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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:

Infographic showing various Wilderness Field Guide job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 90% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution.

Field Leader - Angeles National Forest Restoration Corps

Career Site

Arcadia, CA

$850/wk

Temporary

Re-posted 6 days ago


Job description

Conservation Corps - 2026 Western Corps Angeles National Forest Restoration Team

Project Leader: Fall 2026 Angeles National Forest Restoration Team Angeles National Forest - Los Angeles Gateway Ranger District

Position Summary

Conservation Begins Here.

Are you ready to lead a high impact conservation project, mentor emerging conservationists, and work closely with U.S. Forest Service partners to protect sensitive postfire landscapes? Join the Student Conservation Association (SCA) as the Project Leader for our Fall 2026 Angeles National Forest Restoration Team - a role that blends leadership, logistics, technical fieldwork, and meaningful ecological restoration.

You'll guide a 4person crew through the installation of approximately 700 feet of metal postandcable OHV barriers, helping prevent illegal offhighway vehicle (OHV) access and supporting long-term habitat recovery in one of the most heavily impacted regions of the Angeles National Forest.

Schedule

Position Dates: 9/13/2026 - 11/25/2026

Leader Preseason: 9/13/2026 - 9/17/2026

Crew Member Training:

  • Crew Member Training: 9/14 - 9/17
  • Wilderness First Aid: 9/18 - 9/19
  • Conservation Work Skills: 9/20 - 9/24

Field Season: 9/28/2026 - 11/19/2026

Crew Members Depart: 11/21/2026

Leader Postseason Wrap Up: 11/23/2026 - 11/25/2026

Total Term: 11 weeks

Location

Angeles National Forest - Los Angeles Gateway Ranger District

Primary project sites are located within the Drinkwater Flat OHV Area and surrounding postfire landscapes.

Crew camping will be based at Castaic Lake State Recreation Area or a comparable front country site.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

These are the essential functions of the role:

Leadership & Crew Management

  • Supervise, mentor, and support a crew of 3 Crew Members
  • Foster a positive and safetyfocused crew
  • Facilitate daily check-ins, debriefs, and conflict resolution
  • Lead training on tool use, safety, field protocols, and project expectations

Project Implementation

  • Coordinate daily with U.S. Forest Service staff
  • Install metal postandcable barriers according to partner specifications
  • Oversee digging post holes, mixing/pouring cement, setting posts, and tensioning cable
  • Manage material staging, tool inventory, and equipment maintenance
  • Ensure accurate GPS mapping and documentation of installed barriers

Logistics & Administration

  • Develop weekly schedules and work plans
  • Conduct vehicle inspections, grocery planning, and camp logistics
  • Maintain daily and weekly work logs, before/after photos, and partner reports
  • Uphold SCA risk management protocols, including twice daily checkins
  • Complete endofseason reporting and project wrap up

Marginal Duties

These tasks support the role but are not essential functions:

  • Support budget tracking and purchasing
  • Coordinate with other SCA teams or partners as needed
  • Assist with emergency response or incident reporting
  • Drive crew vehicle and trailer

Required Qualifications

  • Must be 21 or older by the start date
  • US work authorization
  • Valid driver's license for 3+ years and MVR that meets SCA standards
  • Experience leading teams in outdoor, conservation, or service settings
  • Strong communication, organization, and problem-solving skills
  • Perform manual labor for up to 10 hours/day, lift 40+ lbs, and hike 3-5 miles/day
  • Work in challenging outdoor conditions, including:High heat (90-105F),Santa Ana winds, dust, cement exposure, and rocky soils

Preferred Qualifications

  • Previous SCA leadership experience or similar conservation leadership role
  • Experience with construction, fencing, trail work, or restoration projects
  • Familiarity with GPS mapping
  • Experience coordinating with agency partners
  • Wilderness First Responder or higher (WFR provided as part of training program)
  • Trailer towing experience

Hours

This crew follows a Monday-Thursday, 10hour/day schedule during the field season.

Preseason and postseason schedules vary based on planning, partner meetings, and derig needs.

Living Accommodations

The crew will camp for the duration of the program, primarily at Castaic Lake State Recreation Area or a comparable site. Amenities may include:

  • Restrooms
  • Potable water
  • Showers (availability varies)

Expect limited access to electricity and cell service.

SCA provides group gear (tents, stoves, water filters, etc.); leaders bring personal items (sleeping bag, pad, clothing, mess kit).

A crew vehicle and trailer are provided for transportation and storage.

Compensation

  • $850 weekly living allowance (leader rate)
  • $1,000 travel allowance ( paid in first paycheck, paid in last paycheck)
  • Meals provided during fieldwork
  • $1000 Retention Bonus (for eligible returning leaders)
  • $200 Uniform Credit (for eligible returning leaders)
  • All allowances are subject to applicable federal, state, and local taxes.

Personal Vehicle Information

A personal vehicle is not required for this position. Project Leaders are responsible for the SCAissued crew vehicle, including picking it up from the SCA program hub at the start of the season, ensuring it is properly maintained throughout the program, and returning it to the hub at the end of the season.

Leaders may bring a personal vehicle for offtime use;SCA is not responsible for fuel, parking, maintenance, or security of personal vehicles.

Additional Benefits

  • Wilderness First Responder certification
  • Conservation Work Skills training
  • Defensive driver training and trailer training
  • Uniform package including daypack, work shirts, water bladder, and more
  • Group gear provided (tents, stoves, water filters, etc.)

Equal Opportunity Statement

SCA is an equal opportunity employer. Selection decisions are based on merit, qualifications, and performance, without unlawful discrimination.