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Outdoor Guide Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

NxT Level

Senior Engineer - Water Resource Engineer

Boone, IA · On-site

$102K - $141K/yr

The ideal person loves the outdoors and wants to work at a firm focused on creating a better ... This individual will be able to guide our client's growth into the expanding market of resilient ...

Augment

Landfill Laborer

Lake Mills, IA · On-site

$19/hr

Outdoor, Physical Work - Stay Active * Safety-First Culture * Growth Opportunities in Environmental ... Direct traffic and guide commercial vehicles safely within the landfill. * Assist with the cleanup ...

sportsmans

Part Time Store Outfitter

Ankeny, IA · On-site

$14.50 - $16.50/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 ...

Highway Signing, Inc.

Skilled Laborer

Council Bluffs, IA · On-site

$20 - $23/hr

Train and guide entry-level crew members when needed Requirements: * General Construction or traffic control experience * Valid driver's license * Ability to lift 50+ lbs and work outdoors in all ...

Highway Signing Inc.

Skilled Laborer

Council Bluffs, IA · On-site

$20 - $23/hr

Train and guide entry-level crew members when needed Requirements: * General Construction or traffic control experience * Valid driver's license * Ability to lift 50+ lbs and work outdoors in all ...

ForceSource

Farm Hand with CDL

Nevada, IA · On-site

$14 - $18.75/hr

The ideal candidate enjoys working outdoors, has experience operating heavy equipment, and is ... Experience operating GPS-guided farming equipment * Commercial pesticide applicator license ...

County Materials

Forklift Operator - Yard Team

Iowa City, IA · On-site

$16.50 - $19.25/hr

Guide truck traffic and support safe movement of vehicles * Follow all OSHA, safety, and ... Work in outdoor weather conditions, including extreme hot or cold temperatures * Work near moving ...

ForceSource

Farm Hand with CDL

Nevada, IA · On-site

$14 - $18.75/hr

The ideal candidate enjoys working outdoors, has experience operating heavy equipment, and is ... GPS-guided farming equipmentCommercial pesticide applicator license (preferred but not required ...

MLee Medical Employment

Physical Therapist

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$1.6K - $2.1K/wk

If you are passionate about helping others and enjoy the great outdoors, Iowa is the perfect place ... Additionally, the PT may guide discharge planning and home exercise programs, ensuring a smooth ...

MLee Medical Employment

Physical Therapist

Bouton, IA · On-site

$1.7K - $2.2K/wk

If you are passionate about helping others and enjoy the great outdoors, Iowa is the perfect place ... Additionally, the PT may guide discharge planning and home exercise programs, ensuring a smooth ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsOutdoor Guide JobsOutdoor Guide Jobs in Iowa

Outdoor Guide information

See Iowa salary details

$7

$18

$37

How much do outdoor guide jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for outdoor guide in Iowa is $18.51, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.88 and $18.75 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 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 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 are popular job titles related to Outdoor Guide jobs in Iowa? For Outdoor Guide jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Outdoor Guide jobs in Iowa look for? The top searched job categories for Outdoor Guide jobs in Iowa are:
Outdoor Guide jobs near you
Infographic showing various Outdoor Guide job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $38,497 per year, or $18.5 per hour.

Senior Engineer - Water Resource Engineer

NxT Level

Boone, IA • On-site

$102K - $141K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 23 days ago

Job description

Our Client is looking for a Water Resource Engineer to join their Iowa team. They are an engineering and environmental consulting firm that specializes in water, ecology, and community.
The ideal person loves the outdoors and wants to work at a firm focused on creating a better environment. Their team is made up of hunters, fishers, and hikers with a culture focused on the outdoors.
The ideal candidate would have the ability to both manage and conduct project work independently while mentoring other staff on project teams. This position will require an aptitude for leadership, excellent communication and people skills, a willingness to develop client relationships, and guide corporate development.
Building on our extensive Iowa presence, this position will involve foster a planning and design office in Iowa, offering the independence to shape your own future. This individual will be able to guide our client's growth into the expanding market of resilient and innovative water and site design. With this opportunity, you can be part of bringing new concepts and ideas to planning and design projects to benefit our water and ecology, and to support healthier communities.
Education/Experience Required:
  • Iowa A&E consulting acumen
  • Degree in Civil Engineering or related engineering field
  • Iowa professional registration or ability to obtain within 6 months of hire
  • 8+ years of experience
  • Documented project management experience on projects of varying scope, size and complexity
  • Excellent writing and communication skills
  • Client relations, presentations, and business development
  • Capacity to lead and work remotely with coworkers and clients across our USA and Canada offices

Education/Experience Preferred:
  • Expertise with green infrastructure
  • Expertise with hydrologic and hydraulic modeling including SWMM
  • Personnel and/or office management
  • Financial tracking, budgeting, interpersonal problem-solving

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