Seasonal Backpacking Guide Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Looking for a job that combines teaching, adventure, and the outdoors? Spend your season at Blueberry Cove 4-H Learning Center, leading youth in environmental education, trips, campfires, and community building. You'll gain real-world experience, build leadership skills, and make lasting memories all while working in one of Maine's most beautiful outdoor classrooms.

Statement of the Job:

Day Camp Counselors are responsible for fostering a supportive, inclusive, and respectful living environment for campers, prioritizing their safety, enjoyment, and personal growth. This role requires counselors to model positive community living and guide campers in learning to live responsibly and sustainably. Through active engagement and leadership, Day Camp Counselors help campers develop a sense of connection to both the community and the natural world around them. We have three levels of Day Camp Counselors with different requirements for each level. Your level is determined by your camp director.

Stipend $3,375 - $3,825 stipend for 9 weeks, commensurate with experience, including paid training, paid in bi-weekly installments. 

We are not able to consider applicants who require Visa sponsorship support.

Complete Job Description

Qualifications:

Required: 

• Level One Required: 
  • You need a High School diploma or equivalent (G.E.D.)
  • You don't need to have any previous experience to apply for this job. 
• Level Two Required: 

  • You have a minimum of two years previous camp or related experience working with youth. 

    AND/OR

  • You hold an additional certification that is value added to keep our campers safe like: 
    • Lifeguard certification
    • Wilderness First Aid certification 
• Level Three Required: 

  • You have a minimum of 3 years related experience working with teenagers and teaching in the outdoors or equivalent

    AND/OR

  • You need to hold an additional certification that is value added to keep our campers safe like: 
    • Lifeguard certification
    • Wilderness First Aid and CPR certification
  • You have experience leading camping/backpacking/canoeing trips
     

Preferred: 

• You have a genuine motivation to work with children in a vibrant, high-energy outdoor setting where every day is an adventure.
• You demonstrate responsible and safe decision-making skills, ensuring a secure and enjoyable experience for all campers during outdoor programming.
• You hold a First Aid and Basic Life Support certification or are eager to obtain one before the start date to ensure the safety and well-being of campers.
• You have the ability to lead groups in various outdoor environments, comfortably carrying a small backpack filled with teaching supplies and a first aid kit to support your activities.
• With or without accommodation, you have the ability to lead groups outdoors over various terrain with 35 lbs. or greater lbs. packs for extended days and the ability to assist in carrying canoes (85 lb.) with others
• Specifically for Level Three: 
  • You have a valid US driver's license and are eligible to be authorized and approved as a university driver based on the Driver Administration Policy. 
  • This camp is licensed by the State of Maine. You must meet the State of Maine requirement for driving vehicles, "Drivers of vehicles carrying campers must be at least 21 years of age and be approved by the camp's auto liability insurer's agent." 
  • You hold a higher additional certification that is specific to the outdoors like: 
    • Wilderness Responder Certification
    • Small Craft Water Safety Certification

About Blueberry Cove 4-H Learning Center:

The 4-H Camp and Learning Centers provide environmentally focused programs for Maine youth and families. Our mission is to teach youth and adults to be effective and caring citizens of the earth through affordable environmental education and fun nature-based experiences. Tucked into a cove on a coast of Maine, Blueberry Cove, is a place to explore the ocean while having fun and experiencing the joys of being a part of the natural world, we emphasize community living, respect for all, and healthy relationships. Our programs encourage everyone to be themselves, learn from those around them, and make good decisions. 
 

Other Information:

To be considered for this position, you will need to "Apply" and either upload the documentation listed below:

1.) a cover letter which describes your experience, interests, and suitability for the position
2.) a resume/curriculum vitae

OR

Fill out your education and work history in the application where requested. 

Candidates selected to proceed to the final stages of the search process will be requested to provide a list of names and contact information for three references.

Incomplete application materials cannot be considered. Materials received after the initial review date will be reviewed at the discretion of the University.

These materials are reviewed on a weekly basis. Materials must be submitted by 4:30 p.m. EST on June 1, 2026 to be considered for Summer 2026.

For questions about the search, please contact Jillianne Waguli.

The successful applicant is subject to appropriate background screening.
 

The University of Maine System (the System) is an equal opportunity institution committed to fostering a nondiscriminatory environment and complying with all applicable nondiscrimination laws. Consistent with State and Federal law, the System does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, transgender status, gender, gender identity or expression, ethnicity, national origin, citizenship status, familial status, ancestry, age, disability (physical or mental), genetic information, pregnancy, or veteran or military status in any aspect of its education, programs and activities, and employment. The System provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. If you believe you have experienced discrimination or harassment, you are encouraged to contact the System Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX Services at 5713 Chadbourne Hall, Room 412, Orono, ME 04469-5713, by calling 207.581.1226, or via TTY at 711 (Maine Relay System). For more information about Title IX or to file a complaint, please contact the UMS Title IX Coordinator at www.maine.edu/title-ix/.

Clery Act

The Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, or Clery Act, mandates that all Title IV institutions, such as the University, prepare, publish and distribute an Annual Security Report, (ASR) and provide notice of the availability of the ASR to all prospective employees. This report consists of two basic parts: disclosure of the University's crime statistics for the past three calendar years; and disclosures regarding the University's current campus security policies. You may view the University's Annual Security Report. If you wish to have a paper copy of the ASR or you need to have a copy of the ASR in an accessible format, the University will provide such a copy upon request. Please contact: UMaine Police Department, 81 Rangeley Rd., The University of Maine, Orono, ME 04469-5794, or call 207.581.4053.