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Hiking Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Assistant K9 Handler

Houston, TX · On-site

$41K - $62K/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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$6

$12

$22

How much do hiking jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 17, 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 instructor, which require skills in safety, navigation, and environmental knowledge. These jobs often involve working outdoors, sometimes with certifications in first aid or wilderness survival, and may include seasonal or full-time positions.
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:

Infographic showing various Hiking job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 25% Full Time, and 75% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $25,923 per year, or $12.5 per hour.

$41K - $62K/yr

Full-time

Posted 21 days ago


Job description

Houston, TX - Salary Range $41,600 - $62,400 (company provided van)
Job Brief
This is a unique opportunity to work with K9s, stay active, and make a difference. 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 supports daily canine care and ranch operations, including feeding, grooming, exercising, cleaning, transporting dogs, and assisting with group hikes. The ideal candidate is physically active, dependable, a team player, and passionate about the health, safety, and well-being of dogs.
Responsibilities
  • Transport: Provide transport to the ranch, Monday - Friday, in a company owned Van.
  • Hiking Assistance: Assist owner with K9 hiking sessions learning and practicing basic and advanced handling techniques.
  • Safety and Maintenance: Ensure the safety of the K9s and surrounding environment, which includes the cleaning of all areas the K9s play and sleep in.
  • Communication: Work closely with owner/handler and K9 owners to provide information and support.

Requirements
  • Dog Handling: Ability to safely handle dogs of various breed, sizes, and temperaments.
  • Animal Behavior: Basic understanding of canine behavior, including body language, to identify threats of aggression or flight.
  • Physical Stamina: Ability to perform physical tasks, such as lifting, running/hiking, and standing for extended periods.
  • Communication: Excellent communication and customer service skills to interact with clients, and colleagues.
  • Teamwork: Strong ability to work effectively in a team-oriented environment.
  • Passion for Dogs: A deep commitment to animal welfare and a genuine desire to work with dogs.
  • Knowledge of Training: Familiarity with basic obedience commands and training methods are preferred but with the right individual, the owner is willing to train.
  • Clean Driving Record: A valid drivers license and a clean driving record are critical to transport K9s.

Scuttlebutt Services logo

About Scuttlebutt Services

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Scuttlebutt Services, LLC is a veteran owned and operated recruiting agency headquartered in Houston, TX. We are dedicated to supporting US Veterans and their families. This is accomplished by connecting veteran friendly employers with talented veteran candidates. In doing so, we use a range of veteran candidates from those with tenure in the corporate sector to veterans recently transitioning to the civilian workforce. National studies consistently prove that companies who hire veterans classify them as some of the hardest working and dedicated personnel within the organization.

Industry

Recruiting and staffing services

Company size

11 - 50 Employees

Headquarters location

Cypress, TX, US

Year founded

2018

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