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American Conservation Experience

$17.50 - $19/hr

Conservation Crew Leader - Backcountry Trails Location: This position is based out of Sacramento, Ridgecrest, or Coachella Valley, CA. Field projects will take place on public lands throughout ...

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How much do backcountry jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for backcountry in the United States is $68.48, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $54.81 and $91.11 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 is a Backcountry job?

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.

More about Backcountry jobs
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Backcountry jobs near you
Bold & Gold Backcountry Instructor

Bold & Gold Backcountry Instructor

YMCA OF METRO ATLANTA

Cartersville, GA • On-site

Part-time

Posted 7 days ago

YMCA Of Metro Atlanta rating

5.4

Company rating: 5.4 out of 10

Based on 26 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

574th of 679 rated non-profit organizations

Job description

As a thought-leader and best-in-class provider in education, wellness, youth development, and community-building, The YMCA of Metro Atlanta is one of the oldest and most essential non-profits serving in Atlanta. Today, we're looking for you to join us as we carry out our mission to positively impact lives and communities across the state.
At the Y, we're an association of like-minded people (staff, volunteers, and members), on the forefront of a movement to ensure that everyone -- especially children -- experience an equal opportunity to reach their full potential. In the course of a year, we provide more than 3,000 children, ages 6 weeks through Pre-K with high-quality literacy and STEAM-infused learning; give 58,000 youth and teens access to sports, aquatics, day and resident camps, teen leadership development programs, and employment opportunities; provide over 200,000 members with programs, services, and facilities to enjoy connection and maintain wellness regardless of age; and engage over 25,000 volunteers and donors from across Atlanta to share in the gift of supporting their communities.
NATURE AND SCOPE:
Under the direction of the BOLD & GOLD Program Administrator the Bold & Gold Backcountry instructors will be responsible for the physical, mental, and emotional safety of up to ten participants on six separate week-long outdoor based expeditions. Programs are based out of YMCA Camp High Harbour at Lake Allatoona.
The BOLD (Boys Outdoor Leadership Development) & GOLD (Girls Outdoor Leadership Development) Program is dedicated to inspiring courage and confidence in diverse groups of adolescent youth through outdoor adventures. Activities may include, but are not limited to: backpacking, canoeing, rock climbing, mountaineering, fishing, yoga, art, music, literature, backcountry cooking and having FUN! Our goal is to increase confidence, courage, emotional intelligence, wonder, and community awareness in participants. We believe these traits are the foundations of leadership and work to inspire participants to develop their own leadership style. We prepare young people to be the next generation of thought leaders through multicultural experiential education in the natural world.
RESPONSIBILITIES (including, but not limited to):
  • Facilitate the learning of outdoor skills during wilderness-based courses.
  • Ensure a physically, mentally and emotionally safe environment.
  • Create value-forming experiences for participants.
  • Create an inclusive environment for all in the outdoors
  • Support operating plans to promote program growth, program impact and safety for the YMCA.
  • Work cooperatively with professional staff and other program staff
  • Assure compliance with state and local regulations.
  • Maintain accurate program documentation (files, reports, rosters, health records, etc.)
  • Follow and maintain sanitary habits in accordance with CDC guidelines and YMCA Safety Protocol.

REQUIREMENTS:
  • Instructors must be available for training in April and May
  • Strong customer service skills and personal commitment to service and hospitality
  • Ability to handle multiple tasks, work independently, problem solve and possess effective time management skills
  • Ability to establish, collaborate and maintain relationships with staff, YMCA members, and volunteers
  • Exemplify YMCA values (caring, honest, respect & responsibility) and a professional image
  • 21 or older years of age
  • Current WFA, WFR, or W-EMT and CPR. Medical training may vary depending on location

WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
  • The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
  • The employee needs sufficient strength, agility and mobility to perform essential functions and to supervise program activities in a wide variety of outdoor locations.
  • Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust.

Employment and Benefits package for this job posting is offered through the YMCA of Metropolitan Atlanta, Inc.
Employment Requirement:
  • Ability to pass a pre-employment background check including Criminal Record check, Drug Screening, motor vehicle record (MVR) and reference check according to company policy.
  • Must be legally eligible to work in the US without current or future sponsorship.

This job posting is subject to change at any time.
The YMCA of Metropolitan Atlanta offers excellent benefits and career opportunities as part of our culture of excellence. The opportunities to serve are vast, and we're looking for like minded people, who share our values of CARING, HONESTY, RESPECT, and RESPONSIBILITY to join us and do their best work.
The YMCA of Metropolitan Atlanta does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristics protected by law.
Location:
YMCA Camp High Harbour at Lake Allatoona

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