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Backpacking Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

TEP

Tower Technician

Denver, CO · On-site

$20 - $23/hr

Denver, CO Do you love outdoor activities like rock climbing, backpacking, or snowboarding? Are you looking for a career that lets you do more than just sit behind a desk? If you answered "yes" to ...

Matchstick

Associate Pastor

Denver, CO

$30 - $36/hr

Plan and lead key community events including men's retreats, backpacking trips, contemplative retreats, and workshops * Facilitate "Discovering NDC" gatherings and new member integration experiences

Telluride Academy

Field Instructor

Telluride, CO

$20/hr

They introduce students to adventure-based and creative activities including hiking, backpacking, camping, SUP'ing, horseriding, rock climbing, arts and crafts, and more, while helping them build ...

Telluride Academy

Field Instructor

Telluride, CO · On-site

$20/hr

They introduce students to adventure-based and creative activities including hiking, backpacking, camping, SUP'ing, horseriding, rock climbing, arts and crafts, and more, while helping them build ...

Telluride Academy

Field Instructor

Telluride, CO · On-site

They introduce students to adventure-based and creative activities including hiking, backpacking, camping, SUPing, horseriding, rock climbing, arts and crafts, and more, while helping them build ...

Salvation Army

Recreation Coordinator

Estes Park, CO · On-site

$450/wk

... backpacking programs as needed. * Work directly with the Director of Program in a supporting role. • Coordinate In-Service training for activity areas with the Director of Program. • Plan rainy ...

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Backpacking information

What are some of the daily responsibilities of a Backpacking Guide?

As a Backpacking Guide, your daily responsibilities include leading clients on planned routes, setting up and breaking down campsites, providing safety briefings, and teaching essential outdoor skills. You’ll also be responsible for monitoring group well-being, adjusting itineraries based on weather or trail conditions, and ensuring all participants follow wilderness ethics and safety protocols. Interaction with clients is key, as you’ll need to foster a supportive and engaging environment while managing any questions or concerns that arise during the trip. Teamwork and clear communication with co-guides or support staff are also often part of the role, especially on longer or larger expeditions.

What is a Backpacking job?

A backpacking job typically refers to temporary or seasonal work that travelers take on while exploring different locations. These jobs can include roles in hospitality, agriculture, tour guiding, or remote freelance work. They provide income to sustain travel expenses and often offer opportunities to meet new people and experience different cultures. Many backpackers take advantage of working holiday visas to secure short-term employment in various countries.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Backpacking position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Backpacking Guide, you need strong outdoor survival skills, route planning experience, and a background in wilderness safety, often supported by certifications such as Wilderness First Aid or Leave No Trace training. Proficiency with GPS navigation devices, map reading, and outdoor gear is essential in this role. Excellent communication, leadership, and problem-solving abilities help guides manage groups and respond calmly to unexpected situations. These competencies are vital for ensuring group safety, a positive client experience, and successful expedition outcomes in varied and sometimes challenging environments.

What are the most commonly searched types of Backpacking jobs in Colorado? The most popular types of Backpacking jobs in Colorado are:
What are popular job titles related to Backpacking jobs in Colorado? For Backpacking jobs in Colorado, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Backpacking jobs in Colorado look for? The top searched job categories for Backpacking jobs in Colorado are:
Backpacking jobs near you
Infographic showing various Backpacking job openings in Colorado as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, and 50% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

2026 Field Instructor (Backpacking Ministry)

Seeds Wilderness Therapy

Montrose, CO

$164/day

Full-time

Re-posted 20 days ago

Job description

Seeds Wilderness Way (Seeds) works with families with troubled teens. We take teens on an intensive 40-day backpacking experience. The process includes our model: Retreat, Restore, Revive. Seeds is distinctly Christian and as such combines the best practices in wilderness and therapy with the teachings of Jesus and solid discipleship.


Field Instructors are the hands and feet of Seeds; they are the ones serving Christ to each teenager! Field Instructors are responsible for the individual care of each student in the wilderness. The Field Instructor is to love and serve the student, and help them find their potential in Christ. Each instructor will disciple 2-3 students, watching their therapeutic, emotional, spiritual, and physical health. Field Instructors will teach and role model both hard skills (backpacking, cooking, fire, safety) as well as soft skills (mental and emotional health, spirituality, understanding of the client's complaining 'issues'), as delegated by the Field Director or Therapist. Changes in cognitive, affective, and behavioral growth will be individually coached and reported to the Field Director. Field staff work with the Therapist to help formulate, implement, and measure therapeutic/spiritual directives. The field staff report to the Field Director, who will balance logistical and therapeutic intents. Field staff are also expected to participate in Seeds' Aftercare discipleship program by 1) mentoring 2-3 students once a week via zoom for three months after graduation (This can be done from your home, and not in Colorado.) and 2) by visiting the family in their home six months after graduation. Field staff will be invited to participate in other trips and experiences in the 3 year aftercare program as available.


Qualifications for all Field Instructors

  • Must be at least 21 years old, and 3 years older than the oldest student
  • Excellent communication, leadership, and problem solving skills. Willingness to receive and give feedback to your staff team.
  • Willingness to follow all Policies and Procedures as stated in staff manual
  • Able to complete shift work of 8 days on: 6 days off (8:6 rotation).
  • Clear background check by state and federal authorities
  • Must be sober from any substance abuse, or any dangerous/harmful activities to yourself or others. (If past addiction is present, documented sobriety for 3 years.)
  • Basic first aid and CPR
  • Able to carry a 75 pound pack over steep, rocky, and uneven ground
  • Provide 3 references (name, phone number, email address)
  • Must hold a valid Driver's License with a clean driving record.
  • Previous wilderness experience or experience working with troubled teens is beneficial, but not required

Location

MONTROSE, CO


Department

Field Staff


Employment Type

Seasonal (Full-time May - August), shoulder season work potentially also available.


Minimum Experience

Past experience in at least one of the following:

1) hard skills for backcountry living and travel (outdoor leadership, risk management, first aid/WFR, navigation, ect.),

2) soft skills such as counseling and discipleship (previous mental health service, ministry, or mentorship experience, etc.), or

3) life transformation through following Jesus in your own story.


Compensation

Starting rates 164 (Top Instructors can be promoted to $322) per field day

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