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Backcountry Jobs in Oregon (NOW HIRING)

Familiar with all areas on the Nordic trails, snowshoe trails, and routes of backcountry access, including those off the labeled trails. * Know all dispatch protocol. Train Nordic Staff in dispatch ...

New

Showroom Support Agent

Portland, OR · On-site

$20 - $23/hr

Not just at Velotech but also at our parent company Backcountry.com (and a few others). - A great team to work with, where your ideas matter and you can participate in decision making and grow in the ...

Showroom Support Agent

Portland, OR · On-site

$20 - $23/hr

Not just at Velotech but also at our parent company Backcountry.com (and a few others). - A great team to work with, where your ideas matter and you can participate in decision making and grow in the ...

Backcountry information

See Oregon salary details

$55

$72

$104

How much do backcountry jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for backcountry in Oregon is $72.40, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $57.93 and $96.35 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a backcountry?

A Backcountry job typically involves working in remote outdoor settings, such as national parks, wilderness areas, or ski resorts. These jobs can include roles in guiding, retail, gear maintenance, customer service, or logistics for outdoor enthusiasts. Employees often have a passion for adventure, outdoor sports, and sustainability. Depending on the role, responsibilities may include assisting customers with gear selection, leading outdoor excursions, or ensuring safe backcountry experiences. Many positions are seasonal and require knowledge of outdoor equipment, survival skills, or environmental stewardship.

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

To thrive in a Backcountry Specialist role, you need strong outdoor skills, wilderness navigation expertise, and often first aid or wilderness survival certifications. Technical tools such as GPS devices, topographic maps, satellite phones, and safety equipment are commonly used on the job. Excellent communication, adaptability, and teamwork skills help you interact with clients, coworkers, and handle changing conditions in remote environments. These skills are vital for ensuring safety, providing excellent client experiences, and successfully managing the unpredictable demands of backcountry work.

What are some common challenges faced by backcountry specialists on the job?

Backcountry Specialists often encounter unpredictable weather conditions, remote terrain, and the need to make quick, effective decisions to ensure safety. Navigating logistical issues such as limited communication, resource management, and responding to medical emergencies are also frequent challenges. Developing strong problem-solving abilities and remaining calm under pressure are crucial for overcoming these obstacles. Team collaboration and thorough preparation help ensure a successful and safe experience for both staff and clients.

What are the most commonly searched types of Backcountry jobs in Oregon?

The most popular types of Backcountry jobs in Oregon are:

What are popular job titles related to Backcountry jobs in Oregon?

For Backcountry jobs in Oregon, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Backcountry jobs in Oregon look for?

The top searched job categories for Backcountry jobs in Oregon are:

Infographic showing various Backcountry job openings in Oregon as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 69% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 12% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $150,594 per year, or $72.4 per hour.

Archaeological Field Director - Pacific Northwest

Tetra Tech

Portland, OR

Full-time

Posted yesterday

New


Tetra Tech rating

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 42 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

405th of 453 rated engineering


Job description

The Opportunity:

Tetra Tech is adding an Archaeological Field Director to support cultural resources projects throughout the Pacific Northwest. This position will support archaeological field investigations, including survey, monitoring, testing, and data recovery, while providing day-to-day field leadership under the direction of Principal Investigators.

The successful candidate will have experience in Cultural Resource Management (CRM), archaeological field methods, crew leadership, GPS/GIS data collection, and preparation of cultural resource documentation. This position requires the ability to travel for extended field assignments and work safely in rugged outdoor environments.

Why Tetra Tech:

At Tetra Tech, we are Leading with Science to solve the world's most complex challenges.  Our industry-leading experts in engineering and consulting are committed to driving positive change in communities around the world.  For over 50 years, we have been at the forefront of innovation and sustainability.  Today we stand as a market leader, offering cutting-edge solutions in water, environment, energy, and international development.  Our work has improved more than 625 million lives around the world.

Your Impact:

Join Tetra Tech to make a real difference.  Our work leverages cutting-edge technologies, advanced analytics, and the expertise of world-class scientists and engineers to create meaningful change around the world. Discover your full potential - join us to advance your career while leaving a lasting legacy.

Essential Job Functions:

As an Archaeological Field Director, you will:

  • Conduct and lead archaeological fieldwork, including cultural resource monitoring, pedestrian survey, testing, and data recovery under the supervision of Principal Investigators.
  • Provide day-to-day coordination and direction to archaeological field crews.
  • Work collaboratively with project teams to identify, document, and map cultural resources in the field.
  • Collect accurate GPS data using GPS units and tablets and perform digital field photography.
  • Identify, document, and record archaeological artifacts, features, sites, and other cultural resources on appropriate state site forms.
  • Coordinate with agency officials, clients, Tribal representatives, Principal Investigators, and field teams to support successful project execution.
  • Manage field and post-field data and documentation.
  • Assist with or prepare survey plans, field documentation, and technical archaeological reports.
  • Document and process a variety of prehistoric and historic cultural materials and resource types.
  • Maintain accurate and complete field records and ensure appropriate collection and management of project data.
  • Support field scheduling, logistics, and coordination to help ensure projects are completed safely, efficiently, and in accordance with project requirements.
  • Safely operate 4WD vehicles on rugged and remote backcountry roads.
  • Conduct activities in accordance with internal procedures, applicable legislation, regulatory requirements, and industry standards.
  • Maintain current professional and technical knowledge through continuous professional development.
  • Work safely at all times and report health and safety incidents and concerns in accordance with company procedures.
  • Perform additional duties as required.

Required Qualifications:

  • Master's degree in Anthropology, Archaeology, or a closely related field.
  • Completion of an accredited archaeological field school.
  • 1-3 years of professional Cultural Resource Management (CRM) experience.
  • 1-2 years of experience as an archaeological crew lead, including field project coordination.
  • Demonstrated knowledge of archaeological field methods, including survey, monitoring, testing, and data recovery.
  • Proficiency using GPS units, including Bluetooth-connected tablets, Field Maps, ArcGIS, and related field data collection technologies.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Word and Excel.
  • Strong technical writing and editing skills with the ability to complete field and post-field cultural resource documentation.
  • Strong organizational skills and the ability to coordinate field activities, project data, and documentation.
  • Ability to work effectively and respectfully with field crews, clients, agency personnel, Tribal representatives, and other project stakeholders.
  • Self-motivated with a positive and collaborative approach to working in a team environment.
  • Ability and willingness to travel for extended field assignments throughout the Pacific Northwest.
  • Current First Aid/CPR certification.
  • Current valid driver's license and ability to safely operate a 4WD vehicle on rugged backcountry roads.

Physical Demands & Work Environment:

  • Ability to perform physically demanding field activities, including bending, kneeling, standing, walking, lifting, and carrying equipment or materials weighing up to 35 pounds.
  • Ability to walk and stand for prolonged periods over uneven, rugged, and remote terrain.
  • Ability to work outdoors in a wide range of weather and environmental conditions.
  • Ability to perform manual fieldwork, including archaeological excavation using shovels and other hand tools.
  • Ability and willingness to work extended field rotations and schedules as project needs require.
  • Field assignments may involve travel to remote locations throughout the Pacific Northwest.

Life at Tetra Tech:

The perks of working at Tetra Tech include:

  • Comprehensive and market-competitive benefits.  https://www.tetratech.com/careers/life-at-tetra-tech/
  • Merit-based financial rewards.
  • Flexibility and company-wide commitment to work/life balance.
  • Collaborative team atmosphere that values the contributions of all employees.
  • Learning and development opportunities for ongoing professional growth. 

A pre-employment drug screen in compliance with federal regulations is required, along with a physical if needed.

Compensation:

Pay commensurate with experience.

Pay Range: $72,000-$88,000 annually

Pay Range - There are multiple factors that are considered in determining final pay for a position, including, but not limited to, relevant work experience and demonstrated work experience in the above role; skills, certifications, and competencies that align to the specified role; geographic location; and education, as well as contract provisions regarding labor categories that are specific to the position.

At Tetra Tech, health and safety play a vital role in our success. Tetra Tech's employees work together to comply with all applicable health & safety practices and protocols, including public health orders and regulations that are mandated by local, state, provincial, federal, international authorities, and clients.

About Tetra Tech:

Tetra Tech is the leader in water, environment, and sustainable infrastructure, providing high-end consulting and engineering services for projects worldwide. With 30,000 employees working together, Tetra Tech provides clear solutions to complex problems by Leading with Science to address the entire water cycle, protect and restore the environment, design sustainable and resilient infrastructure, and support the clean energy transition.

Tetra Tech is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.  All qualified candidates will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, sex, marital or familial status, status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected by law. Tetra Tech is a VEVRAA federal contractor and we request priority referral of veterans.

We invite applications from all interested parties.

Explore our open positions at https://www.tetratech.com/careers  Follow us on social media to learn more about our people, culture, and opportunities:

LinkedIn: @TetraTechCareers

X (Twitter): @TetraTechJobs

Additional Information
  • Organization: 194 CES

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About Tetra Tech

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Tetra Tech combines the resources of a global, multibillion-dollar company with local, client-focused delivery in more than 450 locations around the world. Our reputation rests on the technical expertise and dedication of our employees-21,000 associates working together to provide smart, scalable solutions for challenging projects. We are proud to be home to leading technical experts in water, environment, infrastructure, resource management, energy, and international development.

Industry

Civil engineering construction and environmental consulting services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Pasadena, CA, US