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Wilderness Field Guide Jobs in Arizona (NOW HIRING)

ANASAZI Foundation

TrailWalker -

Mesa, AZ · On-site

Salary: 15.15/hour + OT TrailWalker (Field Staff) Wilderness Program Overview As a TrailWalker, you will live and work in the backcountry for 8-day rotations, guiding and supporting a small group ...

ANASAZI Foundation

TrailWalker -

Mesa, AZ · On-site

$15.15/hr

TrailWalker (Field Staff) - Wilderness Program Overview As a TrailWalker , you will live and work in the backcountry for 8-day rotations, guiding and supporting a small group (band) of youth and ...

All JobsWilderness Field Guide JobsWilderness Field Guide Jobs in Arizona

Wilderness Field Guide information

See Arizona salary details

$6

$16

$27

How much do wilderness field guide jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for wilderness field guide in Arizona is $16.09, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.12 and $19.71 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Wilderness Field Guide, you need expertise in outdoor survival, navigation, first aid, and environmental education, often supported by certifications like Wilderness First Responder or Leave No Trace. Familiarity with GPS devices, compasses, mapping software, and emergency communication systems is typically required. Strong interpersonal skills, leadership, and the ability to remain calm under pressure help guides manage group dynamics and ensure safety. These skills are vital for leading groups safely in remote environments, fostering educational experiences, and responding effectively to emergencies.

What is the difference between Wilderness Field Guide vs Wilderness Educator?

AspectWilderness Field GuideWilderness Educator
CertificationsFirst Aid, Wilderness Survival, Leave No TraceFirst Aid, Wilderness Skills, Educational Certifications
Work EnvironmentRemote outdoor settings, national parks, wilderness areasOutdoor classrooms, camps, outdoor programs
Primary FocusGuiding, safety, outdoor skills instructionEducational programs, youth engagement, environmental awareness

The Wilderness Field Guide and Wilderness Educator roles both involve outdoor work and safety certifications. However, Wilderness Field Guides primarily focus on guiding outdoor adventures and ensuring safety in wilderness settings, while Wilderness Educators emphasize teaching environmental concepts and engaging groups in outdoor education. Both roles are vital in outdoor industries but serve different primary objectives.

What are some common challenges faced by wilderness field guides, and how can they be effectively managed?

Wilderness Field Guides often encounter challenges such as rapidly changing weather, managing group dynamics in remote settings, and ensuring the safety of participants in unpredictable environments. Effective preparation, strong communication skills, and thorough knowledge of emergency procedures are essential for overcoming these obstacles. Guides must remain adaptable, maintain a calm demeanor under pressure, and foster a collaborative team spirit to successfully manage both environmental and interpersonal challenges.

What is a wilderness field guide?

Wilderness Field Guides are professionals who lead and support individuals or groups in outdoor, often remote, environments. They are responsible for teaching survival skills, ensuring safety, and facilitating activities such as hiking, camping, and team-building exercises. Often working with youth or clients in therapeutic programs, Wilderness Field Guides help participants develop confidence, resilience, and a connection with nature. Their role requires strong outdoor skills, first aid knowledge, and the ability to manage group dynamics in challenging situations.
What are popular job titles related to Wilderness Field Guide jobs in Arizona? For Wilderness Field Guide jobs in Arizona, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Wilderness Field Guide jobs in Arizona look for? The top searched job categories for Wilderness Field Guide jobs in Arizona are:
Wilderness Field Guide jobs near you
Infographic showing various Wilderness Field Guide job openings in Arizona as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $33,472 per year, or $16.1 per hour.

TrailWalker -

ANASAZI Foundation

Mesa, AZ • On-site

Temporary

Re-posted 7 days ago

Job description

Salary: 15.15/hour + OT

TrailWalker (Field Staff) Wilderness Program


Overview


As a TrailWalker, you will live and work in the backcountry for 8-day rotations, guiding and supporting a small group (band) of youth and young adults on The Trail.


You will play a critical role in ensuring the safety, well-being, and personal growth of those in our care while hiking through rugged Arizona terrain. TrailWalkers serve as mentors, role models, and steady support for individuals navigating challenges such as substance use, emotional and behavioral struggles, and family difficulties.

This is not just a jobit is an immersive, purpose-driven experience that challenges you physically, emotionally, and personally.


What Youll Do

  • Guide and support clients through daily wilderness living and personal growth experiences
  • Ensure the physical safety and emotional well-being of all group members
  • Hike up to 10 miles per day carrying a ~40 lb pack
  • Teach and model:
    • Wilderness survival skills
    • Healthy communication and relationships
    • Personal responsibility and leadership
  • Maintain communication with field leadership (RidgeWalker) multiple times daily
  • Collaborate weekly with therapists regarding client progress
  • Teach and apply ANASAZI curriculum and principles


Schedule & Lifestyle

  • 8 days on the trail / 6 days off
  • Live outdoors full-time during your rotation
  • Work in all weather conditions (heat, cold, rain, etc.)
  • Minimal technologyfully unplugged environment


Qualifications

  • 21+ years old
  • High school diploma or higher
  • Ability to pass:
    • Drug screen
    • Background check & Arizona fingerprint clearance
  • Physically able to:
    • Hike long distances daily
    • Carry a 40 lb pack in rugged terrain
  • Strong problem-solving and critical thinking skills
  • Dependable, punctual, and adaptable
  • Willingness to grow personally and professionally
  • Commitment of at least 6 months


Our Standard (What Makes This Different)

At ANASAZI, we believe who you are matters more than what you do.

We ask our staff to live by high personal standards because the youth we serve are deeply influenced by authenticity. We strive to model the same growth, accountability, and integrity we invite from them.

As part of this commitment, staff are expected to abstain from substances such as alcohol, tobacco, and drugs, and to maintain a lifestyle aligned with our values.


Training Process

Training includes three parts:


Part I Backcountry Training (56 days)

  • Learn the ANASAZI Way
  • Wilderness skills, safety, and medical training
  • Fully immersive field experience
  • Unpaid (food and gear provided)


Part II Office Training (23 days)

  • Policies, procedures, and program structure
  • Unpaid (housing/food not provided)


Part III Field Week (Paid)

  • Join a team on the trail with clients
  • Apply everything youve learned in real-time


Hiring Process

  1. Submit application
  2. Initial call (typically within a few weeks of training)
  3. Interview (virtual or in-person)
  4. Invitation to training (or notice of non-selection)
  5. Conditional employment after Part I & II
  6. Final hiring decision after Part III


Compensation & Benefits

  • Starting pay: $15.15/hour + overtime (OT)
  • Average: ~$210+ per day (with overtime)
  • Food provided while on the trail
  • Wilderness First Aid (WFA) certification
  • Initial gear provided
  • Potential insurance benefits after 6 months (if seasonal position transitions to regular full-time)
  • Access to pro-deals (outdoor industry discounts)


Important Considerations

  • Upfront costs (approx. $200) may include:
    • Physical exam
    • TB test
    • Immunizations
    • Fingerprint clearance
  • Some medications are not permitted on the trail
    • Contact our nurse with any questions before applying


Why This Role Matters

Being a TrailWalker is one of the most challenging and rewarding roles you can step into.

You will:

  • Build meaningful relationships
  • Develop leadership and resilience
  • Be part of life-changing experiencesfor others and yourself


Ready to Apply?

If youre looking for something real, meaningful, and transformative, we invite you to apply and begin the journey.