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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 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 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.
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 June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.
Groundskeeper

Groundskeeper

Notre Dame of Maryland University

Baltimore, MD • On-site

$18.50 - $19/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 2 days ago


Job description

Title: Groundskeeper I

Pay Range: $18.50-$19.00 Per hour.

FLSA: Non-exempt Hours: 40/week

1. Reporting Relationships

Position Reports to: Facilities Manager

2. Basic Function

To maintain the University campus grounds in a clean and orderly condition. Including daily grounds maintenance which may include: trash removal, mowing, weed eating, planting, trimming, painting, operating heavy equipment, snow removal, masonry work, power washing, digging, etc. The primary function of this position is to maintain the attractive appearance to perspective students, current students, facility, staff, and outside rental guests.


3.Essential Functions

  1. Performs a variety of duties in maintaining the University grounds.
  2. Maintains grounds and athletic fields at the direction of the Grounds Supervisor.
  3. Plants trees, shrubbery and flowers. Maintaining them by performing such functions as watering, weeding, thinning, cultivation and transplanting, as required.
  4. Mow, trim and edge lawn as needed during the growing season.
  5. Operate grounds equipment which may include; riding mowers, tractors, stick edgers, backpack blowers, string trimmers, snow blowers, trucks with plow, etc.
  6. Perform required tree and shrub maintenance as pruning, trimming and felling by use of hand or power equipment to promote growth and improve appearance
  7. Capable of handling vehicles in a safe manner while observing safety regulations.
  8. Adjust and repair sprinklers.
  9. Plows and shovels snow from sidewalks, drives and parking lots. Spreads ice and snow melting product.
  10. Uses hand and power equipment to keep sidewalks, drives, parking lots and grounds free of debris and maintained in good repair.
  11. Maintain equipment and work area in a clean and orderly condition.
  12. Is responsible for the condition of hand tools, power tools and other equipment used in maintain University grounds.
  13. Paints Athletic fields in conjunction with the Athletic department’s game schedule.
  14. Performs such similar, comparable or related duties as may be assigned or required.

4. Qualifications

Knowledge: High school or trade school diploma, Maryland driver’s license required, ability to read and speak the English language, ability to understand safety training and requirements.

Experience: Minimum of 1-year experience in grounds trade as described above. Requires a valid driver’s license and good driving record.

Skills: Numerical ability, spatial ability, form perception, motor coordination, finger dexterity, manual dexterity, color discrimination.

Working Conditions: Extensive walking and riding on a daily basis. Exposure to heat, cold, freezing, and wet conditions. Exposure to snow, sun, rain, and windy conditions. Exposure to loud noise and vibration from operation equipment. Ability to lift 75 pounds. This position has been identified as having a potential risk for occupational exposure to potentially infectious material; as such, this position is required to be offered the Hepatitis B Vaccine at no cost to the employee, and annual training on Preventing Exposure to Bloodbourne Pathogens must be completed

Typical schedule is 7:00am – 3:30pm, Monday – Friday. Schedule may include evenings and weekends on an as needed, on-call basis. This position is designated as essential personnel.

Training Requirements:

  1. Preventing Exposure to Bloodborne Pathogens – Annually
  2. FERPA
  3. Title IX
  4. Hazard Communication Right to Know
  5. Active Shooter
  6. Office Hazards
  7. Mission Orientation
  8. Avoiding Back Injuries
  9. Basic First Aid for Medical Emergencies
  10. Ladder Safety
  11. Lockout/Tagout - Affected Employees
  12. Noise and Hearing Conservation
  13. Personal Protective Equipment - What Employees Need to Know
  14. Portable Power Tool Safety
  15. Preventing Slips, Trips, and Falls - A Guide for Employees
  16. Understanding Chemical Labels Under GHS
  17. Working in Cold Conditions
  18. Working in Hot Conditions
  19. Working Safely Outdoors
  20. Working Safely with Flammable Liquids

The University offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits package to all employees who work at least 30 hours per week:

  • Comprehensive medical, dental and vision
  • Flexible spending accounts for health and dependent care expenses
  • Retirement Plan through TIAA
  • University paid Life & Accidental Death & Dismemberment policy, and Short and Long Term Disability
  • Tuition Remission and Tuition Exchange
  • Generous Paid Time Off
  • 14-16 Paid Holidays each year

Additional Information:

Notre Dame of Maryland University does not discriminate in offering equal access to its educational programs and activities or with respect to employment terms and conditions on the basis of age, ancestry, color, creed, disability, gender, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or protected veteran's status. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policy: Greg FitzGerald, Chief of Staff, Notre Dame of Maryland University, 4701 North Charles Street, Baltimore, MD 21210, 410-532-5109.

For all other employment inquiries, please contact Human Resources at 410-532-5898 or human_resources@ndm.edu. Notre Dame of Maryland University is an EEO employer.