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Backpacking Jobs in Vermont (NOW HIRING)

Confluence Behavioral Health LLC

Mentor

VT · On-site

$47K/yr

Physically capable of backpacking with a full backpack on uneven terrain. * Curious, Compassionate, and Courageous. * Must have CPR/First Aid Certification complete before hire date A Week in the ...

Confluence Behavioral Health LLC

Field Mentor

VT · On-site

$47K/yr

Physically capable of backpacking with a full backpack on uneven terrain. * Curious, Compassionate, and Courageous. * Must have CPR/First Aid Certification complete before hire date A Week in the ...

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Backpacking information

See Vermont salary details

$7

$15

$24

How much do backpacking jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for backpacking in Vermont is $15.93, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.79 and $17.88 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 job categories do people searching Backpacking jobs in Vermont look for? The top searched job categories for Backpacking jobs in Vermont are:
Backpacking jobs near you
Infographic showing various Backpacking job openings in Vermont as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 37% Full Time, 39% Part Time, and 24% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $33,129 per year, or $15.9 per hour.
Urban Green - Vermont Camping Crew Member

Urban Green - Vermont Camping Crew Member

Student Conservation Association

Rupert, VT • On-site

$17/hr

Temporary

Posted 21 days ago

Job description

Position Summary
This program is a regional camping based adventure at Merck Forest and Farmland in Rupert, Vermont. The program will be focused on sustainable trail management and maintenance, agriculture and farming. Crew members and leaders will work with farm animals and support the working farm. This is a one of a kind opportunity and the chance to experience camping, hiking and working within Merck Forest and Farmland.
Hosting Organization
Merck Forest and Farmland Center
Location
Rupert, VT
Schedule
August 17, 2026 - August 28, 2026
Key Duties and Responsibilities
  • Participate fully in all work, workshops, and group activities
  • Follow safety rules and use tools/equipment properly
  • Contribute to camp life (meals, cleaning, shared spaces)
  • Work as a team, self-care, and forest and farmland operations

Marginal Duties
  • Assist with camp set-up and break-down
  • Help lead icebreakers, games, or group activities
  • Support peers who need extra help or encouragement
  • Take part in documenting the experience (photos, journaling, sharing reflections)
  • Volunteer for extra tasks or leadership roles when able

Required Qualifications
  • Experience doing outdoor maintenance and stewardship projects.
  • Willingness to work in outdoor environs in hot and/or rainy weather.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Previous SCA Experience

General Physical Requirements
Able to understand, adhere to, and communicate with others regarding hazards, procedures, and safety policies.
Able to independently manage known medical conditions with the resources available throughout the position or program.
Able to wear all required personal protective equipment, including safety glasses, hard hats, gloves, N95 or other approved face mask or shield, and appropriate footwear.Able to refrain from behaviors and actions that disrupt the work and safety of others.
Able to cooperate with others to complete daily group tasks, responsibilities, and project work under potentially difficult conditions, variable daily routines, and with limited personal time.
Able to self-regulate or co-regulate emotions and actions when distressed or uncomfortable, with or without the support of others.
Able to self-manage outdoor and environmental exposure (e.g., temperature, wind, sun, etc.) in a variety of weather conditions.
Able to maintain adequate nutrition and hydration throughout program time.
  • Able to independently manage all personal belongings.
  • If using prescription medications, able to self-administer medications by following the prescribed dosage, usage, and timing with supervisor assistance. If prescription medication is administered via injection, able to self-administer the injection.
  • Able to independently carry a backpacking pack weighing approximately 30% of body weight over varied, loose, inclined terrain for up to a maximum of 15 miles per day with adequate breaks.
  • Able to lift a backpacking pack weighing approximately 30% of body weight with minimal assistance from others.

Working Conditions
Work schedules and projects may change on short notice or be ambiguous.;Work settings require the ability to positively interact with people of varying perspectives.;Work settings may be located in natural environments and regionally significant locations that require respect for the land and local peoples.;Work environment may be in inclement and severe weather conditions, including heavy rain and flash flooding, gusty and strong winds, foggy or decreased visibility, lightning events, and/or decreased or inclement air quality conditions due to wildfire smoke or smog.;Work settings may involve exposure to natural and environmental hazards, such as poison ivy, poison oak, or poison sumac; harmful, poisonous, or disease-carrying ticks, mosquitos, insects, snakes, bears, and other wildlife.
Hours
40 per week
Living Accommodations
Camping in SCA Provided equipment and or Merck Forest and Farmland Center rustic cabins.
Compensation
  • $17.00/hour(40 hours/week
  • Meals Provided

All allowances are subject to applicable federal, state, and local taxes.
Personal Vehicle Information
Additional Benefits
  • AmeriCorps: Not Eligible

Equal Opportunity Statement
The Student Conservation Association, Inc., is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The SCA strives to cultivate a work environment that encourages fairness, teamwork, and respect among all staff members and is committed to maintaining a work atmosphere where lifestyles may grow personally and professionally.

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