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Backpack Guide Jobs in Atlanta, GA (NOW HIRING)

Laborer I

Union City, GA · On-site

$18.89/hr

To support the vision, mission and guiding principles of the City. * While performing any procedure ... backpack blower, shovels and other and other hand tools. * Operates vehicles, including but not ...

... guiding principle remains the same: treat everyone the way we wish to be treated. This simple but ... backpack drives for students, community garden events, raising money for schools in need....etc.

Backpack Guide information

See Atlanta, GA salary details

$8

$14

$18

How much do backpack guide jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for backpack guide in Atlanta, GA is $14.49, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.93 and $15.72 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 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 Atlanta, GA? For Backpack Guide jobs in Atlanta, GA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Backpack Guide jobs in Atlanta, GA look for? The top searched job categories for Backpack Guide jobs in Atlanta, GA are:
Infographic showing various Backpack Guide job openings in Atlanta, GA as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 76% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $30,135 per year, or $14.5 per hour.
Laborer I

$18.89/hr

Other

Posted 23 days ago


Job description

GENERAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

  • To support the vision, mission and guiding principles of the City.
  • While performing any procedure, all associates and contract personnel must observe applicable Safety, Health, and Environmental rules and guidelines. The use of appropriate personal protective equipment is required.
  • Attend and participate in training opportunities and seminars relevant to this position.
  • Adhere to appropriate City operating procedures, benefit rules, employment, and safety policies/practices.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Cuts grass with power equipment and hand tools.
  • Loads and unloads materials such as dirt, asphalt, salt, storm drain pipes, and sign materials.
  • Performs routine maintenance of equipment and vehicles.
  • Performs extreme physical labor for extended periods of time under all weather conditions with the ability to lift objects weighing up to one hundred (100) pounds with assistance.
  • Assists in the fabrication and installation of street signs.
  • Manually removes litter from right-of-ways and easements.
  • May sit, stand, and walk constantly depending on the job for the day.
  • Climbs in and out of manholes which can be up to ten (10) feet deep.
  • Climbs ladders to complete assigned tasks and duties.
  • Operates various tools including, but not limited to, jackhammer, pavement breaker, shovel, sledge hammer, post driver, tamp bar, chain saw, and weed eater, backpack blower, shovels and other and other hand tools.
  • Operates vehicles, including but not limited to; dump trucks, tractors, riding mowers, back-hoes.
  • Ensures proper maintenance and care of all tools assigned.
  • Removes and replaces various types of pavement while adhering to city and departmental safety requirements.
  • Properly uses safety gear such as gloves, vests, safety goggles, harnesses and safety signs to complete tasks.
  • Participates in monthly departmental safety meetings.
  • Properly secures city equipment to ensure employee and citizen safety.
  • Must be able to perform job duties as described.
  • Any other duties as assigned.

JOB SCOPE

  • Job has repetitive work situations with only modest changes in routine. The need for accuracy and effective utilization of accepted programs and procedures is high. Errors in judgment and execution will waste time and resources adversely impacting unit performance. Incumbent operates in accord with clearly defined instructions and routines with work priorities determined by supervision.

This job requires digging, lifting, and breaking of pavement under varying weather conditions while exposed to dampness, fumes, odors, dust, dirt, rain, sleet, snow, heat, chemicals, and foul odors. The Public Services Department is responsible for problems associated with inclement weather including: salting roads during cold weather, cutting down trees that have fallen into a street, fixing roads from floods, etc. The Laborer I is responsible for operating and maintaining light duty vehicles, dump trucks, tractors, riding mowers, back-hoes, chain saws, shovels, and other hand tools. This position requires physical endurance during periods of extreme weather conditions.

COMMUNICATIONS/CUSTOMER CONTACT

Contacts are across the entire City community and in a leadership capacity. Community contact is a critical component of success in developing good will and support of City programs and initiatives.

COMPETENCIES/SPECIFIC EXPERIENCE OR TRAINING PREFERRED

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education and Experience

  • Must be at least eighteen (18) years of age.
  • Must have legal authorization to work in the United States of America.
  • High School diploma or GED preferred; education may be waived by work experience.
  • Previous Construction and/or Maintenance Experience a plus.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

  • Must have knowledge of and/or the ability to learn about the care and proper use of tools and equipment used in the maintenance of right-of-ways, easements and water/sewer lines and meters.
  • Must have knowledge of and/or the ability to learn occupational hazards and safety precautions.
  • Must be able to report for work on time and to perform the duties of the job for the entire workday.
  • Must be able to work flexible hours with some weekend, evening, and holiday work required.
  • Must be able to perform frequent overtime work which may involve late night or early morning hours.
  • Must have sufficient physical strength and ability to independently and repeatedly lift, move, and carry objects weighing up to 100 pounds with assistance.
  • Must have literacy in English with the ability to understand and carry out oral and written instructions and posted schedules.
  • Must be able to establish and maintain effective, harmonious, cooperative, and productive working relationships with other employees and to effectively communicate with the public.
  • Ability to use good judgment while performing job-related tasks.
  • Ability to learn and follow City policies and regulations.

Equipment and Applications

  • The Laborer I is responsible for operating and maintaining all assigned equipment.
  • Computers and peripheral equipment / designated software applications if assigned.
  • Telephones and two way radio equipment if assigned.