene: From team ride days and department dinners to staff parties, events, and day trips, our social calendar is packed with opportunities to connect and unwind.
• Wellness and Lifestyle Benefits: Access the Rhythm Wellness program, enjoy free snowsports or bike demos, and take advantage of generous store discounts for you, your friends, and your family.

At Rhythm, we work hard, but we play even harder. If you know anyone who’s worked with us before, they’ll tell you this isn’t just a job- it’s an experience of a lifetime. Our fun, supportive culture is the heart of everything we do because people like you make Rhythm what it is.