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Director Hiking Guide Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Lodge at Blue Sky

Adventure Guide

Wanship, UT · On-site

... director with sales, scheduling, and setup/take down of adventures activities and logistics ... clays, hiking, biking, fishing, and assorted fitness classes. The expectation is that the guide ...

Discovery Land Company

Outdoor Field Guide

Amenia, NY · On-site

$24 - $26/hr

Reporting to the Silo Ridge Director of Vibe, the Outdoor Activity Guide is responsible for ... Birding, foraging, biking and hiking with members and guests. * Assist in the operation of the Dog ...

Discovery Land Company

Outdoor Field Guide

Amenia, NY · On-site

$24 - $26/hr

Reporting to the Silo Ridge Director of Vibe, the Outdoor Activity Guide is responsible for ... Birding, foraging, biking and hiking with members and guests. * Assist in the operation of the Dog ...

VCA Seaside Animal Hospital

Medical Director

Wasilla, AK · On-site

$150K/yr

We're seeking an experienced Medical Director to guide our well-established team and continue ... hiking trails, and some of Alaska's best hunting grounds. In winter, embrace the Iditarod spirit in ...

National Veterinary Associates

Medical Director

Ukiah, CA · On-site

$150K - $200K/yr

Advanced dentistry (bonding, endodontics, composite restorations, guided tissue regeneration ... Redwoods, hiking, cycling, and outdoor adventure at your doorstep * Small-town charm with modern ...

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Director Hiking Guide information

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$57K

$186.4K

$331K

How much do director hiking guide jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for director hiking guide in the United States is $186,382.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $115,500.00 and $249,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a Director Hiking Guide do?

A Director Hiking Guide is responsible for overseeing hiking programs, managing a team of hiking guides, and ensuring the safety and enjoyment of all participants. They plan routes, coordinate logistics, and often provide training and support for staff. Additionally, they may handle administrative duties, interact with clients, and ensure compliance with safety and environmental regulations. Their role combines leadership, outdoor expertise, and organizational skills to deliver high-quality hiking experiences.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Director Hiking Guide, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Director Hiking Guide, you need extensive knowledge of outdoor leadership, wilderness safety, trail navigation, and typically certifications such as Wilderness First Responder (WFR) or similar. Familiarity with GPS devices, mapping software, and emergency communication systems is often required. Exceptional communication, decision-making, and group management skills help you lead diverse groups safely and effectively. These skills and qualifications are vital to ensure participant safety, provide a memorable experience, and manage unforeseen challenges in outdoor environments.

What are some common challenges faced by a Director Hiking Guide, and how can they be addressed?

As a Director Hiking Guide, one common challenge is balancing the safety of participants with providing an engaging and adventurous experience. Unexpected weather changes, varying skill levels among hikers, and logistical issues such as route planning or gear management often arise. Addressing these requires robust risk assessment, clear communication, and adaptive leadership. Building strong relationships with local emergency services and maintaining thorough training for all guides also help ensure smooth operations and participant satisfaction.

What is the difference between Director Hiking Guide vs Lead Hiking Guide?

AspectDirector Hiking GuideLead Hiking Guide
CertificationsFirst Aid, Wilderness Safety, Guide CertificationFirst Aid, Wilderness Safety, Guide Certification
Work EnvironmentOversees multiple guides, manages operations, plans tripsLeads hikes, ensures safety, provides customer service
Employer & Industry UsageTour companies, outdoor adventure firmsOutdoor guiding services, adventure tour operators

The main difference is that a Director Hiking Guide typically manages guiding operations and oversees multiple guides, while a Lead Hiking Guide directly leads hikes and interacts with clients. Both roles require similar certifications and work in outdoor adventure settings, but the Director position involves more administrative responsibilities.

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What states have the most Director Hiking Guide jobs?

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Director Hiking Guide jobs near you
Infographic showing various Director Hiking Guide job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $186,382 per year, or $89.6 per hour.

Adventure Guide

San Diego, CA

arc After School and Experiential Education
Education • 501 - 1,000 employees
Learn more about arc After School and Experiential Educationexternal

$20 - $24/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 25 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Lead team-building challenges, obstacle courses, and offsite adventures like kayaking and biking for youth.

  • Ensure participant safety and create a safe environment while fostering personal growth and confidence.

  • Assist with event preparation, post-event tasks, cleanup, and inventory related to outdoor activities.

Job description

Make a Difference Today!

Do you thrive in the great outdoors? Love being active and working with youth? Are some of your best memories from hiking, camping, climbing, or water sports? If you believe kids learn more from hands-on outdoor experiences than sitting in a classroom, and you are looking for a flexible work schedule, then this is your calling!

Arc Experience provides before and after school programs for youth throughout Southern California in Los Angeles, San Diego, and Imperial Valley.

We highly value our employees, and we invest in them by providing opportunities to expand their career and life skills. Arc is looking for motivated and compassionate people who want to expand their career working with youth and have a desire to give back to the community.

Arc Experience’s Outdoor Adventure division is seeking enthusiastic Outdoor Adventure Guides to inspire and empower youth through nature-based activities. No need to be a backcountry expert—we will train you in the outdoor skills you need!

As a guide, you will lead team-building challenges, obstacle courses, and offsite adventures like kayaking and biking, helping students build confidence, develop social-emotional skills, and discover their potential—all while having an unforgettable time outdoors!

If you are ready to turn your love for adventure into a meaningful job, join our team today!

Qualifications & Experience

  • 2+ years of experienceworking with K-12 students.
  • Understanding of outdoor educationor leadership development programs.
  • Experience in adventure activitiesis highly preferred. Our most common programs include:
    • Hiking
    • Biking
    • Kayaking
    • Rock climbing
    • Team-building activities
  • Ability to personally participatein outdoor activities.
  • Strong leadership and behavior management skills, overseeing up to 20 students.
  • Encouraging and patient approachwhen working with youth.

Safety & Compliance Requirements

  • Mustcreate and maintain a physically and mentally safe environmentfor students, fostering personal growth, confidence, self-reliance, and leadership.
  • Laser-focused on participant safetyandcertified in first aid, CPR, and basic wilderness safety(or willing to complete training).
  • Ability to drive vehicles(with and without student passengers) per Arc's requirements. You will be trained to operate a vehicle towing a climbing wall and must participate in occasional refresher training.
  • College transcripts that show you have 48+ college credit units completed OR you take and pass an academic proficiency exam.
  • To get a TB test (and provide proof that it is negative) and pass a Live Scan background check.
  • You will be required to take CPR and first aid training or provide proof that you have been certified within 12 months.
  • English - Spanish bilingual speaker highly preferred.
  • Valid California driver's licenserequired (Commercial Driver's License a plus!).

Additional Expectations

  • Available to workboth weekdays and weekends.
  • Someadministrative paperworkis required for each outing.
  • Willingness to assist withevent prep, post-event tasks, cleanup, and inventory.
  • Familiarity with Leave No Trace (LNT) principlesis preferred.
  • Open tosharing ideas for improving programs and logistics.
  • Bilingual English-Spanish speakerswill have a competitive edge!
  • High school diploma or GED required(Bachelor's degree highly preferred).

Pay Rate & Benefits

  • Position Type:Part-time, non-exempt
  • Reports To:Director of Outdoor Education Operations
  • Compensation:$20.00 - $24.00 per hour (based on experience & skills)

If the school you will be working at requires a Covid-19 vaccination, then you must provide documentation that shows you are fully Covid-19 vaccinated.

Perks of Being an Arc Outdoor Adventure Guide

  • Earned paid sick leave
  • All equipment provided for events and activities
  • Company-sponsored certification assistance for long-term guides
  • Arc-branded outdoor wear
  • Ongoing training & professional development opportunities

Ability to commute/relocate:

  • Reliably commute before starting work (Required)

Arcis an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Apply