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Backpack Guide Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Clarke

Seasonal Backpack/Bike Technician

Roselle, IL · On-site

$19/hr

As a seasonal Backpack/Bike Technician , your primary responsibilities will include applying a ... At the start of each day or shift, you will be provided with work tickets and a map, guiding you to ...

Clarke

Seasonal Backpack/Bike Technician

Roselle, IL · On-site

$19/hr

As a seasonal Backpack/Bike Technician , your primary responsibilities will include applying a ... At the start of each day or shift, you will be provided with work tickets and a map, guiding you to ...

Civana Wellness Resort & Spa

Outdoor Guide

Carefree, AZ · On-site

$22 - $24/hr

As an Outdoor Adventure Guide you will be responsible for: • Facilitating the ropes course • ... loaded backpack up to 35 pounds over uneven terrain for extended distances Ropes Course ...

Blessings in a Backpack

Vice President, Finance

Chicago, IL · On-site +1

$140K - $160K/yr

Guided by a 'One Team for All Kids' philosophy, Blessings is transforming operations to drive ... Blessings in a Backpack seeks a dynamic and experienced Vice President of Finance to serve as the ...

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How much do backpack guide jobs pay per hour?

As of May 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for backpack guide in the United States is $15.07, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.46 and $16.35 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What key skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as a Backpack Guide, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Backpack Guide, you need strong outdoor survival skills, wilderness navigation experience, and certifications in first aid or wilderness medicine. Familiarity with GPS devices, map and compass navigation, and knowledge of Leave No Trace principles are typically required. Exceptional communication, leadership, and decision-making skills help guide groups safely and foster a positive experience. These abilities are crucial for ensuring client safety, managing unexpected challenges, and delivering memorable outdoor adventures.

What are some common challenges faced by backpack guides during multi-day trips?

Backpack guides often encounter challenges such as adapting to changing weather conditions, ensuring group safety, and managing diverse skill levels among participants. They must be well-prepared to handle unexpected situations, like injuries or route changes, while keeping morale high and maintaining a positive group dynamic. Effective communication, sound judgment, and strong leadership are essential for successfully overcoming these obstacles and providing a memorable, safe experience for all participants.

What does a backpack guide do?

A backpack guide is a professional who leads individuals or groups on multi-day hiking or trekking trips, often in remote or wilderness areas. Their responsibilities include planning routes, ensuring the safety of participants, providing information about the local environment, and helping with camping logistics such as setting up tents and preparing meals. Backpack guides are trained in first aid, navigation, and outdoor survival skills to handle emergencies and enhance the experience for their clients. They also educate hikers about Leave No Trace principles and the natural or cultural history of the areas visited.

How much does a backpacking guide make?

A backpacking guide typically earns between $15 and $30 per hour, with annual salaries ranging from $25,000 to $50,000 depending on experience, location, and the type of tours or expeditions. Guides often need certifications in first aid and outdoor skills, and may work seasonal or part-time schedules.

What is the difference between Backpack Guide vs Tour Guide?

AspectBackpack GuideTour Guide
CredentialsOften requires outdoor or adventure certifications, first aid, and sometimes language skillsTypically needs tourism or hospitality certifications, language skills, and local knowledge
Work EnvironmentOutdoor settings, trekking routes, adventure parksIndoor and outdoor sites, museums, city tours
Employer & IndustryAdventure travel companies, outdoor tour operatorsTravel agencies, sightseeing companies, museums
Search & Comparison IntentPeople comparing outdoor adventure rolesPeople interested in city or cultural tours

The main difference between a Backpack Guide and a Tour Guide lies in their work environment and required skills. Backpack Guides focus on outdoor, adventure-based settings, often requiring outdoor certifications, while Tour Guides typically operate in urban or cultural sites with hospitality or tourism credentials. Both roles serve travelers but cater to different experiences and settings.

More about Backpack Guide jobs
What cities are hiring for Backpack Guide jobs? Cities with the most Backpack Guide job openings:
What states have the most Backpack Guide jobs? States with the most job openings for Backpack Guide jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Backpack Guide jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Backpack Guide jobs are:
Backpack Guide jobs near you
Infographic showing various Backpack Guide job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 1% Temporary. Highlights an 15% Physical, and 85% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $31,336 per year, or $15.1 per hour.

Seasonal Backpack/Bike Technician

Clarke Environmental

Roselle, IL

$19/hr

Other

Retirement, PTO

Posted 20 days ago

Job description

Seasonal Backpack/Bike Technician

Clarke of Roselle, IL is seeking to hire a seasonal Backpack/Bike Technician. As a seasonal Backpack/Bike Technician, your primary responsibilities will include applying a barrier treatment of insecticide to various locations, including residential areas, key accounts, and special events. Using a backpack sprayer and/or an electric club car, you will also safely treat outdoor mosquito resting areas to help reduce and slow the re-infestation of mosquitoes. Additionally, you will be tasked with treating community catch basins to target mosquito larvae populations by bike. You will use a company-issued bicycle to travel between sites and apply a biological larvicide treatment to designated areas. This position is well-suited for individuals who are passionate about public health and sustainability, and who enjoy spending time outdoors.

WORK SCHEDULE AND SALARY

This position earns a competitive wage of $19/hr. Multiple shifts available (with a $.50 pay differential). The Backpack/Bike Tech works up to a 40+ hour work week and supports the summer seasonal operation (generally May – October).

A DAY IN THE LIFE OF A BACKPACK/BIKE TECHNICIAN

As a Backpack/Bike Technician, you will be responsible for performing treatments around customer properties using either a backpack sprayer, club car, or company-issued bicycle-depending on the site and assignment. At the start of each day or shift, you will be provided with work tickets and a map, guiding you to customer locations and outlining your treatment routes. Traveling between sites, you will apply treatments with careful attention to detail, ensuring applications are accurate, safe, and completed in a timely manner. Additionally, you will document all activities to confirm that customer contracts are fulfilled thoroughly and precisely. When you are not servicing customer accounts, your tasks will include inspecting and maintaining your equipment, participating in training sessions, and assisting with other fieldwork as needed.

ABOUT CLARKE

Clarke lives up to their company's mission to make communities around the world more livable, safe and comfortable. We are a global public health products and services company who pioneers, develops, and delivers environmentally responsible mosquito control solutions to help prevent disease and control nuisances.

We are looking for employees who are passionate about sustainable living, caring for our planet and other people. We offer on-going training and support for all employees.

QUALIFICATIONS FOR A BACKPACK/BIKE TECHNICIAN

  • Be 18 years of age or older
  • Possess a high school degree or equivalent with high school level math skills
  • Communicate effectively in English in both written and verbal forms
  • Have a valid Driver's License with an excellent driving record
  • Ability to sit and drive a vehicle for extended periods of time as well as walk extensively
  • Required to pass the Illinois Department of Agriculture General Standards Exam (training provided)
  • Capable of using smartphones, GPS, system applications
  • Capable of mixing, measuring and pouring product formulations
  • Ability to bend, lift, and wear a 50-75lb backpack for extended periods of time
  • Ability to sit and ride a bicycle for extended periods of time on roadways (up to 15-20 miles per day)
  • Ability to bend and lift a bicycle
  • Must be able to drive a Club Car & Trailer and/or willing to be trained and subsequently pass the Clarke Safety & Training Program

BENEFITS

Our positions are fantastic resume builders, and we offer an outstanding FUN OUTDOOR team based culture! Benefits include spending your days outdoors in nature, rehire pay increases, paid volunteer time (Day of Caring), employee of the month recognition programs, paid internships, employee referral bonuses, a free employee assistance program, 401K (Roth and Traditional) with generous match and paid time off.

ARE YOU READY TO JOIN OUR TEAM?

If you feel that you would be right for the Backpack/Bike Technician job, please fill out our initial 3-minute, mobile-friendly application so that we can review your information. We look forward to meeting you!

Clarke is proud to be an equal opportunity employer.

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