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Backpacking Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Goldfish Partners

Cardiology

Eureka, CA · On-site

$362K - $409K/yr

Outdoor recreation is abundant with activities such as boating, sport fishing, kayaking, hunting, birding and backpacking all available close by! * Come explore our community and see why people have ...

Goldfish Medical Staffing

Cardiology

Eureka, CA

$362K - $409K/yr

Outdoor recreation is abundant with activities such as boating, sport fishing, kayaking, hunting, birding and backpacking all available close by! * Come explore our community and see why people have ...

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Backpacking information

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$14

$22

How much do backpacking jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for backpacking in the United States is $14.98, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.02 and $16.83 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.

How much do backpackers get paid?

Backpacking jobs often include roles such as hostel staff, tour guides, or farm workers, with pay typically ranging from minimum wage to around $10-$15 per hour depending on the location and type of work. Many of these positions also offer accommodation or tips as part of compensation, and some may require basic skills or certifications relevant to the job environment.

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 jobs pay $2000 a day?

High-paying jobs that can earn $2000 or more per day include specialized roles such as surgeons, anesthesiologists, corporate lawyers, and certain high-level consultants or traders. These positions typically require advanced education, certifications, extensive experience, and often involve high-stakes environments or private practice. Freelance or contract work in fields like software development or executive consulting can also reach this earning level with significant expertise and client base.

What jobs pay $10,000 a month without a degree?

High-paying jobs that can reach $10,000 a month without a degree often include roles such as real estate agents, sales managers, or skilled trades like electricians and plumbers, which rely on experience, certifications, or licenses. Success in these fields typically depends on skills, networking, and performance rather than formal education, and they may require self-employment or commission-based income structures.

How can I make 2000 a week working from home?

To make $2000 a week working from home, individuals often pursue high-paying freelance roles, remote sales positions, or specialized consulting that leverage skills like digital marketing, programming, or writing. Building a client base, developing in-demand skills, and using online platforms can help achieve this income level, but it typically requires experience, dedication, and consistent effort.
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Backpacking jobs near you
Infographic showing various Backpacking job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 8% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $31,158 per year, or $15 per hour.
Hiking and Camping Counselor - Sleepaway Camp

Hiking and Camping Counselor - Sleepaway Camp

Boys' Club of New York

Arden, NY • On-site

$7.0K - $8.5K/mo

Other

Posted 18 days ago

Job description

Position: Hiking and Camping Counselor

Location: BCNY @ Harriman State Park, 553 Arden Valley Road, Southfields, NY 10975

Employment Dates: June 22 August 15, 2026

Total Salary: $7,000 - $8,500

Employment Type: Seasonal, Full-Time, Exempt

Housing: Residential position with shared staff lodging provided

Reports To: Activity Counselor Division Leader

About Us

The Boys Club of New York (BCNY) operates a premier sleep-away camp experience designed for 10 to 17-year-old boys and young men to grow through adventure, community, and skill building. Since 1876, BCNY has created environments where young people develop confidence, resilience, teamwork, and leadership, grounded in our core values of Care, Courage, Curiosity, and Community.

At Harriman Basecamp, members engage in structured programs that promote healthy minds and bodies, expand their talents, and encourage positive peer relationships. Guided by evidence-based youth development practices and our commitment to the 4 Cs, BCNYs Basecamp programs aim to set a high standard for outdoor education and character development. To strengthen this mission, we continue to build a dedicated team of camp professionals who can deepen and broaden our impact each season.

Job Summary

The Hiking & Camping Counselor is a skill-focused, safety-driven role responsible for leading engaging, developmentally appropriate hiking and overnight camping programming for campers ages 1017. As the primary facilitator of the hiking and camping activity area, the counselor guides campers through a progressive outdoor skill sequencefrom day hikes and trail awareness to navigation basics, campcraft, and overnight camping experiencesbuilding confidence, independence, teamwork, and environmental stewardship.

The Hiking & Camping Counselor plans and leads both on-site instruction and off-site or backcountry experiences within Harriman State Park, emphasizing preparation, risk awareness, teamwork, and reflection.

Beyond the trail, Hiking & Camping Counselors are fully immersed in camp life. They actively support cabin routines, meals, community moments, and camp-wide programming. Working under the supervision of the Activity Counselor Division Leader and in collaboration with camp leadership, they help ensure consistent supervision, strong safety practices, and meaningful outdoor education experiences throughout the session.

Opportunities are available for staff to receive Outdoor Leadership training and Wilderness First Aid certification.

Mandatory attendance at full pre-camp staff training (June 22 July 3) is required to ensure readiness in behavior management, camper supervision, safety protocols, and camp culture alignment.

Responsibilities

Hiking, Camping and Backpacking Programming & Skill Development

  • Plan and lead engaging, age-appropriate hiking and camping instruction aligned with camp schedules, themes, and camper readiness (e.g., trail etiquette, pacing, map reading, Leave No Trace principles, campsite setup, and outdoor cooking basics).

  • Teach and reinforce hiking fundamentals, including proper footwear and packing, hydration and nutrition, group spacing, trail awareness, and risk recognition.

  • Facilitate progressive skill development that builds stamina, confidence, and independence through increasingly challenging hikes and responsibilities.

  • Plan and lead structured camping and backpacking experiences, including tent setup, campsite organization, meal preparation, fire safety, and nighttime routines.

  • Support campers in developing teamwork, leadership, problem-solving, and resilience through shared outdoor challenges.

  • Integrate reflection and discussion to help campers connect outdoor experiences to personal growth, responsibility, and community values.

Safety, Supervision & Outdoor Risk Management (Primary Focus)

  • Enforce all hiking, camping, backpacking and outdoor safety standards, including park regulations, camp policies, and emergency procedures.

  • Conduct route planning, daily risk assessments, weather monitoring, and equipment checks and maintenance prior to all hikes and camping trips.

  • Maintain active supervision of campers on trails and at campsites, ensuring appropriate pacing, group cohesion, and behavioral expectations.

  • Respond appropriately to minor injuries, fatigue, or behavioral concerns, escalating concerns as needed to the Activity Counselor Division Leader or camp leadership.

  • Model calm, confident decision-making in dynamic outdoor environments.

Camp-Wide Engagement, Cabin Support, Operations & CIT Mentorship

  • Actively participate in daily camp life, supporting cabin routines and community moments including meals, morning reflections, community cyphers, psychological time, evening programs (EPs), and nighttime routines.

  • Support cabin groups dailywithin hiking and camping programs or elsewhere as neededto maintain supervision and appropriate coverage.

  • As a member of the Activity Counselor team, co-lead two evening programs, lead one evening program, and provide coverage and supervision during additional evening programs as assigned.

  • Provide additional camp-wide coverage as needed, including meal support and substituting for counselors during nights off or when additional supervision is required.

  • Maintain the Activity Area Binder, track equipment usage, and submit a written end-of-session inventory and reflection addressing equipment condition, camper engagement, skill progression, and safety considerations.

  • Engage Counselors-in-Training (CITs) as active helpers, modeling outdoor leadership, safe practices, and effective instruction.

  • Support CIT development by gradually involving them in trip preparation, navigation support, campsite setup, and peer mentorship.

Qualifications

  • Prior hiking, camping, or outdoor leadership experience required; candidates must be comfortable supervising youth in wilderness or semi-wilderness settings.

  • Experience working with youth in camp, outdoor education, recreation, or educational settings preferred.

  • Strong ability to lead structured activities while maintaining consistent safety standards in outdoor environments.

  • Clear, calm communication skills and the ability to give concise directions on the trail and at campsites.

  • Commitment to safety, teamwork, structure, and positive youth development.

  • Willingness to engage fully in all aspects of camp life beyond primary activity responsibilities.

  • Certified in Wilderness medicine (or willing to get certified prior to camp).

Additional Requirements

  • Flexible and adaptable, with a willingness to work a demanding schedule.

  • Meet all required immunizations (MMR and Poly required).

  • Ability to drive, possession of a valid driver license and clean DMV record

  • You must be able to work in an outside environment, where you have the ability to walk/hike daily, at various grades, elevations, and on uneven terrain regardless of weather conditions.

  • Must be able to lift and carry 40-50 pounds while traveling in the backcountry, and carry and load luggage, tables, chairs, and other program equipment

  • Other duties as assigned

The Boys Club of New York is an equal opportunity employer

and makes employment decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, or any other status protected by law. ?If you have a disability or other protected need requiring an accommodation, please contact Human Resources.?

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