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Backcountry Trail Cook Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Alterra

Hut Master - Winter 26.27

Snowshoe, WV · On-site

$15 - $18/hr

... Trail sits the Sunrise Backcountry Hut. Beneath towering Spruce, the Hut offers a great dining alternative for those looking to 'get away from it all. Experience in cooking isn't required but will ...

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Backcountry Trail Cook information

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$8

$16

$22

How much do backcountry trail cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for backcountry trail cook in the United States is $16.03, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.46 and $18.03 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a backcountry trail cook?

Backcountry trail cooks are individuals responsible for preparing and cooking meals in remote, outdoor settings such as wilderness trails, camps, or field projects. They often work for organizations leading expeditions, trail crews, or conservation projects, and must plan menus, manage food supplies, and cook in primitive conditions, often using portable stoves or open fires. In addition to cooking, they may also handle food safety, equipment maintenance, and occasionally assist with other camp duties. Adaptability, resourcefulness, and knowledge of outdoor cooking techniques are essential for this role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a backcountry trail cook?

To thrive as a Backcountry Trail Cook, you need expertise in meal planning, outdoor cooking techniques, food safety, and often a background in culinary arts or wilderness training. Familiarity with portable stoves, campfire equipment, water purification systems, and sometimes certifications like ServSafe are typically required. Strong organizational skills, adaptability, and clear communication are essential soft skills for managing changing environments and group dynamics. These skills ensure the delivery of safe, nutritious meals in remote settings while supporting group morale and safety.

What are some common challenges faced by backcountry trail cooks, and how can I prepare for them?

Backcountry Trail Cooks often work in remote wilderness settings with limited access to supplies and equipment, which can make meal planning and food storage challenging. Weather conditions and variable group sizes add complexity, requiring adaptability and resourcefulness. To prepare, familiarize yourself with portable cooking gear, practice safe food handling in outdoor environments, and learn how to manage meals with minimal waste. Strong organizational skills and the ability to work independently are highly valued in this role, as you may be responsible for both cooking and cleaning duties while collaborating closely with guides and participants.

What are popular job titles related to Backcountry Trail Cook jobs?

For Backcountry Trail Cook jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Backcountry Trail Cook job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 66% Full Time, 33% Part Time, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $33,340 per year, or $16 per hour.

Trail Counselor Guide - Daily (Camp Menogyn)

Grand Marais, MN • On-site

YMCA of the USA
Non-Profits • 10K+ employees
Learn more about YMCA of the USAexternal

$95/hr

Temporary

Posted 5 days ago

Job description

Description
Trail Counselor Guide - Daily | Camp Menogyn | $95.00 per hour
Are you excited to spend a winter mostly outside in the beautiful Minnesota North Woods? Program staff are responsible for carrying out day-to-day operations of the winter program at Camp Menogyn. They will share duties of guiding hiking, skiing, and snowshoeing day trips, cooking, cleaning, assisting with the dog sledding program, and the responsibilities of hosting. Menogyn serves a diverse audience in the winter season, including high school students, artist retreats, affinity groups, family camps, and more.
If you are interested in the Musher position, please note that on your application.
  • Room and board included.
  • The Program Director will begin reviewing applications the week of September 14th. We would love to have you apply!

Pay:
The salary for this position is $95.00 daily. We take into consideration an individual's background and experience in determining salary; therefore, base pay offered may vary considerably depending on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. The compensation package includes a wide range of other benefits and earned time off that vary depending on part-time or full-time status.
1. Job Summary:
The Trail Counselor is responsible for leadership in group facilitation and wilderness camping for groups of teenagers, families, or adults as well as program support.
2. Essential Functions:
  • Provide professional and culturally sensitive leadership to diverse groups of campers on overnight wilderness trips and during pre-trip preparation
  • Provide inclusive instruction in wilderness camping, canoeing, and backpacking
  • Participate in camp programs, such as campfires, group singing, and games
  • Guide and influence the trail group's social interaction and personal growth
  • Observe camper behavior, assess its appropriateness, and apply the necessary behavior-management techniques
  • Promote the core values - Caring, Equity, Honesty, Respect and Responsibility
  • Enforce safety and health regulations and emergency procedures
  • Comfortable leading a group of teenagers for at least 7 days in remote and backcountry wilderness areas
  • Complete all paperwork including camper evaluations, parent letters and trip reports etc. in a timely, high-quality manner
  • Participate in routine camp maintenance, facility upkeep and other duties as assigned

3. Relationships:
This position reports to both the Program Director and Executive Director. Trail Counselors need to maintain professional, positive working relationships with the entire camp team including kitchen staff, office and support staff and other trail counselors.
4. Qualifications:
Required:
Required certifications provided by YMCA or other certified organization may be acquired after hire but must be completed before an employee supervises youth in the backcountry:
  • Lifeguard certification.
    • The YMCA recognizes and accepts certifications from the following institutions: American Red Cross, YMCA, Star Guard, and Boy Scouts of America
  • Basic Life Support/CPR for the Professional Rescuer (renewed annually). Must include adult, child, and infant 1 and 2 person and use of an AED.
    • The YMCA recognizes and accepts certifications from the following institutions: American Safety and Health Institute BLS, American Red Cross BLS or CPR for the Professional Rescuer, American Heart Association Basic Life Support.
  • Wilderness First Responder (WFR).
    • The YMCA recognizes and accepts WFR certifications from a variety of institutions if they meet certain requirements. A full course must be at least 70 hours with a practical in-person component, must be called a "Wilderness First Responder" certification, and the institution providing the certification must have a medical director who is an MD and advises on the curriculum.
  • Minimum age of 18 years
  • If applicable, valid DOT Medical Examiners Certificate
    • Valid US Driver's License and ability to pass both external driving background check and camp driving evaluation as well as a Physical Exam
    • Minimum age of 21
  • Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion
  • Experience or education in wilderness risk management, camp counseling, outdoor education, outdoor recreation, youth development, or related field
  • Training or experience in wilderness camping, canoeing, backpacking, and/or trip planning
  • Demonstrated good judgment without direct supervision
  • Ability to operate in an emotionally demanding environment without access to front-country support systems
  • Strong organizational and communication skills

Preferred:
  • 1 season of experience leading wilderness trips, camp counseling or a related field
  • Leadership experience with groups of youth
  • Wilderness camping experience

5. Work Conditions:
  • Ability to communicate and work with groups of campers, adults and families
  • Emotional awareness, health and stability to create a supportive, empowering and affirming environment for young people
  • Visual, auditory, and decision-making ability to calmly and effectively identify and respond to environmental, human and other hazards related to remote travel.
  • Ability to lift and carry canoe and backpack weighing up to 100 lbs in rough and hilly terrain for extended periods of time.
  • Ability to live and work outside in a wide variety of conditions including extreme weather.

6. Additional Notes:
At all times the Trail Counselor must keep the safety and enriching experience of the campers in the forefront of their thoughts and actions.
This job description represents the major functions of the position but is not intended to be all-inclusive. The Trail Counselor is also responsible for taking direction from the Executive Director and Program Director or their representatives in completing projects or performing duties deemed necessary for the Branch or Association success.

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