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Backpacking Guide Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Leidos

Peninsula Field Camp Assistant

$52K - $94K/yr

Help guide, train and work worth scientists of varying levels of camping and outdoor experience on ... Backpacking, climbing and mountaineering particularly in high latitude or polar climates. * Vessel ...

JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTER OF DENVER

TASC Staff

Elbert, CO · On-site

$12.25 - $16/hr

As a guide on TASC trips , you will assist in leading a 10-day trip (6 - 7 days of backpacking and 3 - 4 days of whitewater rafting, climbing, and other outdoor adventure activities) with a group of ...

JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTER OF DENVER

TASC Staff

Elbert, CO · On-site

$2.0K - $2.3K/wk

As a guide on TASC trips , you will assist in leading a 10-day trip (6 - 7 days of backpacking and 3 - 4 days of whitewater rafting, climbing, and other outdoor adventure activities) with a group of ...

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How much do backpacking guide jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for backpacking guide in the United States is $19.71, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.70 and $19.95 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a backpacking guide do?

A Backpacking Guide leads individuals or groups on multi-day hiking trips in remote or wilderness areas. They ensure safety, provide navigation, teach outdoor skills, and share knowledge about local flora, fauna, and geography. Guides also assist with camp setup, meal preparation, and emergency response if needed. Their goal is to provide an enjoyable and educational outdoor experience while prioritizing safety and environmental responsibility.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a backpacking guide?

Excelling as a Backpacking Guide requires comprehensive outdoor skills, strong navigation abilities, and first aid certifications, often supported by Wilderness First Responder (WFR) or Wilderness First Aid (WFA) credentials. Familiarity with GPS devices, topographic maps, satellite communicators, and permitting systems is typically necessary. Exceptional leadership, effective communication, and problem-solving skills help guides foster positive group dynamics and respond to emergencies. These competencies are crucial for ensuring group safety, delivering a memorable experience, and successfully leading trips in remote environments.

What are some common challenges a backpacking guide may face on the job?

Backpacking Guides often encounter unexpected challenges such as rapidly changing weather conditions, route alterations, group members with varying fitness levels, and wildlife encounters. Adapting plans to keep groups safe while maintaining morale is a key part of the job. Guides must be prepared for long hours outdoors, carrying group gear, and providing support during emergencies. The role is both physically and mentally demanding, but it offers the reward of leading others in immersive outdoor experiences and honing a wide range of skills.

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What cities are hiring for Backpacking Guide jobs? Cities with the most Backpacking Guide job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Backpacking Guide jobs? The most popular types of Backpacking Guide jobs are:
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What job categories do people searching Backpacking Guide jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Backpacking Guide jobs are:
Backpacking Guide jobs near you
Infographic showing various Backpacking Guide job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,987 per year, or $19.7 per hour.

Peninsula Field Camp Assistant

Leidos

Remote

$52K - $94K/yr

Full-time

Posted 26 days ago

Leidos rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 151 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

77th of 488 rated business services

Job description

The United States Antarctic Program has an opening for a Field Camp Assistant supporting National Science Foundation-funded field science on the Antarctic Peninsula. This a dynamic position working in remote locations to prepare for and assist camp operations for field scientists .This is a contractual position, physically strenuous for short and intense bursts. The candidate must be able to deploy to remote locations: either our cargo hub of Punta Arenas, Chile, or via USAP support vessels to areas along the Antarctic Peninsula for day trips or multi-day camping. The person in this position must have an active resume leading remote camping groups, be capable of lifting up to 35lbs, and pass a national security background check. In the event of funded NSF funded science field groups: willing and able to pass medical pre-qualification process.
Primary Responsibilities:
Travel to Punta Arenas Chile for 3 weeks each/ twice a year (Oct/Nov and again April/May) to perform the following functions:
  • Organize, prep and pack expedition gear for day trips up to multi-week camping trips in Antarctic conditions .
  • Assist with cargo movements including packaging, labeling, weighing, and palletizing, as well as lifting, hauling and carrying and securing.
  • Assist with routine end-of-season cleaning and maintenance of camp equipment.
  • Maintain and repair camping and mountaineering gear at end of season in-shop or complete field-repairs in-situ as needed.
  • Help guide, train and work worth scientists of varying levels of camping and outdoor experience on safe field practices and USAP procedures.
  • In the event of funded science expeditions in outyears 2027/28, 28/29.
  • Be able to lead a full camp set-up/take-down including: moving cargo, setting up tents, cooking station, waste station, fueling areas, medical area, etc. according to USAP standards.
  • Assist with daily camp chores to maintain a safe, healthy and hygienic environment including: waste sorting and management according to environmental standards, haul or melt snow for water, cook meals, dish washing and galley duties, charge communications devices, etc.
  • May operate snow machines, ATV's, generators and other small machinery.
  • Familiarity and ability to perform daily communications check-ins via a variety of devices/methods: Iridium, HF radio, VFH radio, Starlink.
  • Assist with moving and carrying scientific samples as needed.
  • Maintain a positive work environment in order to achieve a safe scientific expedition.

Basic Qualifications:
  • High School diploma or GED
  • Two years of combined experience is required in any of the following areas: expedition outfitting in polar climates or high altitude winter settings, National Park service positions, outdoor education, and/or guiding services.
  • Familiarity with working on or maintaining field camp gear.
  • Experience working on or from ships, sea kayaking, sailing or other maritime pursuits.
  • Basic navigational skills and able to operate a GPS.
  • Wilderness First Responder Certification.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Bachelors degree in science: geology, marine, biology, ecology.
  • Experience with operating and maintenance of engines: ATV and snow machines, generators.
  • Commercial sewing skills.
  • Backpacking, climbing and mountaineering particularly in high latitude or polar climates.
  • Vessel experience: sailing, small boats, commercial, or research.
  • Spanish language skills or proficiency.
  • Experience with Outward Bound, NOLS or another outdoor leadership school.
  • W-EMT or equivalent.

*** Deployment to Antarctica may be required at the discretion of management (approximately 3 to 8 weeks / year). The individual in the position must successfully complete the physical and dental examinations as required by the NSF for deploying to Antarctica. Failure to meet these requirements may result in withdrawal of employment offer or other employment action. ***
If you're looking for comfort, keep scrolling. At Leidos, we outthink, outbuild, and outpace the status quo - because the mission demands it. We're not hiring followers. We're recruiting the ones who disrupt, provoke, and refuse to fail. Step 10 is ancient history. We're already at step 30 - and moving faster than anyone else dares.
Original Posting:
July 17, 2026
For U.S. Positions: While subject to change based on business needs, Leidos reasonably anticipates that this job requisition will remain open for at least 3 days with an anticipated close date of no earlier than 3 days after the original posting date as listed above.
Pay Range:
Pay Range $52,000.00 - $94,000.00
The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline only and not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, applicable bargaining agreement (if any), or other law.

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About Leidos

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At Leidos, we deliver innovative solutions through the efforts of our diverse and talented people who are dedicated to our customers' success. We empower our teams, contribute to our communities, and operate sustainable practices. Everything we do is built on a commitment to do the right thing for our customers, our people, and our community.

Industry

It services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Reston, VA, US

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