ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Summer Dog Sled Jobs (NOW HIRING)

All JobsSummer Dog Sled Jobs

Summer Dog Sled information

See salary details

$7

$15

$22

How much do summer dog sled jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for summer dog sled in the United States is $15.89, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.46 and $17.55 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are typical challenges faced by a team member in a summer dog sled role, and how can they be addressed?

In a summer dog sledding position, team members often face unique challenges such as managing dog teams in warmer temperatures, ensuring animal welfare, and engaging guests in an environment without snow. It’s crucial to monitor the dogs closely for signs of overheating and maintain hydration. Communication with other handlers and guides is key to coordinating activities and ensuring safety. Adapting traditional winter sledding techniques to dry land carts or wheeled rigs also requires flexibility and a willingness to learn new skills. Addressing these challenges involves ongoing training, teamwork, and a proactive approach to animal care.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as a summer dog sled guide?

To thrive as a Summer Dog Sled Guide, you need strong animal handling skills, physical fitness, basic first aid knowledge, and experience with outdoor activities. Familiarity with harnessing techniques, sled equipment, GPS navigation, and sometimes wilderness certifications are commonly required. Excellent communication, leadership, and customer service skills help guides create memorable experiences and ensure group safety. These abilities are crucial for managing dogs, navigating trails, and providing safe, enjoyable adventures for clients.

What is the difference between Summer Dog Sled and Winter Dog Sled?

AspectSummer Dog SledWinter Dog Sled
Work EnvironmentTraining and conditioning in warmer months, often on dry land or simulated tracksOperating sleds on snow and ice during winter
Required SkillsDog handling, training, and conditioning; knowledge of terrainSame as Summer Dog Sled, with added emphasis on snow navigation
SeasonalityPrimarily in summer months for training and preparationPeak during winter for actual sled rides and races

Both Summer Dog Sled and Winter Dog Sled roles involve working with sled dogs, training, and handling. The main difference lies in the season and environment: Summer Dog Sled focuses on training and conditioning in warmer months, while Winter Dog Sled involves operating sleds on snow during winter. Skills are largely transferable, but seasonal activities differ significantly.

What is a summer dog sled?

A summer dog sled job typically involves working with sled dogs during the off-season, when there is no snow. These jobs often include caring for the dogs, maintaining equipment, giving educational tours, and sometimes training the dogs with wheeled carts or ATVs. Employees may work at dog sledding kennels, adventure tour companies, or wilderness lodges. The role requires a love for animals, physical stamina, and an interest in outdoor activities. It’s a unique way to experience dog sledding culture and support the care of sled dogs year-round.
More about Summer Dog Sled jobs
What cities are hiring for Summer Dog Sled jobs? Cities with the most Summer Dog Sled job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Dog Sled jobs? The most popular types of Dog Sled jobs are:
What states have the most Summer Dog Sled jobs? States with the most job openings for Summer Dog Sled jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Summer Dog Sled jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Summer Dog Sled jobs are:
Summer Dog Sled jobs near you
Infographic showing various Summer Dog Sled job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 90% Full Time, and 9% Part Time. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $33,041 per year, or $15.9 per hour.

Individual Placement-Alaska- Winter Kennels

Student Conservation Association

Denali National Park, AK • On-site

$13.50 - $17.50/hr

Temporary

Posted 26 days ago

Job description

Position Summary
This placement will serve with the Sled Dog Kennel at Denali National Park in Alaska. Placements will be given additional training, mentoring and hands on practice with all aspects of dog team travel and winter camping. Ideal candidates will have strong cross-country skiing skills, some experience with working dogs, some experience with wilderness travel in summer and/or winter and experience in remote living situations.
Hosting Organization
Denali National Park and Preserve
Location
Denali National Park, AK
Schedule
October 11, 2026 - April 3, 2027
Key Duties and Responsibilities
In October-November, placements will learn about dryland training and conditioning programs to build dogs' fitness.
In December when enough snow falls, placements will learn about traveling by dog sled and single day training runs.
From January-April, placements will learn about multi day and multi week travel by dog team. They will be trained in and/or exposed to breaking trail on skis, snowshoes and dog team, safe travel on snow, ice, tundra, forested, hilly terrain as well as how to recognize and avoid or mitigate potential avalanche hazards. As Kennel placements, the amount of time they go on multi-day patrols may be limited, based on their experience and the kennel staff capacity.
Throughout the season placements will receive specialized training and hands on practice with veterinary care, nutrition and feeding, sled dog and puppy training, winter gear use and care, and education and interpretation for the public.
Marginal Duties
Placements may have opportunities to assist with special programs for the public and/or to assist during special events such as community festivals and dogsled events.
Required Qualifications
It is strongly desired that the Winter kennels placements have some experience working with dogs, winter travel and cross-country skiing skills.
Preferred Qualifications
Candidates with strong cross-country skiing experience will be given preference.
This SCA Position is authorized under the Public Land Corps Authority. All participants must be between the ages of 16 and 30, inclusive, or veterans age 35 or younger. Participants must also be a citizen or national of the United States or lawful permanent resident alien of the United States. Hours served can be applied toward the Public Land Corps (PLC) hiring authority.
General Physical Requirements
Able to understand, adhere to, and communicate with others regarding hazards, procedures, and safety policies.
Able to independently manage known medical conditions with the resources available throughout the position or program.
Able to wear all required personal protective equipment, including safety glasses, hard hats, gloves, N95 or other approved face mask or shield, and appropriate footwear.Able to refrain from behaviors and actions that disrupt the work and safety of others.
Able to cooperate with others to complete daily group tasks, responsibilities, and project work under potentially difficult conditions, variable daily routines, and with limited personal time.
Able to self-regulate or co-regulate emotions and actions when distressed or uncomfortable, with or without the support of others.
Able to self-manage outdoor and environmental exposure (e.g., temperature, wind, sun, etc.) in a variety of weather conditions.
Able to maintain adequate nutrition and hydration throughout program time.
  • If using prescription medications, able to self-administer medications by following the prescribed dosage, usage, and timing without supervisor assistance. If prescription medication is administered via injection, able to self-administer the injection.
  • Able to independently carry a backpacking pack weighing approximately 45% of body weight over varied, loose, inclined terrain for up to a maximum of 15 miles per day with adequate breaks.
  • Able to lift a backpacking pack weighing approximately 45% of body weight with minimal assistance from others.
  • Able to grip a third point of contact for balance while crossing rivers/streams or ascending/descending sloped trails.
  • Able to independently carry a backpacking pack weighing approximately 30% of body weight over varied, loose, inclined terrain for up to a maximum of 15 miles per day with adequate breaks.
  • Able to lift a backpacking pack weighing approximately 30% of body weight with minimal assistance from others.
  • Able to move on cross-country skis or snowshoes over a variety of snow, ice, and trail conditions.
  • Able to move equipment and supplies by sled and/or backpack over a variety of snow, ice, and trail conditions while using cross-country skis, snowshoes, or winter boots.

Working Conditions
Work schedules and projects may change on short notice or be ambiguous.;Work settings require the ability to positively interact with people of varying perspectives.;Work settings may be located in natural environments and regionally significant locations that require respect for the land and local peoples.;Work environment may be in inclement and severe weather conditions, including heavy rain and flash flooding, gusty and strong winds, foggy or decreased visibility, lightning events, and/or decreased or inclement air quality conditions due to wildfire smoke or smog.;Work may take place in cold temperatures and adverse winter weather which could include temperatures in some regions -20°F or colder with wind, snow, and sleet.;Work settings may involve exposure to natural and environmental hazards, such as poison ivy, poison oak, or poison sumac; harmful, poisonous, or disease-carrying ticks, mosquitos, insects, snakes, bears, and other wildlife.
Hours
40 per week
Living Accommodations
Placements will be provided with accommodations at the Park. Accommodations may or may not have running water, but a shower and restroom/outhouse will be available. Please inquire about specifics during the interview.
Compensation
$600/week - living allowance
$1,200 - travel stipend
$1,200 - duty-related reimbursements for winter gear
AmeriCorps eligible
All allowances are subject to applicable federal, state, and local taxes.
Personal Vehicle Information
Not needed
Additional Benefits
Bear Safety
AmeriCorps: Eligible
Equal Opportunity Statement
The Student Conservation Association, Inc., is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The SCA strives to cultivate a work environment that encourages fairness, teamwork, and respect among all staff members and is committed to maintaining a work atmosphere where lifestyles may grow personally and professionally.

Apply