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Expedition Guide Jobs (NOW HIRING)

ThreePeaks Ascent

Field Guide

Enterprise, UT · On-site

$153 - $260/day

The field guide is the person who sees our students every day and directly facilitates the healing ... Expedition groups which live primitively and nomadically . Our students join an existing group when ...

ThreePeaks Ascent

Field Guide

Enterprise, UT · On-site

$153 - $260/day

The field guide is the person who sees our students every day and directly facilitates the healing ... Expedition groups which live primitively and nomadically . Our students join an existing group when ...

ThreePeaks Ascent

Field Guide

Enterprise, UT · On-site

$153 - $260/day

The field guide is the person who sees our students every day and directly facilitates the healing ... Expedition groups which live primitively and nomadically . Our students join an existing group when ...

Discovery Land Company

Outdoor Field Guide

Amenia, NY · On-site

$24 - $26/hr

Schedules and guides hunts, fishing excursions, archery and 3D target shooting, and paintball ... Leading expeditions as a member amenity which is all about having FUN! * Be at least twenty-one (21 ...

Discovery Land Company

Outdoor Field Guide

Amenia, NY · On-site

$24 - $26/hr

Schedules and guides hunts, fishing excursions, archery and 3D target shooting, and paintball ... Leading expeditions as a member amenity which is all about having FUN! * Be at least twenty-one (21 ...

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Expedition Guide information

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How much do expedition guide jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for expedition guide in the United States is $30.73, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.18 and $31.97 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an expedition guide do?

An Expedition Guide leads and supports groups on outdoor adventures, ensuring safety, navigation, and overall experience. They provide expertise in survival skills, terrain management, and environmental awareness. Guides may work in various settings, such as mountains, forests, or remote locations, tailoring trips to different skill levels. Their responsibilities include planning routes, assessing risks, and educating participants about the local environment. Strong leadership, first aid knowledge, and a passion for nature are essential for this role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an expedition guide?

To thrive as an Expedition Guide, you need strong outdoor skills, navigation abilities, and a solid understanding of safety protocols, often backed by certifications such as Wilderness First Responder (WFR) or similar. Familiarity with GPS units, satellite communication devices, and expedition planning software is typically required for modern guiding. Excellent communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills help guides engage clients and manage group dynamics effectively. These competencies are crucial for ensuring both participant safety and an enjoyable, well-organized experience in challenging environments.

What are some common challenges expedition guides face during trips?

Expedition Guides often encounter unpredictable weather, shifting terrain conditions, and may need to quickly adapt plans to keep groups safe and on track. Managing group dynamics—such as differing skill levels, personalities, and client expectations—can also be a frequent challenge. Guides typically work in remote areas, which requires self-sufficiency, quick decision-making, and a calm demeanor in stressful situations. These realities make the job both demanding and highly rewarding for those who thrive in dynamic, outdoor settings.

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Expedition Guide jobs near you
Infographic showing various Expedition Guide job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $63,924 per year, or $30.7 per hour.

Expedition Guide

Positions at Sea - UnCruise Adventures

Juneau, AK • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 13 days ago

Job description

ABOUT UNCRUISE
At UnCruise Adventures, we work together to provide an enriching adventure experience while inspiring an appreciation of local cultures and the natural world. This means we kayak among icebergs, travel to hidden waterfalls, snorkel with sea lions, dive with manta rays, and share air with whales. Our destinations include Alaska, the Hawaiian Islands, Mexico's Sea of Cortes, and Costa Rica.
CREW PERKS
  • Room and board when scheduled
  • Rotation schedule (6-8 weeks sailing with 2-3 weeks off)
  • Travel stipend
  • Pro deals
  • Credential reimbursement (qualifications required)
  • Heath care benefits (once qualifications are met)
JOB SUMMARY
The Expedition Guide is part of a team whose goal is to inspire guests and help them understand and appreciate the areas they visit during their cruise. The Guide is supervised by the Expedition Leader and Lead Guide and work in teams of 2-7 members, along with the full vessel crew. Primary responsibilities include guiding and interpretation, onboard presentations and narration, and behind the scenes daily maintenance and programmatic tasks. Topics range from geology, glaciology, and marine biology to cultural history and current issues in local destinations. The Guide leads groups of guests on hikes ranging from shore walks to route finding or bushwhacking, skiff tours, snorkeling, and paddle boarding, as well as whole and half day kayak trips. This position takes ownership of delivering an unforgettable vacation experience to guests through sharing their knowledge, guiding excursions, and exemplary customer service, with an emphasis on safety.
QUALIFICATIONS
  • Minimum one year of naturalist interpretation or environmental education in the field and formal presentations for groups of up to 90 participants.
  • Demonstrable written and verbal communications including interpretive materials and presentations development. Demonstrable ability to operate Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and photo editing software.
  • Minimum education of a Bachelor of Science in natural and/or cultural history, or other relevant field of study, or equivalent experience.
  • Minimum one year professional experience leading small groups in remote field settings and on the water.
  • Exceptional and demonstrable customer service and problem solving skills.
  • Strong preference for working in a team setting in remote environments.
  • Prior small ship cruise industry experience strongly preferred.
Required Certificates, Licenses, Registrations:
  • Wilderness First Responder (WFR)
  • CPR / First Aid / AED
  • Government ID (REAL ID compliant) or Passport
ESSENTIAL DUTIES
  • Lead hiking and kayaking expeditions in remote wilderness settings with few or no defined trails, utilizing safety standards and route finding skills.
  • Work within a cohesive and cooperative team led by the Expedition Leader and Lead Guide, with heavy emphasis on communication and teamwork.
  • Confidently and competently lead groups of up to 20 guests in the field and on the water, and create an enjoyable experience for guests even when an excursion does not go as planned. Heavy emphasis on customer service, dynamic thinking and safety.
  • Demonstrable ability to utilize a GPS, and read navigational and topographical maps and software.
  • Provide in the field, hands-on interpretation, and thematic, formal onboard presentations that are integrated into a week-long interpretive program, and wildlife narration utilizing interactive tools such as maps, charts, guidebooks, power point, microscopes and spotting scopes to involve the guests.
  • Develop and deliver educational presentations covering environmental science, history, or other relevant topics to the itinerary as assigned by the EL for up to 90 guests.
  • Cultivate the guest experience by focusing on the observation of the surrounding geology, flora and fauna by encouraging passengers to spend as much time on deck exploring and experiencing the natural surroundings that may go unnoticed.
  • Participate in the behind the scenes daily maintenance and programmatic tasks that keep our gear and program running. These tasks will include, but are not limited to, photo editing, blogging, slideshow creation, gear stowage, repair, cleaning, and organization.
  • Proactively maintain the cleanliness, order and function of all Expedition tools, including kayaks, paddleboards, electronics and snorkeling gear.
  • Assist in general shipboard tasks during the operating season including loading of ship's food stores, laundry, garbage, luggage, and helping the hotel staff with cleaning as needed.
  • Maintain a professional demeanor and appearance amongst crew and guests at all times, while living in a close community setting.

ONBOARD ENVIRONMENT / PHYSICAL DEMANDS / EMPLOYMENT COMPLIANCE
  • Living Conditions - Crew live in close quarters with 4 to 8 people of all genders per room depending on the vessel. Having your own room is not an option due to limited berthing.
  • Length of Work Shift - Physically able to work 12 hours per day, 7 days a week for 6 to 8 weeks at a time. Rotations off the vessel are usually 2 to 3 weeks.
  • Mobility - Frequent bending, reaching, twisting, kneeling, crawling, and pushing/pulling. Must ascend and descend stairs and ladders, sometimes while carrying tools or objects. Able to stand or sit for long periods of time.
  • Handling & Strength - Able to handle, lift, and lower objects totaling 50 pounds between the ground/deck level to a height of about 4 to 6 feet, and able to repeat these movements. Able to carry these objects up to 100 feet continuously for 20 minutes.
  • Environmental Conditions - Able to work in all weather conditions, around loud noise, in small spaces, and fit through a 28-inch wide hatch.
  • DOT Drug Testing - In compliance with USCG regulations, must pass a pre-employment drug test and additional in-season testing per federal guidelines.
  • Allergens - This position requires working with and/or being around raw and cooked shellfish, cleaning chemicals and other known allergens.
  • Medical Review - A medical review is required. Must be medically fit to work onboard for safety and compliance.
BASE PAY
  • $139 / day + $70/day tip guarantee. Weekly tip amounts vary, the lowest being $70/day.

Pay Range
$139-$209 USD
DISCLAIMER STATEMENT
This job description is intended only to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by an employee in this position. It is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills or abilities required or persons so classified or assigned. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
It is the policy of UnCruise Adventures not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, creed, religion, marital status, citizenship, the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, ancestry, national origin, or veteran status in its educational programs, activities, or employment as required by law.

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