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Wilderness Field Guide Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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Wilderness Field Guide information

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 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 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 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 the most commonly searched types of Wilderness Field Guide jobs in California?

The most popular types of Wilderness Field Guide jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Wilderness Field Guide jobs in California?

For Wilderness Field Guide jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Wilderness Field Guide jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Wilderness Field Guide jobs in California are:

Wilderness Field Guide jobs near you
Infographic showing various Wilderness Field Guide job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 64% Full Time, and 36% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Peak- Outdoor Trip Leader I_II_III

Associated Students, Inc.

Sacramento, CA • On-site

$17.25 - $18.15/hr

Full-time

Posted 3 days ago

New

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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