Disadvantages of spa Career

• Non-traditional work hours-nights, weekends, holidays

• Accommodate guest needs even if inconvenient for employee

• All staff members expected to perform cleaning tasks

• Physically demanding- requires stamina

• Need to be consistently and authentically present to guests, despite personal feeling

• Labor intensive

Desirable Personal Traits for a Spa Career • Combination of business and people skills-head

and heart

• Strong communications skills

• Active listening

• Empathy, sensitivity to others

• Compassion

• Interest in health and wellness

• Ability to make people feel comfortable

• Thirst for knowledge

• Well-groomed appearance

• High standards of cleanliness, health and safety

Entry Level/Support Positions

• Guest reception

• Reservationist

• Retail sales clerk

• Lead spa attendant

• Spa attendant

• Spa concierge

• Spa fitness attendant

• Spa restaurant/café server

• Housekeeping attendant

• Administrative assistant

Professional/Technical Level Positions • Lead Esthetician

• Esthetician

• Nutritionist/Dietitian

• Lead Massage Therapist

• Massage Therapist

• Nail Technician/Manicurist

• Hair Stylist

• Cosmetologist

• Fitness Instructor

Managerial Level Positions • Spa Director

• Assistant Spa Director

• Spa Manager

• Retail Manager

• Spa Treatments Manager/Manager of Therapy Services

• Fitness Director/Manager

• Reservations Manager

• Salon Manager

• Spa Sales or Group Sales Coordinator

• Spa Membership Manager

• Spa Chef

• Restaurant Manager

Other Spa Careers • Spa Designer

• Product Representative

• Manufacturer/Supplier

• Educator/Trainer

• Spa Consultant

Spa Careers for the Future

• Medical Spa Technicians

• Life Coaches

• Age-Specific Specialists

• Holistic Health and Wellness Professionals

• Green-Collar Jobs

• Technology Specialists

Sample Spa Wage Structures

• Commission on Services

• Hourly

• Hourly Plus Commission

• Contracted Wage

• Commission on Retail Sales

• Bonus

• Tips/Gratuities/Services Charges

IDENTIFY A SPA DIRECTOR’S RELATIONSHIPS WITH EMPLOYEES, GUEST AND OWNERS

• Qualities of Spa Directors

• Personal and professional fortitude

• Recruiting and hiring skills

• Organization

• Crisis management

• Sales and marketing

• Financial management

• Leadership

• Passion and vision

• Realism

• Commitment to long hours and hard work

• Ability to lead and motivate people