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Assistant Wilderness Packer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Swan Mountain Outfitters

Trail Maintenance

MT · On-site

$160/day

Current CPR and Wilderness First Aid certifications preferred. Our season runs from May - September ... May assist packers in trail projects involving mules * May assist maintenance and corral staff in ...

Auburn YMCA

Camp Y-Owasco Medical Director

Auburn, NY · On-site

$650 - $850/wk

... * Assist camp director with health center standards of the NY Department of Health, American Camp ... Assists in packing of all health center materials and equipment at the end of the season * Follows ...

Auburn YMCA

Camp Y-Owasco Medical Director

Auburn, NY · On-site

$650 - $850/wk

... * Assist camp director with health center standards of the NY Department of Health, American Camp ... Assists in packing of all health center materials and equipment at the end of the season * Follows ...

National Ability Center

Raft Guide

Moab, UT · On-site

$110 - $150/hr

Ensure that trips utilize above par safety procedures. * Assist with food packing, preparation and ... Current Wilderness First Responder and CPR/AED (through ARC or AHA) certifications. * Current ...

National Ability Center

Raft Guide

Moab, UT · On-site

$110 - $150/hr

Ensure that trips utilize above par safety procedures. * Assist with food packing, preparation and ... Current Wilderness First Responder and CPR/AED (through ARC or AHA) certifications. * Current ...

National Ability Center

Raft Guide

Moab, UT · On-site

$110 - $150/hr

Ensure that trips utilize above par safety procedures. * Assist with food packing, preparation and ... Current Wilderness First Responder and CPR/AED (through ARC or AHA) certifications. * Current ...

National Ability Center

Raft Guide

Moab, UT · On-site

$20/hr

Ensure that trips utilize above par safety procedures. * Assist with food packing, preparation and ... Current Wilderness First Responder and CPR/AED (through ARC or AHA) certifications. * Current ...

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Assistant Wilderness Packer information

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$9

$16

$20

How much do assistant wilderness packer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for assistant wilderness packer in the United States is $16.11, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.42 and $17.31 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Assistant Wilderness Packer vs Wilderness Packer?

AspectAssistant Wilderness PackerWilderness Packer
CertificationsCPR, First Aid, basic wilderness safetyCPR, First Aid, advanced wilderness safety, possibly specialized certifications
Work EnvironmentAssists with packing, loading, and supporting wilderness tripsLeads packing, manages logistics, and oversees packing operations
Employer & IndustryOutdoor adventure companies, national parks, wilderness outfittersOutdoor adventure companies, wilderness outfitters, expedition services

The Assistant Wilderness Packer typically supports packing tasks and assists experienced packers, requiring basic safety certifications. In contrast, a Wilderness Packer leads packing operations, often possessing advanced certifications and taking on more responsibility. Both roles operate in outdoor, wilderness environments within the outdoor adventure industry, but the Wilderness Packer has a higher level of expertise and leadership in packing logistics.

What are Assistant Wilderness Packers?

Assistant Wilderness Packers help transport equipment, supplies, and sometimes people through remote wilderness areas, often using pack animals such as horses or mules. They work under the supervision of experienced packers and are responsible for loading and unloading gear, maintaining pack animals, and ensuring the safety of all transported items. This role is vital for supporting outdoor expeditions, scientific research, and trail maintenance crews in locations that are inaccessible by vehicles. Assistant Wilderness Packers need to have strong outdoor skills, knowledge of animal care, and the physical stamina to work in rugged, isolated environments.

What are some common challenges faced by Assistant Wilderness Packers during multi-day backcountry trips?

Assistant Wilderness Packers often encounter challenges such as navigating difficult terrain while managing pack animals, unpredictable weather conditions, and ensuring the safety and wellbeing of both animals and group members. The role requires physical stamina, quick problem-solving, and adaptability, as packers may need to adjust routes or schedules on short notice. Effective communication with the lead packer and other team members is essential to coordinate tasks and maintain group safety, especially in remote locations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Assistant Wilderness Packer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Assistant Wilderness Packer, you need strong physical fitness, knowledge of backcountry safety, and experience handling pack animals, often supported by basic first aid certification. Familiarity with navigation tools, animal tack systems, and wilderness communication devices is typically required. Excellent teamwork, adaptability, and clear communication help you collaborate effectively and respond to unexpected challenges in remote settings. These skills ensure safe, efficient transport of supplies and support overall group safety and success in demanding environments.
What are the most commonly searched types of Wilderness Packer jobs? The most popular types of Wilderness Packer jobs are:
Assistant Wilderness Packer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Assistant Wilderness Packer job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Temporary. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $33,506 per year, or $16.1 per hour.

Field Operations & Logistics Manager

Seeds Wilderness Therapy

Montrose, CO • On-site

$24 - $27/hr

Full-time

Posted 11 days ago

Job description

Role Type: Full-Time | Reports to: Executive Director
This is a Seasonal Role.
Direct Reports:
  • Drivers
  • Weekend Backup Support
  • Church Volunteers
  • Potentially College Intern or assistants
  • Medical personnel (medication administration planning, training, and packing)

Role Summary
The Operations & Logistics Director is the architect of the Seeds Wilderness Way support system. This role bridges the gap between high-level strategic planning and the "nitty-gritty" of backcountry readiness. You are responsible for ensuring that every student, staff member, and vehicle is equipped, fueled, and safely coordinated to meet the mission of transformation in the wilderness.
1. Daily Dispatch & Fleet Coordination
  • Strategic Synchronization: Perform daily log reviews (post-4:30 PM or pre-8:00 AM) to assess field needs and remotely assign roles, routes, and vehicles by 8:00 AM.
  • Fleet & Resource Management: Supervise a team of up to 8 drivers. Ensure 4x4 vehicles and ATVs are maintained, inspected, and fueled for water drops and backcountry transport.
  • Technical Standards: Maintain mastery of UTM coordinates and backcountry communication tools (InReach/Satellite/Radio)

2. Supply Chain & Warehouse Integrity
  • Inventory Oversight: Direct the drivers or interns in the management of food systems, gear organization, and bulk buying.
    • Including responsibility for the actual ordering of gear and supplies to optimize operations.
    • Includes breaking down bulk food to daily/individual portions
    • Conduct full physical inventories twice per year
  • Mission-Ready Packing: Lead the prep and "pack out" for all trips, ensuring medications, gear, and nutritional menus (developed with the nutritionist) are sorted and ready for Monday or Thursday restock days.
    • This included restocking and organization of medical kits or med- blister packs.
  • Infrastructure Maintenance: Oversee the gear repair and laundry system(clean laundry into the field, dirty laundry from field to front country), ensuring all equipment is cleaned, functional, and stored with high organization.

3. Personnel Discipleship & Community Engagement
  • Mentorship & Leadership: Conduct twice-weekly 1-on-1 discipleship sessions with Interns and attend weekly L-10 meetings to solve operational hurdles.
  • Volunteer Vision: Provide "vision and tasking" for the volunteer management, integrating their contributions (baking, prayer, encouraging notes) into the weekly logistics flow.
  • Spiritual Formation: Occasionally lead staff devotions while fostering a biblical approach to conflict and team health. Disciple staff with spiritual maturity, love, and leadership.

4. Risk Management & Emergency Readiness
  • Incident Command: Serve as the primary emergency contact for Weekend Backup staff, and lead responder for field emergencies. Maintain readiness to implement ICS (Incident Command System) protocols for "Red Light" situations.
  • Safety Compliance: Ensure all operations meet state requirements regarding, equipment, and safety (and nutrition).
  • Environmental Oversight: Monitor extreme weather conditions and provide contingency logistics/backup options for field teams to mitigate environmental threats.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
  • Logistics Readiness:
    • intakes/graduations- All restocks, meds, and gear packed and staged one week out.
    • Weekly restock days- packed and ready by 9am on Monday and Thursdays.
  • Efficiency Metrics: Fuel-per-week/Fuel-per-student tracking and maintaining operations within the allocated annual budget.
  • System Fluidity: Zero delays in daily logistics, field equipment emergencies, or water drops, or radio comms.

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