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Trail Guide Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Answers questions, guides participants to appropriate park locations and resolves patron concerns ... trail. Monitors and inspects the park for violations of park rules, oversees building and field ...

... trail across complex, high-stakes environments.Core use cases include model-based systems ... Evaluate and guide adoption of emerging agentic AI frameworks and data retrieval technologies to ...

... trail across complex, high-stakes environments. Core use cases include model-based systems ... Evaluate and guide adoption of emerging agentic AI frameworks and data retrieval technologies to ...

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Trail Guide information

See Virginia salary details

$7

$17

$29

How much do trail guide jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for trail guide in Virginia is $17.12, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.88 and $20.96 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a trail guide?

Trail guides are professionals who lead individuals or groups on outdoor excursions, such as hiking, horseback riding, or trekking, often through natural or wilderness areas. They are responsible for ensuring the safety of participants, providing information about the local environment, flora, fauna, and history, and creating an enjoyable and educational experience. Trail guides are knowledgeable about navigation, first aid, and outdoor survival skills, and often customize their tours to suit the abilities and interests of the group. Their role may also include preparing equipment, managing logistics, and following environmental regulations to preserve the natural setting.

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

To thrive as a Trail Guide, you need strong outdoor navigation skills, first aid certification, and a solid understanding of local terrain and wildlife. Familiarity with GPS devices, map-reading tools, and wilderness safety protocols is typically required. Exceptional communication, leadership, and problem-solving abilities help guides manage groups and respond to unexpected situations. These skills are crucial for ensuring guest safety, delivering informative experiences, and fostering a positive group dynamic in outdoor environments.

What are some common challenges trail guides face when leading groups, and how can they prepare for them?

Trail Guides often encounter challenges such as managing groups with varying fitness levels, adapting to changing weather conditions, and ensuring everyone's safety on the trail. To prepare, it's important to thoroughly assess the group's abilities before setting out, carry appropriate first-aid and navigation equipment, and stay updated on the latest weather forecasts. Strong communication skills and the ability to make quick decisions are also essential for addressing unexpected situations and keeping the group engaged and safe.

What is the difference between Trail Guide vs Outdoor Instructor?

AspectTrail GuideOutdoor Instructor
CertificationsFirst Aid, CPR, Wilderness NavigationFirst Aid, CPR, Outdoor Education Certifications
Work EnvironmentTrails, parks, wilderness areasSchools, camps, outdoor education centers
Industry UsageRecreational, tourism, adventure companiesEducational, youth programs, camps

While both roles involve outdoor activities, a Trail Guide primarily leads groups on trails and wilderness routes, focusing on navigation and safety. An Outdoor Instructor often teaches outdoor skills and safety in educational or camp settings. The certifications overlap, but the work environments and employer types differ, with Trail Guides more involved in recreational guiding and Outdoor Instructors in educational contexts.

How do you become a trail guide?

To become a trail guide, individuals typically need relevant outdoor experience, knowledge of local trails and safety procedures, and often obtain certifications such as first aid or wilderness survival. Many employers also prefer guides to have good communication skills and a background in outdoor recreation or environmental education.

How to get a job as a trail guide?

To become a trail guide, candidates typically need relevant outdoor experience, strong communication skills, and knowledge of local trails and safety procedures. Certifications such as Wilderness First Aid or CPR are often required, and previous guiding or outdoor leadership experience can improve job prospects. Applying to outdoor adventure companies or parks and demonstrating a passion for outdoor activities are common steps in the process.

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Trail Guide jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Trail Guide job openings:

Infographic showing various Trail Guide job openings in Virginia as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 66% Full Time, 26% Part Time, 5% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $35,611 per year, or $17.1 per hour.

Cardiothoracic Surgery Inpatient Rounding Physician Assistant

Lynchburg, VA • On-site

Centra Health
Health Care and Social Assistance • 5 - 10K employees

Other

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 9 days ago


Centra Health rating

6.6

Company rating: 6.6 out of 10

Based on 121 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

574th of 898 rated healthcare providers


Job description


Our Cardiothoracic team is looking for a Physician Assistant to join a highly specialized, fast-paced inpatient service. This team performs a wide range of procedures including coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), maze procedures, aortic repairs, and valve replacements.
This is a 100% inpatient role focused on the care of post-operative patients, along with managing consults and coordinating discharges. You'll play a key role in guiding patients through their recovery while working closely with an experienced, collaborative surgical team.
By joining Centra Medical Group, you'll have the opportunity to care for a diverse patient population while being supported by a top-rated health system. With a fully integrated EMR and nearby admitting hospitals, you'll have the tools and infrastructure needed to provide high-quality, efficient care.
Responsibilities
Centra Medical Group (CMG) is a network of nearly 600 employed providers serving a community of over 600,000 across Central and Southern Virginia. Our footprint spans Lynchburg, Danville, Farmville, Moneta, and Bedford, offering a wide range of primary and specialty care services. CMG also supports the Lynchburg Family Medicine Residency, with academic affiliations including UVA, VCU, VCOM, and Liberty University.
Grow with a Health System that Invests in You
At Centra, we're committed to the success of our Advanced Practice Professionals. Through our partnership with ThriveAP-the nation's leading transition-to-practice program-new graduate APPs receive a full year of structured clinical education, mentorship, and peer support designed to build confidence and clinical excellence.
Why Lynchburg?
Lynchburg offers an exceptional quality of life with the perfect balance of outdoor adventure and community living. From hiking Sharp Top Mountain and the Appalachian Trail to biking along Blackwater Creek Trail, there's no shortage of ways to enjoy the outdoors. The area also features a vibrant arts scene, family-friendly activities, and easy access to Smith Mountain Lake. With affordable housing, moderate taxes, and a welcoming community, it's a great place to build both your career and your life.
What We Offer:
• Competitive, transparent compensation with base, hourly excess, and incentive components
• Student loan reimbursement
• Relocation assistance
• CME allowance
• Eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) as a not-for-profit health system
• Short-term disability (automatically enrolled)
• 403(b) and 457(b) retirement plans with immediate employer match
• Comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, and life insurance
Schedule & Role Details:
• 5 days per week, 7:00 AM - 3:00 PM
• 100% inpatient
• Work alongside 2 surgeons and 3 APPs
• Night call rotation: 1:3 to 1:4
• Weekend/holiday rotation: 1:3 to 1:4
• Hands-on training provided
What You'll Do:
• Round on post-operative cardiothoracic patients
• Manage consults and coordinate care plans
• Facilitate discharges and ensure smooth transitions of care
Qualifications
Qualifications:
• Certified Physician Assistant with (or eligible for) Virginia licensure and active DEA
• Team-oriented with a strong commitment to patient care
• Provider Experience in general surgery, critical care, cardiology, or cardiothoracic surgery preferred

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