... Leadership Development) Instructor leads primarily single-gender outdoor expeditions for ... Teach and guide outdoor skills during 7-14 day wilderness-based backpacking, rock climbing ...
... Leadership Development) Instructor leads primarily single-gender outdoor expeditions for ... Teach and guide outdoor skills during 7-14 day wilderness-based backpacking, rock climbing ...
Provides instruction, leadership and assistance while acting as a guide on non-credited outdoor recreational activities that includes camping, hiking, backpacking, sea kayaking and stand up paddle ...
Provides instruction, leadership and assistance while acting as a guide on non-credited outdoor recreational activities that includes camping, hiking, backpacking, sea kayaking and stand up paddle ...
Provides instruction, leadership and assistance while acting as a guide on non-credited outdoor recreational activities that includes camping, hiking, backpacking, sea kayaking and stand up paddle ...
Provides instruction, leadership and assistance while acting as a guide on non-credited outdoor recreational activities that includes camping, hiking, backpacking, sea kayaking and stand up paddle ...
Natural Resources Instructor (Part-Time) Reedley College
Fresno, CA · On-site
$45.49 - $61.78/hr
Teaching additional classes in Mule Packing, Backcountry Backpacking, Forestry Field Studies and ... Otherwise fulfilling all of the duties and responsibilities of instructors as required by ...
Natural Resources Instructor (Part-Time) Reedley College
Fresno, CA · On-site
$45.49 - $61.78/hr
Teaching additional classes in Mule Packing, Backcountry Backpacking, Forestry Field Studies and ... Otherwise fulfilling all of the duties and responsibilities of instructors as required by ...
Natural Resources Instructor (Part-Time) Reedley College
$45.49 - $61.78/hr
Teaching additional classes in Mule Packing, Backcountry Backpacking, Forestry Field Studies and ... Otherwise fulfilling all of the duties and responsibilities of instructors as required by ...
Natural Resources Instructor (Part-Time) Reedley College
$45.49 - $61.78/hr
Teaching additional classes in Mule Packing, Backcountry Backpacking, Forestry Field Studies and ... Otherwise fulfilling all of the duties and responsibilities of instructors as required by ...
Outdoor Program Instructor
Portland, OR · On-site
Description Oregon Episcopal School seeks Outdoor Program Instructors for the 2026-27 school year ... on a river or backpacking trip with Upper School students. The ability to account for the ...
Outdoor Program Instructor
Portland, OR · On-site
Description Oregon Episcopal School seeks Outdoor Program Instructors for the 2026-27 school year ... on a river or backpacking trip with Upper School students. The ability to account for the ...
Program Coordinator - Field Education
Jackson, WY · On-site
$45K - $50K/yr
They serve as the essential link between Program Managers, instructors, and partners, making ... backpacking & camping systems, campus gear & teaching supplies, etc.) * Maintain gear, field ...
Quick apply
Program Coordinator - Field Education
Jackson, WY · On-site
$45K - $50K/yr
They serve as the essential link between Program Managers, instructors, and partners, making ... backpacking & camping systems, campus gear & teaching supplies, etc.) * Maintain gear, field ...
Outdoor Adventure (Equipment Coordinator, Climbing Center Coordinator, Poplar Ridge Challenge Course
Charlottesville, VA · On-site
$13.25 - $14/hr
No outdoor experience is required for Backpacking/Trail programs. For paddling and climbing, a ... Instructors will receive outdoor and site-specific training * Wilderness First Aid certification (a ...
Outdoor Adventure (Equipment Coordinator, Climbing Center Coordinator, Poplar Ridge Challenge Course
Charlottesville, VA · On-site
$13.25 - $14/hr
No outdoor experience is required for Backpacking/Trail programs. For paddling and climbing, a ... Instructors will receive outdoor and site-specific training * Wilderness First Aid certification (a ...
Outdoor Adventure (Equipment Coordinator, Climbing Center Coordinator, Poplar Ridge Challenge Cou...
Charlottesville, VA · On-site
$13.25 - $14/hr
No outdoor experience is required for Backpacking/Trail programs. For paddling and climbing, a ... Instructors will receive outdoor and site-specific training * Wilderness First Aid certification (a ...
Outdoor Adventure (Equipment Coordinator, Climbing Center Coordinator, Poplar Ridge Challenge Cou...
Charlottesville, VA · On-site
$13.25 - $14/hr
No outdoor experience is required for Backpacking/Trail programs. For paddling and climbing, a ... Instructors will receive outdoor and site-specific training * Wilderness First Aid certification (a ...
Outdoor Gear and Operations/Logistics Specialist
Montrose, CO · On-site
$18.50/hr
Seeds Wilderness Therapy is a backpacking outfitter taking teenagers in crisis... and their ... instructors. This specialist position is to work with and maintain an inventory of all our ...
Outdoor Gear and Operations/Logistics Specialist
Montrose, CO · On-site
$18.50/hr
Seeds Wilderness Therapy is a backpacking outfitter taking teenagers in crisis... and their ... instructors. This specialist position is to work with and maintain an inventory of all our ...
Seeds Wilderness Therapy is a backpacking outfitter taking teenagers in crisis... and their ... instructors. This specialist position is to work with and maintain an inventory of all our ...
Quick apply
Seeds Wilderness Therapy is a backpacking outfitter taking teenagers in crisis... and their ... instructors. This specialist position is to work with and maintain an inventory of all our ...
Seeds Wilderness Therapy is a backpacking outfitter taking teenagers in crisis... and their ... instructors. This specialist position is to work with and maintain an inventory of all our ...
Seeds Wilderness Therapy is a backpacking outfitter taking teenagers in crisis... and their ... instructors. This specialist position is to work with and maintain an inventory of all our ...
Backpacking Instructor information
What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a backpacking instructor, and why are they important?
To thrive as a Backpacking Instructor, you need expertise in outdoor skills, wilderness navigation, first aid, and group leadership, often supported by certifications like Wilderness First Responder (WFR) or Leave No Trace (LNT). Familiarity with GPS devices, mapping software, and outdoor gear is typically required. Strong communication, problem-solving, and risk management skills help instructors connect with participants and ensure safety. These competencies are essential for leading effective, enjoyable, and safe backpacking experiences in variable outdoor environments.
What are some common challenges faced by backpacking instructors, and how can they be managed effectively?
Backpacking instructors often encounter challenges such as unpredictable weather, varying skill levels among participants, and maintaining group morale during physically demanding trips. Effective management includes thorough pre-trip planning, clear communication of expectations, and fostering a supportive team environment. Instructors should also be prepared to adapt itineraries as needed and employ risk management strategies to ensure safety and a positive learning experience for all participants.
What is a backpacking instructor?
Backpacking instructors are outdoor professionals who teach individuals or groups the skills and knowledge required for safe and enjoyable multi-day hiking trips in the wilderness. They instruct on essential topics such as trip planning, navigation, campsite selection, Leave No Trace principles, first aid, and outdoor safety. Backpacking instructors often work for outdoor education organizations, adventure programs, or guide services, and may lead both beginners and experienced hikers. Their main goal is to empower participants to confidently and responsibly explore the backcountry.
What is the difference between Backpacking Instructor vs Hiking Guide?
| Aspect | Backpacking Instructor | Hiking Guide |
|---|---|---|
| Certifications | Wilderness First Aid, Leave No Trace, CPR | Wilderness First Aid, CPR, sometimes guiding certifications |
| Work Environment | Backcountry, remote trails, outdoor education settings | Popular trails, national parks, outdoor tours |
| Employer & Industry | Outdoor education programs, adventure schools | Tour companies, national parks, outdoor recreation services |
Backpacking Instructors focus on teaching outdoor skills, safety, and wilderness survival in remote settings, often in an educational context. Hiking Guides lead groups on trails, providing navigation, safety, and interpretive information. While both roles require outdoor certifications and involve guiding groups, Backpacking Instructors emphasize skill development and safety training, whereas Hiking Guides focus on leading tours and enhancing visitor experience.
More about Backpacking Instructor jobs
What job categories do people searching Backpacking Instructor jobs look for?
The top searched job categories for Backpacking Instructor jobs are:
YMCA rating
6.1
Based on 1,987 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz
571st of 772 rated non-profit organizations
Job description
The BOLD (Boys Outdoor Leadership Development) & GOLD (Girls Outdoor Leadership Development) Instructor leads primarily single-gender outdoor expeditions for adolescents. The role focuses on building confidence, courage, emotional intelligence, and community awareness, helping participants develop their own leadership style through multicultural experiential education in the natural world.
Essential Functions:
- Demonstrate YMCA values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility in all interactions with colleagues, members, volunteers, vendors, and guests
- Promote and support the potential of all youth, facilitating peer-to-peer connections as part of the camp experience
- Teach and guide outdoor skills during 7-14 day wilderness-based backpacking, rock climbing, canoeing, or mountaineering courses
- Ensure a physically and emotionally safe environment for all participants
- Create values-based experiences that support adolescent development
- Foster an inclusive and welcoming environment for youth in outdoor settings
- Assist with various camp needs when not leading field activities
- Understand and uphold all licensing standards, grant requirements, YMCA policies, state and local laws, and YMCA risk management guidelines
- Perform other duties as assigned