ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Temporary Backpacking Guide Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Metroparks Toledo

Outdoor Skills Programmer

Swanton, OH · On-site

$14.50/hr

Job Type Temporary Description Join Metroparks Toledo as a Seasonal Outdoor Skills Programmer. In ... Certified Interpretive Guide (NAI) Alternates to the position requirements may be made as ...

All Jobstmp JobsTourism JobsGuides JobsTour Guide JobsTemporary Backpacking Guide Jobs

Temporary Backpacking Guide information

See salary details

$7

$17

$29

How much do temporary backpacking guide jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for temporary backpacking guide in the United States is $17.27, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.98 and $21.15 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a temporary backpacking guide?

Temporary Backpacking Guides are outdoor professionals hired on a short-term or seasonal basis to lead individuals or groups on backpacking trips. They are responsible for planning routes, ensuring safety, teaching wilderness skills, and providing information about the local environment. These guides often work for tour companies, camps, or outdoor education programs and may work in various locations depending on demand and season. Their main goal is to create a safe, enjoyable, and educational experience for all participants.

What are some common challenges temporary backpacking guides face during multi-day trips?

Temporary Backpacking Guides often encounter challenges such as adapting to rapidly changing weather, managing group dynamics among diverse participants, and ensuring everyone's safety on unpredictable terrain. They must be prepared to handle emergencies, maintain morale, and make quick decisions regarding route changes or health concerns. Strong communication skills and flexibility are essential, as guides frequently collaborate with co-guides and need to adjust plans on the fly to provide a positive experience for all participants.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a temporary backpacking guide, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Temporary Backpacking Guide, you need strong outdoor skills, first aid certification, and experience leading group hikes or expeditions. Familiarity with GPS navigation tools, wilderness survival equipment, and Leave No Trace principles is typically required. Exceptional communication, leadership, and problem-solving abilities help build trust and ensure group safety in unpredictable environments. These skills are vital to provide a safe, enjoyable, and educational experience for participants in remote settings.

What is the difference between Temporary Backpacking Guide vs Tour Guide?

AspectTemporary Backpacking GuideTour Guide
CredentialsBasic outdoor or first aid certifications often preferredSimilar certifications, sometimes specialized in specific tours
Work EnvironmentOutdoor, remote, adventure settingsIndoor and outdoor, cultural or historical sites
Employer & IndustryAdventure travel companies, outdoor tour operatorsTravel agencies, sightseeing companies

Both roles involve guiding groups, but Temporary Backpacking Guides focus on outdoor adventure and wilderness settings, often requiring outdoor certifications. Tour Guides typically operate in cultural or historical sites, with similar certification needs. The main difference lies in the environment and type of tours offered, with Backpacking Guides emphasizing outdoor adventure and Tour Guides focusing on cultural experiences.

More about Temporary Backpacking Guide jobs

What cities are hiring for Temporary Backpacking Guide jobs?

Cities with the most Temporary 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 Temporary Backpacking Guide jobs?

States with the most job openings for Temporary Backpacking Guide jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Temporary Backpacking Guide jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Temporary Backpacking Guide jobs are:

Temporary Backpacking Guide jobs near you
Infographic showing various Temporary Backpacking Guide job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,919 per year, or $17.3 per hour.

Trips and Leadership Educator at UMaine 4-H Camps and Learning Centers at Tanglewood and Blue..[...]

kozmetickesluzby.vecnakraska.sk - Jobboard

Lincolnville, ME • On-site

$50.22 - $73.66/hr

Other

Posted yesterday

New

Job description

Trips and Leadership Educator job at UMaine 4-H Camps and Learning Centers at Tanglewood and Blue.... Lincolnville, ME.

As a Trip Leader, you will lead outdoor leadership programs for teenagers, guiding them through 3-6 day trips including camping, hiking, and canoeing adventures. You will participate in a comprehensive two-week training to hone your practical skills, after which you’ll co‑lead multiple-week sessions focused on essential leadership skills such as communication, team‑building, and outdoor safety. Your responsibilities will include planning and implementing engaging lessons, supervising campers for their safety and well‑being, preparing meals for trips, and driving 12‑passenger vans to various program sites, all while modeling positive behavior and environmental stewardship.

  • Position Title: Trip Leader
  • Department: Cooperative Extension
  • Location: Lincolnville or Tenants Harbor, Maine
  • Your Direct Supervisor: Tanglewood Director, Jessica Decke or Blueberry Cove Director, Ryan LeShane
  • Position Type: Full‑Time, Temporary (June 8 to August 15 or August 29)
  • Salary Range: $4 500–$6 600 for 10 to 12 weeks
  • We are not able to consider applicants who require Visa sponsorship support.
Your Work Schedule:

You’ll work a full summer schedule from June 8 to August 15 or August 29 (depending on if you stay to lead the UMO Bridge week programs). You will reside on‑site with campers throughout the season, with structured time off each week. This position includes weekend work while out on trips.

Responsibilities:
  • You will attend and actively participate in a two‑week‑long paid staff training, where you will practice, review, and test your practical skills to feel comfortable leading and teaching campers.
  • You will co‑lead outdoor leadership programs for teenagers, each lasting 1, 2, or 3 weeks, which include exciting 3‑8 day camping, hiking, and canoeing trips (note that some weekend work will be required during the program sessions).
  • You will plan lessons and schedules, implementing a leadership curriculum that covers a variety of skills such as listening, communication, team‑building, low‑impact camping, conflict resolution, canoe safety, canoeing skills, map and compass navigation, general ecology, personal health and safety, and knot‑tying.
  • You will prepare food for trips and coordinate logistical support, including food and equipment deliveries and emergency assistance.
  • You will supervise and ensure the safety of campers at all times, facilitating the resolution of group conflicts while encouraging problem‑solving and decision‑making, and you will live in and supervise a cabin of up to 6 program participants.
  • You will model healthy living, positive energy, clear communication, and good stewardship of the environment.
  • You will actively engage with campers during lessons, recreation, and mealtimes to foster a supportive community.
  • You will drive 12‑passenger vans, sometimes towing a canoe trailer, to program sites alongside participants and other staff members.
Special Benefits

Benefits

  • Rustic and Shared Housing
  • Equipment for trips
  • Meals
  • Internet Access
  • Comprehensive training as a Maine Summer Camp Trip Leader
  • Options for lifeguarding and/or wilderness first aid certifications
Requirements Level Three Required:
  • You need a High School diploma or equivalent (G.E.D.)
  • You need 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 are 21 years of age or older
  • You hold a higher additional certification that is specific to the outdoors like:
    • Wilderness Responder Certification
    • Small Craft Water Safety Certification
    • Maine Trip Leader Permit
  • With or without accommodation, you can lead groups outdoors over various terrains with 35+ lbs. packs for extended days and the ability to assist in carrying canoes (85 lb.) with others
  • You can demonstrate responsible and safe decision‑making skills in all aspects of outdoor camp programming.
  • 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
#J-18808-Ljbffr

Apply