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Backpacking Jobs in Oregon (NOW HIRING)

Assistant Staffing Manager

Canby, OR · On-site

$37.20K - $50.40K/yr

Ability in one or more outdoor technical skill sets, ie: rock climbing, whitewater, challenge course, backpacking, etc. * Ability to network and develop community relationships Qualifications:

Assistant Staffing Manager

Canby, OR · On-site

$37.20K - $50.40K/yr

Ability in one or more outdoor technical skill sets, ie: rock climbing, whitewater, challenge course, backpacking, etc. * Ability to network and develop community relationships Qualifications:

Ability in one or more outdoor technical skill sets, ie: rock climbing, whitewater, challenge course, backpacking, etc. * Ability to network and develop community relationships Qualifications:

Backpacking information

See Oregon salary details

$7

$15

$24

How much do backpacking jobs pay per hour?

As of May 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for backpacking in Oregon is $15.84, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.69 and $17.79 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 are popular job titles related to Backpacking jobs in Oregon? For Backpacking jobs in Oregon, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Backpacking jobs in Oregon look for? The top searched job categories for Backpacking jobs in Oregon are:
Infographic showing various Backpacking job openings in Oregon as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 60% Full Time, and 40% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $32,943 per year, or $15.8 per hour.
Rockwall and HPE Field Assistant

$16.30/hr

Other

Posted 12 days ago


Job description

Job Summary and Responsibilities/Duties Job Summary Assists with the day-to-day operation of the Mt. Hood Community College Rockwall and Health and Physical Education (HPE) field outings. Essential Duties Monitors climbing activities including completion of liability waivers by participants, safety technique and belay instruction/testing, and supervision of climbers.

Provides orientation for new participants. Ensures proper check-out/in of all Rockwall equipment. Cleans and maintains the Rockwall.

Assists with logistics, monitoring safety, and emergencies on field outings. Additional Duties Assists in driving for field outings. Performs other related duties as assigned.

Minimum and Desired Qualifications Minimum Qualifications Ability to read, write, and communicate at a level sufficient to perform the functions of the positio Possession of, or ability to obtain, First-Aid and CPR certification within 30 days of hire Preferred Qualifications High School Diploma or GED Experience in outdoor pursuits such as backpacking, climbing, rafting, etc. Climbing Wall Instructor certification (PCIA, AMGA, PCGI, or similar) Appropriate, valid driver's license, ability to insured by the college insurance carrier, and at least three (3) years of driving history Additional Qualifications and/or Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs) Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Ability to communicate well with others verbally and written. Knowledge of outdoor equipment such as climbing gear, clothing, and backpacking gear.

Good customer service. Working Conditions and Important Information Working Conditions Work is typically performed in an outdoor environment. The position is frequently required to stand, push, pull, climb, reach, and lift.

Person should be able to perform several physical tasks and hike for up to eight hours a day over a distance of 10-15 miles a day, and have the ability to live and perform in a variety of environments. Physical demands may include carrying a backpack weighing between 50 - 85 pounds over uneven terrain such as snow, rocks, boulders, fallen logs, or slippery surfaces as well as ascending and descending steep mountain slopes. In addition, weather can be extreme depending on the field outing and time of year.

Salary Placement Initial salary placement will be within the posted range or pay rate of the position, and is based on applicable education and/or years of relevant full-time equivalent experience at the sole discretion of the College and in accordance with all applicable state and federal laws. Please include all relevant education and full and part-time experience (including unpaid and volunteer experience) in your application that you want the College to review towards potential placement. Hired employees will not have an opportunity to update past education and/or experience or appeal initial placement after the time of hire.