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Backpack Guide Jobs in Maryland (NOW HIRING)

Backpack Guide information

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.

What are popular job titles related to Backpack Guide jobs in Maryland? For Backpack Guide jobs in Maryland, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Backpack Guide jobs in Maryland look for? The top searched job categories for Backpack Guide jobs in Maryland are:
Infographic showing various Backpack Guide job openings in Maryland as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Fine Gardening Crew Leader

Mariani Enterprises LLC

Sykesville, MD • On-site

$25 - $32/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 26 days ago


Job description

Work With The Best
We are building the premier outdoor living company in the country by creating a "family of family companies" across the nation. Now you can build your landscaping career with the best, working in one of our many company locations nationwide. Learn from the top experts in the field and work on some of the country's largest and most complex landscape projects. Take advantage of opportunities to share and exchange best practices across our network. The opportunities are endless.
Planted Earth is a distinguished Residential Landscape Contracting and Maintenance company, renowned for working with the region's most talented Landscape Architects. We install and maintain premier landscapes across Maryland, Virginia, and Washington D.C.
Our vision of "Doing Things Better" encompasses superior customer service, exceptional plant material, industry-leading partners, and most importantly, a steadfast commitment to nurturing client relationships.
Visit us at https://plantedearthlandscaping.com/ to learn more about us and see our portfolio of properties!
We are currently seeking an Estate Gardening Crew Leader who is passionate about gardening and maintenance, healthy & vibrant plants and the beautiful outdoors, and is committed to professional growth and improvement. You will manage a diverse range of gardens, from cozy courtyard plantings and detailed estate gardens to terrace planters and green roofs. Your role will be integral in maintaining effective communication with our clientele who share a passion for plants and gardens.
You should be comfortable with driving a large pick-up truck to jobs, climbing a ladder up to 10 feet, lifting up to 50 lbs., and spending much of the day on the road or at client sites.
Applicants should be passionate about plants and the outdoors, actively seeking knowledge, and conducts themself in a professional manner. We seek candidates who are interested in joining a company with a growth mindset. Together we will build a career path that is aimed at achieving your career goals, guiding you along the way.
Responsibilities
  • Manage and maintain perennials and annuals in residential gardens
  • Perform pruning and shaping of shrubs, push mower, landscaping duties
  • Conduct Boxwood care and hedging
  • Ensure overall health and growth of the plants
  • Communicate effectively with clients, managers and team members, and escalate issues that require additional attention
  • Prompt/Timely response to all messages from Team and Clients, including email, text and phone
  • Tracking time and material for crew members and jobsites, with occasional computer work

Qualifications
  • At least 2-3 years of landscaping experience
  • Knowledge in sound horticultural practices, pest ID, and proper pruning techniques
  • Experience with lawn maintenance equipment including blowers, weed wacker, backpack sprayer, telescoping pruners, auger, push mower, hand tools
  • Strong time management and demonstrated project management skills
  • Clear communication skills and ability to deal directly with high-end clients
  • Professionalism and attention to detail
  • Solid computer skills
  • Passion for the outdoors and horticulture
  • Current MD driver's license and reliable transportation
  • Ability to work in all weather conditions
  • Physical ability to bend, kneel, and lift up to 50 lbs

Benefits
  • Paid Holidays
  • Vacation Days
  • Bonus Incentive
  • Health, dental, vision and drug insurance
  • 401K with company match and training in horticultural skills
  • Uniforms and safety gear provided
  • Abundant opportunities for growth & advancement

Pay Transparency
Mariani Enterprises LLC is committed to pay transparency and equity among all employees and provides employees with an environment where pay transparency and dialogue on compensation are allowed. Mariani Enterprises LLC complies with Equal Employment Opportunity laws as well as federal, state, and local laws on compensation, pay transparency, and pay equity.
Position Range:
$25/HR - $32/HR
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
Mariani Enterprises, LLC is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in employment with regard to race, color, religion, national origin, citizenship status, ancestry, age, sex (including sexual harassment), sexual orientation, marital status, physical or mental disability, military status or unfavorable discharge from military service or any other characteristic protected by law.