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Backpack Guide Jobs in Wisconsin (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 Wisconsin? For Backpack Guide jobs in Wisconsin, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Backpack Guide jobs in Wisconsin look for? The top searched job categories for Backpack Guide jobs in Wisconsin are:
What cities in Wisconsin are hiring for Backpack Guide jobs? Cities in Wisconsin with the most Backpack Guide job openings:

Ecological Restoration Field Technicians

Environmental Jobs .com

Kaukauna, WI

$20/hr

Other

Re-posted 24 days ago


Job description

position summary

Merjent, Inc. (Merjent) is seeking Ecological Restoration Field Technicians to join our growing team in Northeast Wisconsin. Positions will be field based and focus on completing restoration work such as habitat enhancement through native plantings, seedings, invasive species control, and stream/shoreline/slope stabilization using erosion control devices. Project work will vary in natural communities from prairie, wetland, and woodland to in-water work. Work may also include infrastructure-related vegetation installations and enhancement including solar facility, utility rights-of-way, and roadside. These positions will be based out of Merjent's Freedom, Wisconsin office, but will require occasional overnight travel. Some projects will, at times, require work on weekends, multiple-week shifts on the road, and regular work weeks in excess of 40 hours.

The hourly wage for this position is based on qualifications and experience; entry-level starting at $20.00 per hour. Weekly overtime opportunities during the months of April - October. Multiple advancement and growth opportunities.

why Merjent?

The Merjent difference is real – it's based on a commitment to our values, which guide us in how we work with clients and each other. Our commitment to quality and professional integrity encompasses everything we do. We are proud of our reputation for delivering quality work and building long-term, trusting relationships with our clients and with regulatory agencies.

responsibilities

  • Executing in-the-field restoration project work under the direction of a Project Manager.
  • Installing native plant species including trees, shrubs, plugs, and seed; installing erosion control devices; applying herbicide; mowing; or any other activities necessary in the execution of restoration projects.
  • Operating and maintaining tools and equipment necessary for the execution of restoration projects.
  • Daily documentation and reporting of field activities.
  • Understanding and adhering to health and safety plans.
  • Performing other duties as assigned.
 

qualifications and experience

  • Associates or bachelor's degree in natural resources, life sciences, etc. OR +3 years of landscaping-based experience.
  • Operating various types of equipment and power tools including trucks, trailers, UTVs, boats, tractors, skid steers, pumps, chainsaws, brush cutters, backpack and skid sprayers, small engines/pumps, etc.
  • Basic understanding of above-listed equipment and power tool troubleshooting and maintenance.
  • Ability to lift 50 lbs. and perform repetitive, physical work in a range of weather and field conditions including rough and sometimes steep terrain.
  • Ability to conduct field work for +10 hours per day, work weekends, multiple-week shifts on the road, and regularly work in excess of 40 hours per week.
  • Experience in native and invasive species plant identification.
  • Experience with herbicide, including selection, calibration, application types, and application equipment.
  • Experience in map reading and basic GIS data entry.
  • Detail-oriented with oral communication and problem-solving skills.
  • Standard First Aid and CPR (or ability to obtain).
  • Commercial Pesticide Applicators Certifications in Categories 5.0 and 6.0 (or ability to obtain).
  • Valid driver's license and acceptable driving record.
  • Active Fed Med Card or Class A Commercial Driver's License (or ability to obtain).
  • Ability to pass a pre-employment drug screen.

E-Verify

Merjent, Inc. participates with the United States Customs and Immigration Services (USCIS) E-Verify program. We will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.

Candidates interested in applying should submit a completed Application for Employment (cover letter and resume) to merjent.applicantpro.com.

Merjent, Inc. is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer committed to diversity and inclusion. We are pleased to consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other legally protected factors. Disability-related accommodations during the application process are available upon request.

Merjent is not accepting unsolicited assistance from search firms for this employment opportunity.