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Wilderness Expedition Jobs (NOW HIRING)

CHADWICK SCHOOL

Outdoor Education Instructor

CA · On-site

$20/hr

In addition, instructors will teach skills such as camp craft, navigation, expedition behavior ... Appropriate course area backcountry wilderness experience, both personal and professional

Alaska Mountain Guides

Administrative Assistant

Skagway, AK · On-site

$19.50 - $26.50/hr

... wilderness experience. The Skagway admin team facilitates the operation of our day programs via ... tours, expedition sales, assisting Skagway office. Job Duties Reports to Skagway Office Manager ...

Alaska Mountain Guides

Administrative Assistant

Skagway, AK · On-site

$19.50 - $26.50/hr

... wilderness experience. The Skagway admin team facilitates the operation of our day programs via ... tours, expedition sales, assisting Skagway office. JOB DUTIES Reports to Skagway Office Manager ...

Alaska Mountain Guides

Administrative Assistant

Skagway, AK · On-site

$19.50 - $26.50/hr

... wilderness experience. The Skagway admin team facilitates the operation of our day programs via ... tours, expedition sales, assisting Skagway office. Job Duties Reports to Skagway Office Manager ...

Alaska Mountain Guides

Administrative Assistant

Skagway, AK

$19.50 - $26.50/hr

... wilderness experience. The Skagway admin team facilitates the operation of our day programs via ... tours, expedition sales, assisting Skagway office. Job Duties Reports to Skagway Office Manager ...

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Wilderness Expedition information

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$40K

$100.7K

$169K

How much do wilderness expedition jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for wilderness expedition in the United States is $100,705.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $75,500.00 and $120,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a wilderness expedition?

A Wilderness Expedition is an adventurous journey into remote, natural environments, often involving hiking, camping, and survival skills. Participants travel through forests, mountains, deserts, or other wild areas, typically carrying their own supplies and relying on minimal outside support. These expeditions can last from a few days to several weeks and are designed to challenge physical endurance, foster teamwork, and build outdoor skills. Wilderness expeditions are popular for personal growth, education, or adventure tourism, and often require careful planning and knowledge of safety protocols.

What are wilderness expedition jobs?

Wilderness expedition jobs assist hikers, mountain climbers, kayakers, and other outdoor adventurers explore different terrain safely. Positions in this field include wilderness guides, assistant guides, outdoor educators, park rangers, and camp counselors. Specific job duties vary, depending on your employer and the outdoor sports available in your region. Responsibilities may include backpacking up a mountain with a tour group while describing the plants and animals that thrive in the area; teaching first-time rafters how to navigate down rough rivers safely; helping a youth group go cross-country skiing through dense woods; or being the lead climber in a group of rock climbers. Your primary goal is to educate your group of adventurers while ensuring they travel safely.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a wilderness expedition leader, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Wilderness Expedition Leader, you need strong outdoor survival skills, navigation expertise, and relevant certifications such as Wilderness First Responder or Outdoor Leadership credentials. Proficiency in using GPS devices, topographic maps, satellite communication tools, and wilderness safety equipment is typically required. Outstanding leadership, decision-making, and communication skills help ensure group cohesion and safety in challenging environments. These abilities are critical for managing risks, leading teams effectively, and ensuring successful and safe expedition experiences.

What are some of the main challenges faced by professionals leading wilderness expeditions, and how are they addressed?

Leaders of wilderness expeditions often face challenges such as rapidly changing weather, navigation in remote areas, and ensuring the safety and well-being of participants. These challenges are addressed through thorough pre-trip planning, risk management protocols, and strong communication skills. Expedition leaders must be adaptable, able to make quick decisions, and maintain teamwork under pressure to ensure a successful and safe experience for all involved.

What is the difference between Wilderness Expedition vs Wilderness Guide?

AspectWilderness ExpeditionWilderness Guide
CredentialsFirst aid, outdoor skills certificationsFirst aid, outdoor skills certifications
Work EnvironmentRemote wilderness, multi-day tripsOutdoor settings, guiding groups
Employer & IndustryOutdoor adventure companies, campsTour operators, adventure companies
Search & Comparison IntentPlanning expeditions, outdoor adventure rolesGuiding clients, outdoor instruction

Wilderness Expedition involves planning and leading multi-day outdoor adventures, often requiring logistical skills and expedition planning. Wilderness Guide focuses on leading and instructing groups during outdoor activities, emphasizing safety and navigation. While both roles require outdoor certifications and work in similar environments, Wilderness Expedition emphasizes expedition management, whereas Wilderness Guide centers on guiding and instructing clients.

More about Wilderness Expedition jobs

What cities are hiring for Wilderness Expedition jobs?

Cities with the most Wilderness Expedition job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Wilderness Expedition jobs?

The most popular types of Wilderness Expedition jobs are:

What states have the most Wilderness Expedition jobs?

States with the most job openings for Wilderness Expedition jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Wilderness Expedition jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Wilderness Expedition jobs are:

Wilderness Expedition jobs near you
Infographic showing various Wilderness Expedition job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 91% Full Time, 4% Part Time, 3% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $100,705 per year, or $48.4 per hour.

Peak- Outdoor Trip Leader I_II_III

Associated Students, Inc.

Sacramento, CA • On-site

$17.25 - $18.15/hr

Full-time

Posted 6 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Manage operational and participant needs for outdoor trips, camps, and clinics, including planning and implementation of activities.

  • Oversee group safety, risk management, and ensure all trip operational requirements are met.

  • Lead outdoor activities, manage equipment, and facilitate participant instruction and group dynamics.

Job description

Description
SUMMARY: This is a year-round position ranging in a variety of duties. The Outdoor Trip Leader is responsible for managing operational and participant needs for Peak Adventures Youth Explorer/Expedition Camp, Outdoor Trips, and Clinics from both on campus and off-site locations. The Outdoor Trip Leader (Camps, Trips, Clinics) I/II/III oversees the planning and implementation of trips, is responsible for participants of all ages, provides exemplary customer service, ensure risk management decisions, and meet all trip operational requirements are met.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:
Outdoor Trip Leader (Camps, Trips and Clinics) I:
  • Safely perform job duties
  • Knowledgeable in and ability to follow Outdoor Trip standard policies and procedures and Emergency Action Plans
  • Provide basic support during Explorer Camp, Outdoor Trips, and/or Clinics while upholding Peak Adventures policies and procedures and following the identified standard operating procedures
  • Ensure completed documentation for participants and other compliance reporting
  • Oversee group dynamics such as participants interactions within the group as well as interactions between participants and others outside the group to promote a positive experience for all
  • Properly load and unload outdoor gear and supplies to/from van roof rack, gear trailer, etc.
  • Communicate with Outdoor Adventure Manager effectively and on a frequent basis
  • Organization and management of outdoor trip equipment including but limited to maintenance, organization, inventory and usage tracking
  • Assist front desk staff with prepping and distributing rental equipment

Outdoor Trip Leader (Camps, Trips and Clinics) II:
  • Operation of a 10-passenger van and gear trailer. Perform a safety inspection on assigned vehicles to be used. Notify supervisor of any vehicle deficiencies. Follow all California State Rules and Regulations surrounding vehicle operation
  • Manage group travel in front and backcountry settings
  • Lead Pre-Trip Meetings
  • Assess and make decisions about risk management in the field
  • Understand and adhere to requirements and restrictions for trip location
  • Manage first aid needs
  • Leading skill instruction and demonstrating proficiency in outdoor activities that include but are not limited to LNT etiquette, hiking, camping, paddling, climbing, rafting, snowshoeing, caving, bouldering and backpacking
  • Leading Summer Explorer and Expedition Youth camp trips
  • Correctly manage and facilitate participants on trips or clinics, including tracking rosters and ensuring a safe return to campus

Outdoor Trip Leader (Camps, Trips and Clinics) III:
  • Able to lead expert skilled instruction in outdoor activities that include but are not limited to LNT etiquette, hiking, camping, paddling, climbing, rafting, snowshoeing, caving, bouldering and backpacking
  • Provide comprehensive training support to participants, helping them acquire outdoor skills and knowledge
  • Mentor and support lower-level OTL's in their growth and development within the program
  • Ability to demonstrate expert and sound judgement in highly variable outdoor settings and condition assessment, including anticipation of weather and it's effect on environment

CORE COMPETENCIES
  • Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing with other staff, and public
  • Demonstrating strong interpersonal and leadership skills
  • Good analytical and problem-solving skills
  • Ability to follow oral and written instructions
  • Exceptional customer service skills
  • Ability to be flexible and adaptive
  • Ability to work well with other staff
  • Understanding and adherence to safe operating practices
  • Ability to manage large groups
  • Ability to confidently and accurately manage risk
  • Ability to serve as a role model for children
  • Ability to speak publicly in front of youth
  • Ability to work well with other staff and camp partners
  • Strong worth ethic and ability to work long hours
  • Timeliness and ability to maintain commitment to camp and trip schedule

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
  • High School Diploma and 18 years of age
  • CPR Certification (or ability to obtain before start date)
  • First Aid Certification (or ability to obtain before start date)
  • Wilderness First Aid Certification (or ability to obtain before start date)
  • Swift Water Rescue Certification (or ability to obtain before start date)
  • Demonstrated competency in various outdoor skills
  • Ability to work evenings and weekends as well as overtime and double time
  • California Driver's license
  • Ability to meet ASI driving requirements
  • Availability to work summer hours Monday-Friday 7 AM-6 PM
  • Availability to work 2-6 Outdoor Trips per semester/season of school year
  • Complete Peak Adventures New Hire Orientation (up to 3 weekends of certifications, and a 5-day week of pre-youth camp training)
    • *Online certifications will not be accepted
    • **CPR/First Aid, Wilderness First Aid, Swift Water Rescue certifications and raft guide school will be provided

PERFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Enrolled in a minimum of 6 units at Sacramento State; maintain a minimum 2.0 GPA overall (for Student Assistant incumbents)
  • California Commercial driver's license (Class C or higher) with a passenger endorsement
  • Other outdoor professional certifications, ie. WFR (Wilderness First Responder)
  • Experience on a variety of outdoor trips with a diverse outdoor skill set
  • 1 or more years of trip leading experience
  • Experience working with youth

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, use hands to fingers, handle, feel, reach with hands and arms, talk and hear. The employee must:
  • Frequently lift and/or move up to 60 pounds or 100 pounds assisted.
  • Must be able to work in a variety of weather conditions and be prepared for both heat and cold
  • Must be able to climb, kneel, squat, reach overhead
  • Must be able to walk on uneven surfaces
  • Must be able to meet minimum physical requirements for individual activity
  • Must be able to drive for up to 3 hours in one day
  • Must be able to maintain a high level of focus for long periods

WORK ENVIRONMENT (Choose one only)
  • Outdoors exposed to rain, heat and cold temperature for 24 hours a day

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