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Hiking Jobs (NOW HIRING)

APPALACHIAN MOUNTAIN CLUB

Hiking Guide

Haverstraw, NY · On-site

$22/hr

The year-round, part-time Hiking Guide will be instrumental in helping AMC achieve our goals in building community in the NYC area. AMC's renewed investment in the NYC area will focus first on ...

Shoreline Happy Paws

Dog Hiking Specialist

Madison, CT · On-site

$17 - $23/hr

You want to end your workday dirty, tired, and grinning The Work Hiking is the heart of it. Between hikes you will also handle neighborhood Dog Walking, yard let-outs and potty breaks, and in-home ...

Alyeska Resort

Biking & Hiking Trail Crew

Girdwood, AK · On-site

$18/hr

Ensures that all trails are maintained per Hiking & Biking supervisors and Mountain Managements instructions. * Places signage at appropriate locations to ensure riders/hikers are made aware of trail ...

Scuttlebutt Services, LLC

Assistant K9 Handler

Houston, TX · On-site

$41K - $52K/yr

Our client transports dogs from the Houston area to a private ranch for hiking, training, and boarding. If you love dogs and enjoy the outdoors, this is a fun and rewarding role. The K9 Assistant ...

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Hiking information

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How much do hiking jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for hiking in the United States is $12.46, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $7.93 and $17.07 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a hiking guide do?

A hiking guide leads individuals or groups on outdoor walking excursions, ensuring their safety and providing information about the local environment, wildlife, and history. They plan routes, assess trail conditions, and offer guidance on hiking techniques and gear. Hiking guides are trained in first aid and are knowledgeable about navigation, weather patterns, and leave-no-trace principles to enhance the outdoor experience for participants.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a hiking guide?

To thrive as a Hiking Guide, you need strong knowledge of outdoor safety, navigation, first aid, and local terrain, usually supported by relevant certifications like Wilderness First Aid. Familiarity with GPS devices, trail mapping software, and emergency communication tools is typically required. Excellent leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills help guides manage groups and respond effectively to unexpected situations. These competencies ensure both the safety and enjoyment of clients while fostering trust and confidence during outdoor adventures.

What are some common challenges faced by professional hiking guides, and how can they be addressed?

Professional hiking guides often face challenges such as unpredictable weather, varying group fitness levels, and ensuring safety in remote areas. Managing these requires strong planning skills, adaptability, and effective communication with clients. Guides typically conduct pre-hike briefings, carry essential safety equipment, and keep updated on trail conditions to mitigate risks. Building strong rapport with the group and maintaining flexibility can also help address unexpected issues that arise during hikes.

What is the difference between Hiking vs Mountain Guide?

AspectHikingMountain Guide
Required CredentialsNo formal certification needed, but outdoor skills helpfulCertifications such as ACMG or IFMGA required
Work EnvironmentTrails, parks, natural terrainsMountains, remote terrains, challenging routes
Employer & IndustryOutdoor recreation, parks, tourismTour companies, adventure tourism, guiding services
Common Search & ComparisonPopular outdoor activity, beginner to intermediateSpecialized professional guiding in mountainous terrains

Hiking involves walking on trails and natural terrains for recreation or exercise, often without formal training. Mountain Guides, however, are trained professionals with certifications who lead and ensure safety on challenging mountain routes. While hiking is accessible to many, mountain guiding requires specialized skills and credentials, making it a more advanced profession in outdoor recreation.

Can hiking be a career?

Hiking can be a career when it involves roles such as outdoor guide, park ranger, or adventure tour operator. These jobs often require knowledge of outdoor safety, navigation skills, and sometimes certifications or training in wilderness first aid. Many professionals combine their passion for hiking with related skills to build a sustainable career in outdoor recreation or conservation.
More about Hiking jobs

What cities are hiring for Hiking jobs?

Cities with the most Hiking job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Hiking jobs?

The most popular types of Hiking jobs are:

What states have the most Hiking jobs?

States with the most job openings for Hiking jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Hiking jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Hiking jobs are:

Hiking jobs near you
Infographic showing various Hiking job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $25,923 per year, or $12.5 per hour.

Hiking Guide

The Wilderness Society / Outdoors.org

Haverstraw, NY • On-site

$22/hr

Full-time, Part-time

Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired 3 days ago. Applications are no longer accepted.

Key responsibilities

  • Lead and facilitate walks and hikes in NY's 5 boroughs and other nearby hiking locations.

  • Implement thematic, place-based programming that builds community and meets the needs of a range participant populations.

  • Support events and other community building activities in the NY area, including providing transportation and logistical support for hiking groups.

Job description

Founded in 1876, the Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC) is America's oldest conservation and recreation organization. AMC is dedicated to protecting, enjoying, and understating the outdoors. We envision a world where being outdoors is an integral part of people's lives; where our natural resources are healthy, loved and protected. Working in America's Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions, AMC values respect for all people and nature, lifelong engagement with the outdoors, prepared leadership, intrinsic worth of the outdoors, and fun.
The year-round, part-time Hiking Guide will be instrumental in helping AMC achieve our goals in building community in the NYC area. AMC's renewed investment in the NYC area will focus first on meeting potential members where they are: in New York's five boroughs. The Hiking Guide will lead hikes in the five boroughs for 48 weekends of the year. Additionally, the Hiking Guide will support Concrete to Trails Hikes, offering transport to destinations outside of the city from May to October. Destinations include, but are not limited to, Harriman State Park. The Hiking Guide will collaborate with staff and volunteers in supporting all events and activities in the NY area.
What you'll be doing at AMC
  • Lead and facilitate walks and hikes in NY's 5 boroughs and other nearby hiking locations.
  • Implement thematic, place-based programming that builds community and meets the needs of a range participant populations.
  • Create and deliver educational activities in collaboration with AMC staff across our region.
  • Create and foster a welcoming group culture and learning environment among hiking participants.
  • Prioritize safety and manage risk of participants in outdoor settings.
  • During emergencies, promptly refer participants to the appropriate state agency personnel, ensuring their safety and well-being.
  • Support events and other community building activities in the NY area.
  • Provide transportation and logistical support for hiking groups.
  • Support Gear Library by pulling, organizing, and returning gear at AMC's Gear

What AMC is looking for
  • Demonstrated experience leading hiking or walking activities.
  • Possess a fundamental understanding of safe practices during hiking and outdoor activities.
  • Course work in natural sciences, experiential education, or related field, or equivalent work experience
  • Must be enthusiastic and enjoy working with the public.
  • Current First Aid and CPR/Wilderness First Aid Certificate or ability to obtain certification.
  • Must be a team player, detail oriented, well organized, highly flexible, adaptable, and resourceful.
  • Physical abilities needed: Requires ability to hike 6 - 8 hours per day on uneven terrain, carrying a backpack and other equipment up to 40 pounds, in all weather conditions.
  • Availability to work weekends, nights, and holidays.
  • Satisfactory driving record and background check, as verified by state record check
  • 21+ years old and ability to obtain DOT medical clearance to drive vehicles strongly preferred

What AMC Can Offer You
Part time employment, 20 hours per week.
Hourly Rate: $22.00/hr
We are committed to fair compensation practices. The initial salary represents our starting point, and our compensation philosophy is designed to reward and recognize the contributions of our employees as they grow within the organization. External candidates typically begin their journey with us at the starting point of the salary range. The final compensation offer will be based on factors such as experience, education, competencies, and geographic differential relevant to the position, and will be discussed during the interview process.
Benefits
  • Insurance: Available with positions that are 6 months or longer and when working greater than 30 hours per week
  • Retirement: Voluntary 403(b) Contribution
  • Paid Time Off: earn up to 10 days of paid earned time depending on length of service
  • Other Team Member Perks:
  • 30% discount on AMC Merchandise
  • Free Annual AMC Membership
  • 4 Free nights at AMC locations
  • Prodeals discounts on equipment & gear and more!

To Apply:
Please include a resume and letter of interest. No phone calls or agencies please.
AMC encourages all interested candidates to apply, even if they do not meet every listed qualification. If you have a passion for the outdoors and believe your skills and experiences align with this role, we welcome your application.
The Appalachian Mountain Club has zero tolerance for child abuse or placing children in danger. The AMC requires all employees who work in a program or facility that serves children, disabled persons, or the elderly to have a criminal background record check performed on their name annually with employment contingent upon satisfactory results.

Apply