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Backcountry Guide Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Popfly

Head of GTM

Costa Mesa, CA · On-site

$125 - $165/hr

Brands like GoPro, Smith Optics, and Backcountry use Popfly to discover vetted creators ... You'll partner closely with a high‑performing Marketing and Growth team, pair with and guide two ...

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Backcountry Guide information

What is a backcountry guide?

A Backcountry Guide leads outdoor adventures in remote, rugged areas, ensuring safety while providing an enriching experience. They may guide activities like hiking, skiing, or camping, often teaching survival and navigation skills. Responsibilities include route planning, risk assessment, and emergency response. Strong outdoor skills, first aid certification, and knowledge of local terrain are essential. Many guides work for tour companies, outdoor education programs, or as independent contractors.

What does a backcountry guide do?

Backcountry Guides are responsible for planning routes, leading groups through remote areas, monitoring participants’ safety, and interpreting local ecology and terrain. Their day often includes tasks such as setting up camps, cooking in outdoor conditions, and performing basic first aid if needed. Guides also play a key role in fostering group cohesion and ensuring adherence to responsible backcountry practices. Most trips require adapting to changing weather and trail conditions, making flexibility and quick problem-solving essential for daily success. You can expect to work closely with both guests and fellow guides to provide a memorable and safe outdoor adventure.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the backcountry guide position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Backcountry Guide, you need expert knowledge of wilderness navigation, survival techniques, and outdoor safety, often backed by certifications such as Wilderness First Responder (WFR) or Leave No Trace. Familiarity with GPS devices, topographic maps, and communication tools like satellite phones is essential for safe and effective trip management. Exceptional leadership, interpersonal communication, and decision-making skills help guides manage group dynamics and respond calmly to emergencies. These competencies are vital to ensure the safety, enjoyment, and educational value of each guided backcountry experience.

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Backcountry Guide jobs near you
Infographic showing various Backcountry Guide job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution.

Adventure Guide

arc After School and Experiential Education

San Diego, CA

$20 - $24/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 20 days ago

Job description

Make a Difference Today!

Do you thrive in the great outdoors? Love being active and working with youth? Are some of your best memories from hiking, camping, climbing, or water sports? If you believe kids learn more from hands-on outdoor experiences than sitting in a classroom, and you are looking for a flexible work schedule, then this is your calling!

Arc Experience provides before and after school programs for youth throughout Southern California in Los Angeles, San Diego, and Imperial Valley.

We highly value our employees, and we invest in them by providing opportunities to expand their career and life skills. Arc is looking for motivated and compassionate people who want to expand their career working with youth and have a desire to give back to the community.

Arc Experience’s Outdoor Adventure division is seeking enthusiastic Outdoor Adventure Guides to inspire and empower youth through nature-based activities. No need to be a backcountry expert—we will train you in the outdoor skills you need!

As a guide, you will lead team-building challenges, obstacle courses, and offsite adventures like kayaking and biking, helping students build confidence, develop social-emotional skills, and discover their potential—all while having an unforgettable time outdoors!

If you are ready to turn your love for adventure into a meaningful job, join our team today!

Qualifications & Experience

  • 2+ years of experienceworking with K-12 students.
  • Understanding of outdoor educationor leadership development programs.
  • Experience in adventure activitiesis highly preferred. Our most common programs include:
    • Hiking
    • Biking
    • Kayaking
    • Rock climbing
    • Team-building activities
  • Ability to personally participatein outdoor activities.
  • Strong leadership and behavior management skills, overseeing up to 20 students.
  • Encouraging and patient approachwhen working with youth.

Safety & Compliance Requirements

  • Mustcreate and maintain a physically and mentally safe environmentfor students, fostering personal growth, confidence, self-reliance, and leadership.
  • Laser-focused on participant safetyandcertified in first aid, CPR, and basic wilderness safety(or willing to complete training).
  • Ability to drive vehicles(with and without student passengers) per Arc's requirements. You will be trained to operate a vehicle towing a climbing wall and must participate in occasional refresher training.
  • College transcripts that show you have 48+ college credit units completed OR you take and pass an academic proficiency exam.
  • To get a TB test (and provide proof that it is negative) and pass a Live Scan background check.
  • You will be required to take CPR and first aid training or provide proof that you have been certified within 12 months.
  • English - Spanish bilingual speaker highly preferred.
  • Valid California driver's licenserequired (Commercial Driver's License a plus!).

Additional Expectations

  • Available to workboth weekdays and weekends.
  • Someadministrative paperworkis required for each outing.
  • Willingness to assist withevent prep, post-event tasks, cleanup, and inventory.
  • Familiarity with Leave No Trace (LNT) principlesis preferred.
  • Open tosharing ideas for improving programs and logistics.
  • Bilingual English-Spanish speakerswill have a competitive edge!
  • High school diploma or GED required(Bachelor's degree highly preferred).

Pay Rate & Benefits

  • Position Type:Part-time, non-exempt
  • Reports To:Director of Outdoor Education Operations
  • Compensation:$20.00 - $24.00 per hour (based on experience & skills)

If the school you will be working at requires a Covid-19 vaccination, then you must provide documentation that shows you are fully Covid-19 vaccinated.

Perks of Being an Arc Outdoor Adventure Guide

  • Earned paid sick leave
  • All equipment provided for events and activities
  • Company-sponsored certification assistance for long-term guides
  • Arc-branded outdoor wear
  • Ongoing training & professional development opportunities

Ability to commute/relocate:

  • Reliably commute before starting work (Required)

Arcis an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Apply