ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Trail Guide Jobs in Wisconsin (NOW HIRING)

TiTANS Consulting

WI · On-site

$100 - $125/hr

Bijdragen aan audit trail documentatie voor volledige traceerbaarheid. * Assisteren bij het ... Enterprise Guide en SQL. * Voorkeur voor kennis van Microsoft Word, Excel en PowerPoint.

Sugarloaf Mountain Corporation

WI · On-site

$250/hr

... guide guests toward the right lesson options * Accurately process lesson and lift ticket sales ... Discounted Lone Mountain Ranch Cross Country Ski Trail Pass * Wellness Day and Eligibility for PTO

LocumTenens

Clinicians on assignment may explore attractions such as the Trout Museum of Art, The Fire Art Studio, and the Butterfly Gardens of Wisconsin, as well as a two-mile self-guided Fox Trot Trail that ...

Sugarloaf Mountain Corporation

WI · On-site

$60 - $80/hr

You'll guide daily operations with fearless precision, elevating every service moment from casual ... Discounted Lone Mountain Ranch Cross Country Ski Trail Pass * Wellness Day and Eligibility for PTO

Noble Community Clinics

General Dentist

Manitowoc, WI · On-site

... Age Trail and Kettle Moraine State Forest. You will treasure short commutes, family-friendly ... Guide and motivate team members to achieve their best while fostering a collaborative and ...

Noble Community Clinics

General Dentist

Manitowoc, WI · On-site

... Age Trail and Kettle Moraine State Forest. You will treasure short commutes, family-friendly ... Guide and motivate team members to achieve their best while fostering a collaborative and ...

Noble Community Clinics

General Dentist

Manitowoc, WI · On-site

... Age Trail and Kettle Moraine State Forest. You will treasure short commutes, family-friendly ... Guide and motivate team members to achieve their best while fostering a collaborative and ...

Kids Junction

Infant/Toddler Teacher

Madison, WI

$19 - $24/hr

Description Guide the foundations of tomorrow: Join our team at Kids Junction and play a key role ... Bus Line & Bike Trail Access Applicants must be age 18+ to apply Kids Junction is an EOE

Lone Mountain Ranch

WI · On-site

$60 - $80/hr

From scheduling guides and maintaining equipment to monitoring trails, supporting permitting ... Respond appropriately to changing weather, wildlife, trail, and operating conditions. * Collaborate ...

New

Kids Junction

Infant/Toddler Teacher

Madison, WI · On-site

$19 - $24/hr

Job Type Full-time Description Guide the foundations of tomorrow: Join our team at Kids Junction ... Bus Line & Bike Trail Access Applicants must be age 18+ to apply Kids Junction is an EOE Salary ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsTrail Guide JobsTrail Guide Jobs in Wisconsin

Trail Guide information

See Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin is $17.43, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.12 and $21.35 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 Wisconsin are hiring for Trail Guide jobs?

Cities in Wisconsin with the most Trail Guide job openings:

Infographic showing various Trail Guide job openings in Wisconsin as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $36,255 per year, or $17.4 per hour.

Senior Planner- Planning and Parks

Port Washington, WI • On-site

Ozaukee County
See more jobs at Ozaukee Countyexternal

Full-time

Re-posted 2 days ago

Job description

Exempt Position
Pay Range: $35.56-45.44
Summary
This position is responsible for guiding the overall management of the Department’s planning and geographic information system (GIS) functions, including comprehensive, park and open space, farmland preservation planning, environmental and natural resource analysis and reviews, county-owned lands zoning, land division reviews, and strategic planning initiatives. The role supports participating local units of government with the development, revision, and implementation of local comprehensive plans and zoning ordinances. The position coordinates and implements the Department’s GIS mapping, data management, and spatial analysis across all Divisions and programs. It provides technical support for planning, environmental, and parks and trail projects, and contributes to education and outreach efforts, including website and social media content development. The position also assists with grant development, writing, and reporting to support Department initiatives
Planning: 35%
  • Supports all aspects of the Department’s planning responsibilities, including development, revision, amendment, and implementation of the Multi-Jurisdictional Comprehensive Plan, Park and Open Space Plan, Farmland Preservation Plan, and other countywide and partner planning initiatives (e.g. Housing Plan, Park Master Planning, Bicycle and Pedestrian Planning, Brownfields, Coastal Hazards, Emergency Management, Land Information Modernization Plan).
  • Assists with the preparation of ecological, tourism and recreation planning documents and the development, application and use of GIS decision-support tools.
  • Provides comprehensive planning and zoning assistance to participating local units of government as requested.
  • Assists in the administration of the Ozaukee County-Owned Lands Zoning Ordinance, Floodplain and Shoreland Protection Zoning Ordinances, including GIS mapping and data management.
  • Contributes to the development of reports, grants, and related initiatives supporting Department programs.
  • Review land divisions and prepare staff reports including GIS mapping.  Conducts planning, GIS, land use, and environmental reviews and reports for land divisions and zoning actions.
  • Provides staff support, data, and reporting (technical, budget and narrative) for various County committees and boards.

Geographic Information Systems: 30%
  • Manages the data collection, development, integration, and maintenance of the Department’s GIS, GPS, and environmental, land use and recreation databases and layers, particularly as relates to the Land Information Modernization Plan.
  • Coordinates with multiple County departments to ensure effective data sharing, technical support, and system integration.
  • Maintains and updates planned land use maps and other GIS-based planning resources.
  • Provides GIS and mapping support for grant applications, project reporting, and permit submissions across federal, state, local, and private partners.
  • Assists with the management of the Department’s website, social media, and online GIS data layers.
  • Coordinates with the Land Information Office on development and management of shared data and data layers.
  • Innovation for cartography and mapping of complex data and analysis.
  • Assist and train other Department staff on GIS and analysis tools.
Technical and Committee Support: 20%
  • Provide general technical Planning and GIS support to all Department Divisions and professional staff.
  • Prepare minutes, materials and reports (technical, budget and narrative) for various Boards and Committees including the County Board, Natural Resources Committee, Comprehensive Planning Board, Ozaukee Interurban Trail Advisory Council and other ad-hoc committees, boards and councils (Wisconsin Shipwreck Coast National Marine Sanctuary Advisory Council).
  • Develop, track and report on benchmarks, measures, milestones, outcomes and metrics for the County Board, County Committees, the Department, and for multiple grants and projects. 
  • Develop and manage Department databases in coordination with staff, program and design spreadsheets, compile, analyze and report on statistical data, and create mailing lists particularly for land division and zoning items.
  • Assists with GIS and GPS mapping/databases, data collection and analysis for water quality, fish, avian and wildlife monitoring, invasive species management, park and trail projects and other related efforts.
  • Design and implement user and public opinion surveys.
  • Provide planning and assistance for brownfield, coastal hazard and bluff stability initiatives and projects.  
  • Assists in training and supervision of Planning and Parks Department interns, limited term staff and volunteers.
Education, Outreach, Marketing and Economic Development: 10%
  • Support the Department’s public education and outreach efforts including the development of maps, brochures, presentations, and educational signage and displays.
  • Assists in the development and maintenance of Department and partner (e.g. Ozaukee County Tourism) websites, social media, e-newsletters, and outreach materials.  
  • Promotes public awareness, community engagement, and economic vitality through digital content, events, and collaborative initiatives.
  • Represent the Department at community and education and outreach events and conduct outreach to residents, local governments and partner organizations.  
  • Develop and provide accurate information on Department programs, services and facilities, FAQ sheets and other summaries.
  • Retrieve and maintain resources available to the public including electronic and hard copy documents and educational resources.
  • Supports the NOAA Wisconsin Shipwreck Coast National Marine Sanctuary and other tourism and cultural heritage initiatives through planning, mapping, outreach, and interagency coordination.
  • Contributes to marketing and communication efforts that highlight Ozaukee County’s parks, trails, waterways, natural resources, and cultural attractions.
Other Duties: 5%
Perform other duties in support of the Department’s mission as assigned
Supervision 
Reports directly to the Director of Planning and Parks.  Assigned to the Planning and Parks Department under the Planning Division.  The incumbent follows regulations set forth by the County Board, Natural Resources Committee and Planning and Parks Department. Assists with supervision of temporary, limited term staff and interns. 
Education:
  • Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in planning, geographic information systems (GIS), engineering, geography, environmental science, applied ecology, landscape architecture or a closely related field and proven experience in these fields.
  •  Master’s Degree or additional certifications (i.e. GIS, AutoCAD) preferred.
Experience:
  • Two to five years of progressively responsible work experience in planning, GIS, geography, engineering, environmental science, applied ecology, landscape architecture or a closely related field.  Valid Driver’s License required.  AICP Certification is desirable.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
  • Customer Service Excellence: Deliver exceptional customer/public experiences, addressing inquiries and resolving complaints with professionalism and courtesy. 
  • Interpersonal Communication: Communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, with customers, staff, government agencies, non-profits, community groups, committees, and County Board Supervisors. 
  • Conflict Resolution: Handle customer and team disputes with empathy, diplomacy, and fairness. 
  • Adaptability: Manage flexible hours and prioritize tasks in a dynamic, customer/public-facing environment with tight timelines and deadlines. 
  • Emotional Intelligence: Build rapport, understand customer and team needs, and maintain a professional demeanor. 
  • Technical Proficiency: Demonstrate excellent computer skills, including familiarity with email, internet, fax, and systems such as GIS, website development, PayPal, graphical software (e.g. Canva, Adobe) and Mailchimp (or other email distribution / newsletters).
  • Attention to Detail: Ensure accuracy in operations, reporting, and system management. 
  • Relationship Building: Establish and maintain effective working relationships with diverse groups, including the public, interest groups, and non-profit organizations. 
  • Data Analysis and Problem-Solving: Analyze complex data, evaluate systems, make implementation recommendations, and solve problems efficiently in a collaborative team environment.  Analyze data to provide summaries for Director to be used in Committee and County Board reporting.
  • Project and Time Management: Manage projects, research data, prioritize tasks, and work independently with minimal supervision.
Other Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
  • Comprehensive knowledge of planning, environmental/natural resource science, and land use policies and practices (Wisconsin).
  • Comprehensive knowledge of GIS (e.g. ESRI), GPS, spatial databases, and digital mapping programs.
  • Comprehensive knowledge of a wide variety of land information systems, planning, land division, and zoning laws and regulations.
  • Knowledge of parks, trails, recreation, landscape architecture, and park management principles.
  • Knowledge of PLSS, surveying and surveying principles, experience with GPS fieldwork is desirable.
  • Excellent administrative and data analysis skills.
  • Strong computer skills with Microsoft Office Suite, statistical software and ability to learn new systems.
  • Working knowledge of ecology, forestry, biology, wildlife and environmental/natural resource science.
  • Working knowledge of government processes and agencies, non-profit organizations, and community partners involved in planning, environmental, and tourism efforts.
  • Ability to read, understand and write legal descriptions.
  • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships, manage projects, and research data as needed.
  • Strong skills in data analysis, statistical evaluation, and report development.
  • Proficient in grant writing, research, and program administration.
  • Ability to analyze complex data, evaluate systems, and make informed recommendations.
  • Strong attention to detail, organizational skills, and ability to manage multiple priorities and projects.
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills, with the ability to present complex information clearly to varied audiences.
  • Ability to collaborate effectively with staff, committees, government agencies, non-profit partners, and the public.
  • Demonstrated ability to build and maintain effective working relationships and provide exceptional customer service.