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Expedition Guide Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Global Treks and Adventures

$18.50 - $23.25/hr

This expedition will focus on developing two publications: * Develop the first hiking trails magazine with short stories capturing the culture and environment of Iceland. * A naturalist guide and ...

Global Treks and Adventures

$18.25 - $23.25/hr

This expedition will focus on developing two publications: * Develop the first hiking trails magazine with short stories capturing the culture and environment of Iceland. * A naturalist guide and ...

Global Treks and Adventures

$18.25 - $23.25/hr

This expedition will focus on developing two publications: * Develop the first hiking trails magazine with short stories capturing the culture and environment of Iceland. * A naturalist guide and ...

Global Treks and Adventures

$18 - $22.75/hr

This expedition will focus on developing two publications: * Develop the first hiking trails magazine with short stories capturing the culture and environment of Iceland. * A naturalist guide and ...

Global Treks and Adventures

$18.25 - $23/hr

This expedition will focus on developing two publications: * Develop the first hiking trails magazine with short stories capturing the culture and environment of Iceland. * A naturalist guide and ...

Global Treks and Adventures

$17.25 - $21.75/hr

This expedition will focus on developing two publications: * Develop the first hiking trails magazine with short stories capturing the culture and environment of Iceland. * A naturalist guide and ...

Global Treks and Adventures

$17 - $21.25/hr

This expedition will focus on developing two publications: * Develop the first hiking trails magazine with short stories capturing the culture and environment of Iceland. * A naturalist guide and ...

Global Treks and Adventures

$17 - $21.50/hr

This expedition will focus on developing two publications: * Develop the first hiking trails magazine with short stories capturing the culture and environment of Iceland. * A naturalist guide and ...

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All JobsExpedition Guide JobsExpedition Guide Jobs in California

Expedition Guide information

See California salary details

$7

$30

$95

How much do expedition guide jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for expedition guide in California is $30.09, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.89 and $31.31 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

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 in the Expedition Guide position, and why are they important?

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 the most commonly searched types of Expedition Guide jobs in California? The most popular types of Expedition Guide jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Expedition Guide jobs in California? For Expedition Guide jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Expedition Guide jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Expedition Guide jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Expedition Guide jobs? Cities in California with the most Expedition Guide job openings:
Expedition Guide jobs near you
Infographic showing various Expedition Guide job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 94% In-person, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $62,596 per year, or $30.1 per hour.

Adventure Guide

Tahoe Expedition Academy & Tahoe Summer Camps

Truckee, CA

$16.90 - $25/hr

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

TEA Fieldwork Guide Position: The guide role is a position that could support any fieldwork from 2 days and 1 night to 11 days and 10 nights and in addition, day trips.
TEA is an experiential education based K-12 school in the Truckee/North Lake Tahoe region. We create more than 200 field trips or field studies each year. Many are single day, but others are overnight, more in depth "peak experiences," which require additional support to execute. The overnight field studies begin in Kindergarten and continue through 12th grade. Each developmental level creates longer and more intense opportunities for field based experiential education.
The guide position requires a variety of outdoor and interpersonal skills. We look for people who possess teaching or outdoor skills degrees or a depth of personal and professional experience working with youth in the wilderness or in trip leading. Outdoor skills, including backpacking, camping, rock climbing, rafting, kayaking, surfing as well as knowledge and expertise leading outdoor or environmental education can assist the guide role, but may not be required depending on the field study. In addition, this requires gear repair and restock hours.
The ability to build rapport, remain open minded, positive and flexible, within adverse and challenging environments is a must. A current Wilderness First Responder and CPR certifications are required for employment. Additional certifications, including lifeguarding, rock climbing guide, swift water rescue, avalanche training could allow for more opportunities in specific field work outings, but are not required for employment. Livescan fingerprinting clearance is also required prior to first day of work.
Pay rate, varies by contract and field study.

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