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Outdoor Guide Jobs in Encinitas, CA (NOW HIRING)

Rivian

Product Guide IV - Vista Service Center

Vista, CA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Our backgrounds are diverse, but our team shares a love of the outdoors and a desire to protect it ... The estimated schedule is 40 hours per week (5 days a week, 8 hour shifts) As a Product Guide IV at ...

Rivian

Product Guide IV - Vista Service Center

Vista, CA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Our backgrounds are diverse, but our team shares a love of the outdoors and a desire to protect it ... The estimated schedule is 40 hours per week (5 days a week, 8 hour shifts) As a Product Guide IV at ...

SSCW Enterprises

Car Wash Associate - HWY 76

Oceanside, CA · On-site

$14 - $17/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Position Summary As a Car Wash Associate, you'll be responsible for preparing, guiding, and loading ... S. -- You will need to like working outdoors, as this role involves spending the majority of the ...

SSCW Enterprises

Car Wash Associate - Balboa

San Diego, CA · On-site

$14 - $17/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Position Summary As a Car Wash Associate, you'll be responsible for preparing, guiding, and loading ... S. -- You will need to like working outdoors, as this role involves spending the majority of the ...

SSCW Enterprises

Car Wash Associate - Melrose

Vista, CA · On-site

$13.50 - $16.25/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Position Summary As a Car Wash Associate, you'll be responsible for preparing, guiding, and loading ... S. -- You will need to like working outdoors, as this role involves spending the majority of the ...

SSCW Enterprises

Car Wash Associate - Mission

San Diego, CA · On-site

$14.25 - $17.25/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Position Summary As a Car Wash Associate, you'll be responsible for preparing, guiding, and loading ... S. -- You will need to like working outdoors, as this role involves spending the majority of the ...

SSCW Enterprises

Car Wash Associate - Balboa

San Diego, CA · On-site

$14 - $17/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Position Summary As a Car Wash Associate, you'll be responsible for preparing, guiding, and loading ... S. -- You will need to like working outdoors, as this role involves spending the majority of the ...

SSCW Enterprises

Car Wash Associate - Mission

San Diego, CA · On-site

$14 - $17/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Position Summary As a Car Wash Associate, you'll be responsible for preparing, guiding, and loading ... S. -- You will need to like working outdoors, as this role involves spending the majority of the ...

Kniffings Landscape

Landscape Crew Lead

El Cajon, CA · On-site

$19 - $22/hr

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Our team of gardening experts are knowledgeable and passionate about guiding, inspiring and serving ... enjoy working outdoors and making yards look beautiful, submit your resume today Job Type ...

Kniffings Landscape

Landscape Crew Lead

El Cajon, CA · On-site

$19 - $22/hr

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Our team of gardening experts are knowledgeable and passionate about guiding, inspiring and serving ... enjoy working outdoors and making yards look beautiful, submit your resume today Job Type ...

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsOutdoor Guide JobsOutdoor Guide Jobs in Encinitas, CA

Outdoor Guide information

See Encinitas, CA salary details

$8

$21

$42

How much do outdoor guide jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for outdoor guide in Encinitas, CA is $21.16, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.71 and $21.44 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 cities near Encinitas, CA are hiring for Outdoor Guide jobs?

Cities near Encinitas, CA with the most Outdoor Guide job openings:

Outdoor Guide jobs near you
Infographic showing various Outdoor Guide job openings in Encinitas, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 40% Full Time, and 60% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $44,023 per year, or $21.2 per hour.

Adventure Guide

arc After School and Experiential Education

San Diego, CA

$20 - $24/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 27 days ago

Job description

Make a Difference Today!

Do you thrive in the great outdoors? Love being active and working with youth? Are some of your best memories from hiking, camping, climbing, or water sports? If you believe kids learn more from hands-on outdoor experiences than sitting in a classroom, and you are looking for a flexible work schedule, then this is your calling!

Arc Experience provides before and after school programs for youth throughout Southern California in Los Angeles, San Diego, and Imperial Valley.

We highly value our employees, and we invest in them by providing opportunities to expand their career and life skills. Arc is looking for motivated and compassionate people who want to expand their career working with youth and have a desire to give back to the community.

Arc Experience’s Outdoor Adventure division is seeking enthusiastic Outdoor Adventure Guides to inspire and empower youth through nature-based activities. No need to be a backcountry expert—we will train you in the outdoor skills you need!

As a guide, you will lead team-building challenges, obstacle courses, and offsite adventures like kayaking and biking, helping students build confidence, develop social-emotional skills, and discover their potential—all while having an unforgettable time outdoors!

If you are ready to turn your love for adventure into a meaningful job, join our team today!

#SD2

Qualifications & Experience

  • 2+ years of experienceworking with K-12 students.
  • Understanding of outdoor educationor leadership development programs.
  • Experience in adventure activitiesis highly preferred. Our most common programs include:
    • Hiking
    • Biking
    • Kayaking
    • Rock climbing
    • Team-building activities
  • Ability to personally participatein outdoor activities.
  • Strong leadership and behavior management skills, overseeing up to 20 students.
  • Encouraging and patient approachwhen working with youth.

Safety & Compliance Requirements

  • Mustcreate and maintain a physically and mentally safe environmentfor students, fostering personal growth, confidence, self-reliance, and leadership.
  • Laser-focused on participant safetyandcertified in first aid, CPR, and basic wilderness safety(or willing to complete training).
  • Ability to drive vehicles(with and without student passengers) per Arc's requirements. You will be trained to operate a vehicle towing a climbing wall and must participate in occasional refresher training.
  • College transcripts that show you have 48+ college credit units completed OR you take and pass an academic proficiency exam.
  • To get a TB test (and provide proof that it is negative) and pass a Live Scan background check.
  • You will be required to take CPR and first aid training or provide proof that you have been certified within 12 months.
  • English - Spanish bilingual speaker highly preferred.
  • Valid California driver's licenserequired (Commercial Driver's License a plus!).

Additional Expectations

  • Available to workboth weekdays and weekends.
  • Someadministrative paperworkis required for each outing.
  • Willingness to assist withevent prep, post-event tasks, cleanup, and inventory.
  • Familiarity with Leave No Trace (LNT) principlesis preferred.
  • Open tosharing ideas for improving programs and logistics.
  • Bilingual English-Spanish speakerswill have a competitive edge!
  • High school diploma or GED required(Bachelor's degree highly preferred).

Pay Rate & Benefits

  • Position Type:Part-time, non-exempt
  • Reports To:Director of Outdoor Education Operations
  • Compensation:$20.00 - $24.00 per hour (based on experience & skills)

If the school you will be working at requires a Covid-19 vaccination, then you must provide documentation that shows you are fully Covid-19 vaccinated.

Perks of Being an Arc Outdoor Adventure Guide

  • Earned paid sick leave
  • All equipment provided for events and activities
  • Company-sponsored certification assistance for long-term guides
  • Arc-branded outdoor wear
  • Ongoing training & professional development opportunities

Ability to commute/relocate:

  • Reliably commute before starting work (Required)

Arcis an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Apply