Backpacking Jobs (NOW HIRING)

At The Heritage Community, adventure is more than recreation. It is an opportunity for healing, growth, and transformation. We believe that outdoor experiences build confidence, resilience, emotional regulation, and life skills that last long after the trip is over.

We are seeking an experienced outdoor leader who thrives in challenging environments, enjoys mentoring youth, and is passionate about helping adolescents discover their potential. If you are equally comfortable leading a backpacking expedition, navigating unexpected challenges, and building meaningful relationships, this is an opportunity to make a lasting impact.

As the Adventure Education Supervisor, you will lead Heritage's outdoor and experiential education program, designing and facilitating experiences that challenge students physically, emotionally, and socially while supporting their therapeutic goals. Every trip is intentionally designed to teach resilience, teamwork, leadership, and personal responsibility.

You will be responsible for ensuring every adventure is safe, well planned, and meaningful while creating an environment where students can build confidence through real-world experiences.

• Plan, coordinate, and lead hiking, camping, backpacking, climbing, and other adventure-based experiences.
• Facilitate overnight and multi-day wilderness expeditions.
• Build strong therapeutic relationships with adolescents through shared outdoor experiences.
• Teach teamwork, emotional regulation, communication, and problem-solving in real time.
• Manage all trip logistics including transportation, permits, meals, lodging, and equipment.
• Conduct risk assessments, safety briefings, and emergency response planning.
• Maintain outdoor gear, adventure equipment, and fleet vehicles.
• Coach and support Adventure Education staff during outings and programming.
• Provide behavioral support using trauma-informed practices while maintaining group safety.
• Ensure every adventure reflects Heritage's mission of helping students heal and thrive.

The ideal candidate is someone who:

• Leads confidently in unfamiliar and changing environments.
• Remains calm and decisive during emergencies.
• Builds trust quickly with adolescents.
• Enjoys teaching through experience rather than lecture.
• Balances safety with adventure.
• Is highly organized and able to coordinate complex trips.
• Models resilience, accountability, and professionalism every day.

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Minimum of two years of experience leading youth in outdoor, wilderness, or adventure programming.
• Current Wilderness First Responder (WFR) or Wilderness First Aid (WFA) certification.
• Current CPR and First Aid certification.
• Clean driving record and ability to transport students using fleet vehicles.
• At least 21 years of age.
• Ability to hike, camp, carry equipment weighing up to 50 pounds, and participate in physically demanding outdoor activities in varying terrain and weather conditions.
• Ability to successfully complete all required background checks and pre-employment screenings.

• Postsecondary education in Outdoor Leadership, Experiential Education, Recreation Therapy, or a related field.
• Experience working with adolescents in behavioral health, residential treatment, or therapeutic recreation.
• Knowledge of trauma-informed care and behavioral intervention strategies.

This is more than an outdoor leadership position. It is an opportunity to use adventure as a tool for healing. You will help young people overcome challenges, discover confidence they did not know they had, and create memories that become turning points in their lives.

Every trail, campsite, and summit has the potential to become a classroom for resilience, courage, and personal growth. If you are looking for a career where your passion for the outdoors can truly change lives, we would love to hear from you.

Join The Heritage Community and help inspire and prepare individuals to heal and thrive.