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Outdoor Guide Jobs in Alaska (NOW HIRING)

Part Time Store Outfitter

Juneau, AK · On-site

$16.25 - $18.50/hr

Be a Knowledgeable Guide: Share your passion and expertise about outdoor activities, products, and destinations. Help customers find exactly what they need for their next adventure, whether it ...

The hotel's Adventure Desk connects guests with the best outdoor experiences, from glacier tours to ... You'll guide your team in curating an unforgettable guest experience, focusing on quality service ...

Showing results 21-40

Outdoor Guide information

See Alaska salary details

$8

$21

$42

How much do outdoor guide jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for outdoor guide in Alaska is $21.22, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.76 and $21.49 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an outdoor guide?

Outdoor guides are professionals who lead individuals or groups on outdoor adventures such as hiking, rafting, climbing, fishing, or camping. They are responsible for ensuring the safety of participants, sharing knowledge about the environment, and providing instruction on techniques and equipment. Outdoor guides often have specialized training in first aid, navigation, and natural history. Their goal is to create enjoyable, educational, and safe experiences in various outdoor settings.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be an outdoor guide?

To thrive as an Outdoor Guide, you need expertise in outdoor skills, navigation, first aid, and a solid understanding of environmental safety, often supported by certifications like Wilderness First Responder or Leave No Trace. Familiarity with GPS devices, mapping software, and specialized gear for activities such as hiking, kayaking, or climbing is typically required. Strong communication, leadership, and problem-solving abilities help guides manage groups and respond calmly to unexpected situations. These skills ensure the safety, enjoyment, and education of participants while minimizing risks in dynamic outdoor environments.

What challenges do outdoor guides face during group excursions, and how can they be managed?

Outdoor Guides often encounter challenges such as rapidly changing weather, varying group fitness levels, and maintaining group safety in remote environments. Effective Outdoor Guides stay prepared with contingency plans, adapt itineraries on the fly, and communicate clearly with participants to ensure everyone understands expectations and safety procedures. Building rapport and fostering teamwork within diverse groups is also key for a positive and safe experience.

What is the difference between Outdoor Guide vs Hiking Instructor?

AspectOutdoor GuideHiking Instructor
CertificationsFirst Aid, CPR, outdoor activity certificationsFirst Aid, CPR, outdoor activity certifications
Work EnvironmentOutdoor settings, various terrains, group supervisionDesignated hiking trails, group instruction, outdoor
Employer & IndustryTour companies, adventure tourism, outdoor recreationOutdoor education centers, adventure programs, outdoor recreation
Search & Comparison IntentPeople seeking outdoor adventure jobs or toursIndividuals interested in outdoor education or guiding hikes

While both roles involve outdoor activities and safety certifications, an Outdoor Guide typically leads various outdoor adventures across different terrains, focusing on guiding groups through activities like rafting, climbing, or camping. A Hiking Instructor specializes in teaching hiking skills, leading groups on trails, and providing outdoor education specifically related to hiking. Both roles require similar certifications and work environments but differ in scope and activity focus.

What are popular job titles related to Outdoor Guide jobs in Alaska?

For Outdoor Guide jobs in Alaska, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Outdoor Guide jobs in Alaska look for?

The top searched job categories for Outdoor Guide jobs in Alaska are:

What cities in Alaska are hiring for Outdoor Guide jobs?

Cities in Alaska with the most Outdoor Guide job openings:

Infographic showing various Outdoor Guide job openings in Alaska as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $44,140 per year, or $21.2 per hour.

Cruise Operations Manager

Alaska Mountain Guides

Skagway, AK • Hybrid

$4.1K - $4.5K/mo

Full-time

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

Cruise Operations Manager

Salary: $4,100- $4,500 monthly DOE

Timeframe: Full time, expected 40- 50 hours/week

Location: Present in Skagway, Alaska to prepare for season set-up through completion of shutdown. Typically, this occurs between mid-March through mid-October. Remote work possible outside of these months.

Winter role vs. summer role varies considerably in terms of time, projects, and general business of the Haines office.

Overview:

Alaska Mountain Guides operates a variety of tours for guests visiting Southeast Alaska. Our primary clientele involves cruise ships, though independent travelers are also welcome. The main responsibility of the Haines Cruise Operations Manager is to oversee each of the tour sites and their corresponding site managers as well as assist in a variety of day-to-day operations of the company through a combination of field and office work.

Job Qualifications:

  • Must be 21 years old
  • Prior experience in cruise industry/ tourism is preferred
  • Excellent organizational and management skills
  • Strong computer and database skills (Microsoft Excel and Word, Adobe, etc.)
  • Some experience in the outdoors is preferred.

Reporting:

  • Report directly to the Skagway program manager. Help facilitate generation of Skagway weekly reports to Skagway Program manager and owners.

General Duties:

  • Responsible for oversight of operations for Alaska Mountain Guides and Chilkat Guides cruise ship programs in Skagway.
  • Coordinate with Haines office for Cruise ship programming
  • Help support long trip operations based out of Skagway

Guide Management:

  • Shared management of guides, dock staff and site managers
  • Time sheets and payroll - manage overall guide hours and overtime
  • Timesheet review prior to each payroll
  • Oversee overall scheduling
  • Coordinate with site specific managers to help facilitate weekly guide meetings
  • Guide appreciation; organize dinners and activities, etc.

Office Management & Office Tasks:

  • Ship correspondence - email and telephone
  • Scheduling – manage overall scheduling with office staff.
  • Dock repping and settlement - as needed - shared with office and dock managers
  • Shared management of Dock Manager - Organize and manage dock transfers – work closely with Dock Manager to ensure that Dock transfers happen appropriately.
  • Active presence at site and on pier
  • Daily Summaries - emailed to all ships at the end of the day
  • Waivers and guide paperwork - Organize and verify completion throughout day and at end
  • Manage Skagway Office Petty Cash in coordination with Skagway Program manager
  • Organize weekly office meetings
  • Ship Settlement and Sending Settlement Sheets & Dock transfers
  • Maintain Outlook Skagway Calendar
  • Learn database and scheduling software and coordinate database efforts within the Skagway office and between the Haines Office.
  • Help structure and build allocations and proposals for each season working closely with Skagway and Haines program managers.
  • Manage adjustments to allocations and space requests with the cruise lines on an ongoing basis.

Marketing:

  • This would primarily be the Marketing Manager's role, however, the Operations Manager may play a part in these marketing efforts. This may include Familiarization (FAM) trips with Shore Excursion staff, presence and enthusiasm at the dock, or other lateral marketing efforts.
  • Be a part of, and support, early season FAM trips.

Skagway Infrastructure:

  • Houses - make notes in weekly report of repairs needed.
  • Coordinate with maintenance staff to prioritize repairs.
  • Coordinate employees and house "moms" to ensure that properties are adequately taken care of.

Program Site Management:

  • Shared management with Site Specific Managers
  • Site specific managers manage specific programs/locations, and are key assets in ability to manage operations.
  • Rock/Zip site managers, Canoe program manager, Hike & Float Manager, Dock Manager, and "new program" manager
  • Make sure they are providing regular reports, and have what they need.
  • Delegate specific tasks appropriately for efficient management.

Guide and Drive as needed

Other duties as dictated by daily needs

Support of new projects and initiatives as needed

Winter Season:

  • Primary functions include but not limited to:
    • Hiring for summer season
    • Creation and management of cruise allocations
    • Expedition sales (see above)
    • Helping all departments as needed
  • Remote work possible in winter
    • Remote work is a privilege based on performance and is not guaranteed
  • Must be present in Skagway office a minimum of two weeks prior to first guide arrivals in Skagway and through season shut-down (typically mid-March through mid-October)