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Seasonal Backpacking Guide Jobs (NOW HIRING)

McClatchy

Saltwater South Personality & Influencer

... guides and social-first content that inspires and informs. You'll collaborate with creative teams ... backpacking, outdoor gear and seasonal events - connecting with audiences who live for these ...

The Ranch at Rock Creek

Bartender

Philipsburg, MT · On-site

... guided outdoor activities. THE OPPORTUNITY: SEASONAL TO FULL-TIME CAREER PATH We are currently ... backpacking in the Anaconda-Pintler Wilderness. From horseback riding and archery to skiing at ...

Youth Dynamics

Mountain & Rock Manager

Leavenworth, WA · On-site

$42K - $54K/yr

This person will be responsible for managing volunteers and seasonal staff, work with government ... Guiding of student, staff trips, and recons for development * Keeping current to industry standards ...

Youth Dynamics

Mountain & Rock Manager

Leavenworth, WA · On-site

$42K - $54K/yr

This person will be responsible for managing volunteers and seasonal staff, work with government ... Guiding of student, staff trips, and recons for development * Keeping current to industry standards ...

Telluride Academy

Field Instructor

Telluride, CO

$20/hr

Seasonal, non-exempt Salary: DOE - Starts at $20 per hour Position Summary: Field Instructors at ... They introduce students to adventure-based and creative activities including hiking, backpacking ...

Telluride Academy

Field Instructor

Telluride, CO · On-site

$20/hr

Seasonal, non-exempt Salary: DOE - Starts at $20 per hour Position Summary: Field Instructors at ... They introduce students to adventure-based and creative activities including hiking, backpacking ...

Telluride Academy

Field Instructor

Telluride, CO · On-site

Seasonal, non-exempt Salary: DOE - Starts at $20 per hour Position Summary: Field Instructors at ... They introduce students to adventure-based and creative activities including hiking, backpacking ...

Telluride Academy

Field Instructor

Telluride, CO · On-site

$20/hr

Seasonal, non-exempt Salary : DOE - Starts at $20 per hour Position Summary: Field Instructors at ... They introduce students to adventure-based and creative activities including hiking, backpacking ...

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Seasonal Backpacking Guide information

See salary details

$7

$19

$39

How much do seasonal backpacking guide jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for seasonal backpacking guide in the United States is $19.71, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.70 and $19.95 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as a seasonal backpacking guide?

To thrive as a Seasonal Backpacking Guide, you need strong outdoor skills, wilderness first aid certification, navigation proficiency, and knowledge of local ecosystems. Familiarity with GPS devices, map-reading tools, and emergency communication systems like satellite messengers is typically required. Excellent leadership, communication, and problem-solving abilities help guides manage group dynamics and ensure a positive experience. These skills are crucial for ensuring guest safety, minimizing risks, and providing enjoyable, educational trips in remote environments.

What is a seasonal backpacking guide?

Seasonal Backpacking Guides are outdoor professionals who lead and support groups on backpacking trips during specific seasons, such as spring, summer, or fall. Their responsibilities include planning routes, ensuring safety, providing instruction on outdoor skills, and sharing knowledge about the natural environment. These guides often work in national parks, wilderness areas, or with adventure tour companies, and their work is typically temporary, aligning with peak hiking seasons. The job requires strong leadership, wilderness first aid knowledge, and excellent communication skills.

What are common challenges faced by seasonal backpacking guides during multi-day trips?

Seasonal backpacking guides often face challenges such as adapting to rapidly changing weather conditions, managing group dynamics among participants of varying skill levels, and ensuring everyone's safety and well-being in remote environments. Guides are responsible for logistical planning, like meal preparation and navigation, while also providing education about the local ecology and Leave No Trace principles. Flexibility and strong communication skills are essential, as guides must quickly respond to unexpected situations and foster a positive experience for all group members.

What is the difference between Seasonal Backpacking Guide vs Hiking Instructor?

AspectSeasonal Backpacking GuideHiking Instructor
CredentialsFirst aid, outdoor safety certificationsFirst aid, outdoor leadership certifications
Work EnvironmentBackcountry, remote trails, seasonalTrail centers, outdoor education settings
Employer & IndustryTour companies, outdoor adventure firmsOutdoor schools, recreation centers

The Seasonal Backpacking Guide typically works in remote, backcountry environments guiding groups on multi-day hikes, often seasonally. In contrast, a Hiking Instructor usually operates in more accessible outdoor education settings, focusing on teaching hiking skills and safety. Both roles require outdoor safety certifications and share similar industry usage, but differ mainly in work environment and scope of responsibilities.

More about Seasonal Backpacking Guide jobs
What cities are hiring for Seasonal Backpacking Guide jobs? Cities with the most Seasonal Backpacking Guide job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Backpacking Guide jobs? The most popular types of Backpacking Guide jobs are:
What states have the most Seasonal Backpacking Guide jobs? States with the most job openings for Seasonal Backpacking Guide jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Seasonal Backpacking Guide jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Seasonal Backpacking Guide jobs are:
Seasonal Backpacking Guide jobs near you
Infographic showing various Seasonal Backpacking Guide job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,987 per year, or $19.7 per hour.

Hiking and Camping Counselor - Sleepaway Camp

Boys' Club of New York

Arden, NY • On-site

$7.0K - $8.5K/mo

Full-time

Re-posted 23 days ago

Job description

Position: Hiking and Camping Counselor
Location: BCNY @ Harriman State Park, 553 Arden Valley Road, Southfields, NY 10975
Employment Dates: June 22 - August 15, 2026
Total Salary: $7,000 - $8,500
Employment Type: Seasonal, Full-Time, Exempt
Housing: Residential position with shared staff lodging provided
Reports To: Activity Counselor Division Leader
About Us
The Boys' Club of New York (BCNY) operates a premier sleep-away camp experience designed for 10 to 17-year-old boys and young men to grow through adventure, community, and skill building. Since 1876, BCNY has created environments where young people develop confidence, resilience, teamwork, and leadership, grounded in our core values of Care, Courage, Curiosity, and Community.
At Harriman Basecamp, members engage in structured programs that promote healthy minds and bodies, expand their talents, and encourage positive peer relationships. Guided by evidence-based youth development practices and our commitment to the 4 Cs, BCNY's Basecamp programs aim to set a high standard for outdoor education and character development. To strengthen this mission, we continue to build a dedicated team of camp professionals who can deepen and broaden our impact each season.
Job Summary
The Hiking & Camping Counselor is a skill-focused, safety-driven role responsible for leading engaging, developmentally appropriate hiking and overnight camping programming for campers ages 10-17. As the primary facilitator of the hiking and camping activity area, the counselor guides campers through a progressive outdoor skill sequence-from day hikes and trail awareness to navigation basics, campcraft, and overnight camping experiences-building confidence, independence, teamwork, and environmental stewardship.
The Hiking & Camping Counselor plans and leads both on-site instruction and off-site or backcountry experiences within Harriman State Park, emphasizing preparation, risk awareness, teamwork, and reflection.
Beyond the trail, Hiking & Camping Counselors are fully immersed in camp life. They actively support cabin routines, meals, community moments, and camp-wide programming. Working under the supervision of the Activity Counselor Division Leader and in collaboration with camp leadership, they help ensure consistent supervision, strong safety practices, and meaningful outdoor education experiences throughout the session.
Opportunities are available for staff to receive Outdoor Leadership training and Wilderness First Aid certification.
Mandatory attendance at full pre-camp staff training (June 22 - July 3) is required to ensure readiness in behavior management, camper supervision, safety protocols, and camp culture alignment.
Responsibilities
Hiking, Camping and Backpacking Programming & Skill Development
  • Plan and lead engaging, age-appropriate hiking and camping instruction aligned with camp schedules, themes, and camper readiness (e.g., trail etiquette, pacing, map reading, Leave No Trace principles, campsite setup, and outdoor cooking basics).
  • Teach and reinforce hiking fundamentals, including proper footwear and packing, hydration and nutrition, group spacing, trail awareness, and risk recognition.
  • Facilitate progressive skill development that builds stamina, confidence, and independence through increasingly challenging hikes and responsibilities.
  • Plan and lead structured camping and backpacking experiences, including tent setup, campsite organization, meal preparation, fire safety, and nighttime routines.
  • Support campers in developing teamwork, leadership, problem-solving, and resilience through shared outdoor challenges.
  • Integrate reflection and discussion to help campers connect outdoor experiences to personal growth, responsibility, and community values.

Safety, Supervision & Outdoor Risk Management (Primary Focus)
  • Enforce all hiking, camping, backpacking and outdoor safety standards, including park regulations, camp policies, and emergency procedures.
  • Conduct route planning, daily risk assessments, weather monitoring, and equipment checks and maintenance prior to all hikes and camping trips.
  • Maintain active supervision of campers on trails and at campsites, ensuring appropriate pacing, group cohesion, and behavioral expectations.
  • Respond appropriately to minor injuries, fatigue, or behavioral concerns, escalating concerns as needed to the Activity Counselor Division Leader or camp leadership.
  • Model calm, confident decision-making in dynamic outdoor environments.

Camp-Wide Engagement, Cabin Support, Operations & CIT Mentorship
  • Actively participate in daily camp life, supporting cabin routines and community moments including meals, morning reflections, community cyphers, psychological time, evening programs (EPs), and nighttime routines.
  • Support cabin groups daily-within hiking and camping programs or elsewhere as needed-to maintain supervision and appropriate coverage.
  • As a member of the Activity Counselor team, co-lead two evening programs, lead one evening program, and provide coverage and supervision during additional evening programs as assigned.
  • Provide additional camp-wide coverage as needed, including meal support and substituting for counselors during nights off or when additional supervision is required.
  • Maintain the Activity Area Binder, track equipment usage, and submit a written end-of-session inventory and reflection addressing equipment condition, camper engagement, skill progression, and safety considerations.
  • Engage Counselors-in-Training (CITs) as active helpers, modeling outdoor leadership, safe practices, and effective instruction.
  • Support CIT development by gradually involving them in trip preparation, navigation support, campsite setup, and peer mentorship.

Qualifications
  • Prior hiking, camping, or outdoor leadership experience required; candidates must be comfortable supervising youth in wilderness or semi-wilderness settings.
  • Experience working with youth in camp, outdoor education, recreation, or educational settings preferred.
  • Strong ability to lead structured activities while maintaining consistent safety standards in outdoor environments.
  • Clear, calm communication skills and the ability to give concise directions on the trail and at campsites.
  • Commitment to safety, teamwork, structure, and positive youth development.
  • Willingness to engage fully in all aspects of camp life beyond primary activity responsibilities.
  • Certified in Wilderness medicine (or willing to get certified prior to camp).

Additional Requirements
  • Flexible and adaptable, with a willingness to work a demanding schedule.
  • Meet all required immunizations (MMR and Poly required).
  • Ability to drive, possession of a valid driver license and clean DMV record
  • You must be able to work in an outside environment, where you have the ability to walk/hike daily, at various grades, elevations, and on uneven terrain regardless of weather conditions.
  • Must be able to lift and carry 40-50 pounds while traveling in the backcountry, and carry and load luggage, tables, chairs, and other program equipment
  • Other duties as assigned

The Boys' Club of New York is an equal opportunity employer
and makes employment decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, or any other status protected by law. ?If you have a disability or other protected need requiring an accommodation, please contact Human Resources.?

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