Backpacking Guide Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

COMPENSATION:  Starting at $21 per hour plus tips

SNAPSHOT

A hands-on hospitality role where every day brings new adventures — both on the job and outside in Yosemite’s great outdoors.

IS THIS THE RIGHT JOB FOR ME?

• Do you love making people happy and being part of a diverse team?
• Have a strong work ethic and a positive attitude?
• Enjoy the outdoors and living in a remote, nature-filled setting?
• Want to gain guiding and guest service experience — with room to grow if you excel?

If that sounds like you, this might be the perfect role.

ABOUT US

We are a group of exceptional lodges bordering Yosemite National Park, near granite peaks, fresh mountain air, and some of the most iconic views in the world. We’re looking for a Recreation Guide who is excited about providing memorable hospitality experiences and helping support a fun and rewarding work environment. 

WHY YOU’LL LOVE IT HERE

• Competitive pay and benefits
• Supportive, inclusive team culture
• Knowledgeable coworkers who share expertise and guidance
• Work where people vacation — hike, climb, explore, or relax in Yosemite’s beauty on your days off

WHAT WE OFFER

• Sick pay in first year; paid time off there after   
• Healthcare benefits available within 90 days
• 401K eligible with company match after 1 year
• Regular work schedule with specific days off 
• If living in lodge-owned housing, room & board available for fixed weekly cost 

WHAT YOU WILL DO (JOB SUMMARY) 

The Evergreen Lodge & Rush Creek Lodge & Spa is looking for fun, talented Outdoor Recreation Guides with broad experiences leading outdoor guided trips and a love for and interest in interpretive programs.  We are seeking a guide who possesses strong people skills as well as strong outdoor skills and experience, and who is excited to share their experiences and passion for the outdoors with diverse audiences.

Our professional Recreation Guides work with our Recreation Manager to promote, coordinate and lead all of the Lodge's off-site recreation programs and activities in Yosemite National Park and Stanislaus National Forest.  While our guided adventures include hiking, biking, backpacking, sightseeing, and snowshoeing trips, the Recreation Guide Service provides a variety of additional services, including expert advice, trip planning, and on-site activities. While guides mainly conduct naturalist tours/hikes, they cross-train, support and execute various recreational programs and activities (including assisting at our Recreation Desk).

Our recreation department takes pride not only in our work but also in our shared passion for the great outdoors. On weekends, we are the trailblazers, the backpackers, the rock climbers, and the explorers, driven by the same spirit that fuels our professional pursuits. If you're ready to turn your love for the outdoors into a Yosemite adventure, come be a part of our team and help others discover the magic of this iconic wilderness. Let's make every day a celebration of nature, and every trip an unforgettable journey. Are you ready for your Yosemite adventure?

You’ll thrive in this role if you:

• Enjoy helping guests and creating a welcoming environment
• Are reliable, detail-oriented and organized
• Can balance multiple tasks while maintaining exceptional guest service and safety standards
• Work well independently and as part of a supportive team

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide our guests with respect, compassion, and the best in service
• Hike 10 miles per day with pack weights from 20-30 pounds
• Maintain a clean and organized shared space
• Ensure guest safety in front and back country settings
• Able; to work independently in leadership roles
• Is able to maintain composure in stressful situations
• Drives safely and obeys traffic laws
• Able to work in various weather conditions including rain, snow, and heat
• Stays up to date with local history, cultural events, trail conditions, and attractions to provide accurate and current information
• Complete department/shift checklists and/or reports
• Communicate professionally at all times with all staff and management
• Support team members and interns while fostering a positive work environment
• Work safely, address/report safety issues, and use proper personal protective equipment
• Comply with work shift schedules and break requirements
• Perform other duties as assigned, including additional lodge support as needed

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• High School Diploma or GED; college degree with outdoor recreation, naturalist, or related focus a plus
• Extensive outdoor experience with 1-2 years of trip leadership experience preferred
• Wilderness First Responder preferred; First Aid and CPR certified minimum required
• Possess or willing to obtain Leave No Trace Online Awareness Certification prior to start date
• Possess or willing to obtain California Responsible Beverage Server Certification prior to start date
• Possess or willing to obtain California Food Handler’s certification prior to start dates
• Able to pass pre-employment and random drug screenings
• Must be 21(+) years old
• Experience successfully living/working in rural/remote environment preferred

COMPETENCIES/REQUIRED SKILLS AND ABILITIES 

• Exceptional interpersonal and group leadership skills
• Strong general outdoor knowledge including flora, fauna, navigation, and safety
• Extensive knowledge of Yosemite and the Sierra Nevada is ideal but not required
• Ability to establish priorities, work independently, and proceed with objectives without supervision
• Must have excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Reliable, dependable and punctual
• Works well as part of a team and supports others
• Detail-oriented with good organizational skills
• Follows company policies, procedures and safety standards
• Adheres to food handling and sanitation requirements
• Communicates appropriately, supportively and professionally
• Adaptable, takes initiative, and able to multitask and troubleshoot in a fast-paced setting
• Demonstrates good judgment, integrity, honesty and professionalism
• Positive attitude and willingness to learn and grow
• Leading a healthy, balanced, drug-free lifestyle

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• The physical environment requires employee to work both inside and outside in heat/cold, wet/humid, and dry/arid conditions, and to adhere to departmental uniform standards
• Frequent walking, twisting, bending, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, sitting, climbing stairs
• Ability to stand and move continuously
• Lifting up to 50 pounds and moving carts weighing 300 pounds
• Working with required chemicals and PPE
• Shifts of up to 8 hours per day, plus periodic additional overtime hours and help covering additional shifts when needed

NOTE

We are an equal opportunity employer and extremely proud of our highly diverse team and embrace diversity at all levels of the organization. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or any other protected status.

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.