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Wilderness Field Guide Jobs in Oregon (NOW HIRING)

Oregonstate

ALI Field Specialist

Corvallis, OR · On-site

$17.25/hr

The minimum requirements to be hired as field staff are Wilderness First Aid or Wilderness First ... they are guiding and are encouraged to seek continuing education to better themselves and the ...

All JobsWilderness Field Guide JobsWilderness Field Guide Jobs in Oregon

Wilderness Field Guide information

See Oregon salary details

$7

$18

$31

How much do wilderness field guide jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for wilderness field guide in Oregon is $18.26, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.70 and $22.36 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 are Wilderness Field Guides?

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 Oregon? For Wilderness Field Guide jobs in Oregon, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Wilderness Field Guide jobs in Oregon look for? The top searched job categories for Wilderness Field Guide jobs in Oregon are:
Wilderness Field Guide jobs near you
Infographic showing various Wilderness Field Guide job openings in Oregon as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $37,976 per year, or $18.3 per hour.

ALI Field Specialist

Oregonstate

Corvallis, OR • On-site

$17.25/hr

Part-time

Posted 15 days ago

Job description

Department:Recreational Sports (MRS)Special Instructions to Applicants:

When applying you will be required to attach the following electronic documents:

  • Resume
  • Cover Letter


The ALI Field Specialist position is reserved for students who are actively pursuing their Adventure Leadership Certificate with ALI. The minimum requirements to be hired as field staff are Wilderness First Aid or Wilderness First Responder, in addition to LEAD 430/530 Foundations of Adventure Leadership. If you have not taken these courses, you are not eligible for hiring at this time. You are encouraged to enroll in these courses and apply at a later date.


For additional information please contact: Olivia Cameron at olivia.cameron@oregonstate.edu
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability, protected veteran, and other protected status.
This position requires driving a University vehicle or a personal vehicle on behalf of the University; therefore, the incumbent must successfully complete a Motor Vehicle History Check, possess and maintain a current, valid driver's license in their state of residence, be determined to be position qualified and self-report convictions (as per Voluntary and Compulsory Driver Standards OSU Standard 125-155-0200) as per OSU Standard 576-056-0000 et seq.
Note: All job offers are contingent upon Human Resources final approval.

Job Description:

This recruitment will be used to fill multiple part-time (a maximum of 24 hours per week) Field Specialist positions for Recreational Sports at Oregon State University (OSU).
The Field Specialist reports to the Trips and Classes Coordinator of the Adventure Leadership Institute and is responsible for assisting with class outings, trips/activities, and programs. Field Specialists attend any required or necessary trainings or meetings that the Coordinator mandates. Field Specialists are responsible for maintaining their training and skills in the relevant activity to which they are guiding and are encouraged to seek continuing education to better themselves and the programs to which they assist. In this position, Field Specialists can expect to challenge themselves and gain ample opportunities for growth in their interpersonal and leadership skills through leading outdoor programming withALI.
Field Specialists also have the opportunity to assist in teachingPACorLEADclasses per instructor approval.

Our Values in Action
As a student employee, you play a vital role in bringing our mission and values to life. We expect every team member to embody the following values in their work:

  • We Care About People: Treat all patrons and colleagues with kindness, courtesy and inclusion.

  • We Are Solution-Oriented: Identify and implement solutions that enhance the member and employee experience. Address conflict in a positive, calm and solution-focused manner.

  • We Are Stewards: Use resources responsibly and ethically while working efficiently.

  • We Are Innovative: Pioneer programs, services and facilities that serve as catalysts for student success. Create space to encourage, share and evolve new ideas.

  • We Are Educators: Foster environments where learning and personal growth thrive for both participants and staff. Grant others the same good intentions you grant yourself.

  • We Extend Respect & Build Trust: Communicate with clarity, transparency and integrity, fostering trust across our community.

Every action rooted in our mission and values strengthens our team and makes Recreational Sports a place where everyone belongs, grows and thrives.


Employee Expectations

  • Know Your Stuff: Learn, model, promote and consistently enforce policies for the Department of Recreational Sports.

  • Communicate Like a Pro: Professionally and proactively communicate with your teammates, supervisors and administrative staff.

  • Stay Sharp: Maintain required certifications and attend orientation sessions, staff meetings and Director's Retreat as directed.

  • Seek Solutions: Provide quality customer service to all patrons and search for a "path to yes" when possible and aligned with mission.

  • Deliver a Positive Experience: Maintain and promote a safe and fun environment for all participants and staff.


We create engaging environments for student growth and success. We inspire healthy living by providing quality recreational and educational opportunities for the Oregon State University community.
Anticipated Hourly Rate: $17.25

Position Duties:

  • Facilitate PAC and LEAD class trips, non-credit Adventure outings, and other activities to provide learning and personal growth opportunities for OSU students and community.

  • Coordinate logistics (including organizing, maintaining, and cleaning equipment) for PAC and LEAD classes in collaboration with ALI professional staff, co-student leaders, and ALI Operations staff.

  • Attend and represent the ALI at special events, such as welcome nights and tabling events.

  • Execute all emergency procedures and provide First Aid and CPR assistance when necessary within the scope of ALI wilderness medicine protocols

  • Evaluate trips process and provide recommendations for improvements on an ongoing basis

  • Drive Motorpool vehicles for off-campus programs including credit course trips and non-credit Adventure outings

  • Maintain department specific safety certifications, such asCPR, Wilderness First Aid or Wilderness First Responder.

  • Provide support as needed to the ALI Operations Desk staff in the maintenance, inventory, and cleaning of trip equipment after each outing or program.

OSU is committed to ensuring students are prepared for success after graduation through intentional skill development as student employees. The competencies students develop while working at OSU are defined by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) as the essential skills employers seek in their hires. In this position, students learn and build vital career-readiness skills in the primary areas below:

Communication, Professionalism, Critical Thinking, and Career and Self-Development

Qualifications:

Full Employment Eligibility Requirements can be found here:https://hr.oregonstate.edu/student-employment-manual/500-employment-eligibility-requirements

  • Must be academically enrolled in a high school, community college, or university and pursuing a program or course of study

  • Must meet Academic Standing Requirements; students on academic suspension are not eligible for employment

  • Must meet the applicable minimal enrollment standard

    • High School student: Regularly enrolled in a high school or participating in a home-schooling program

    • Undergraduate and post-baccalaureate student: 6 credit hours per term

    • Undergraduate international student: 12 credit hours per term*

    • Graduate student officially admitted to Graduate School: 5 credit hours per term

    • Graduate international student officially admitted to Graduate School: 9 credit hours per term*


*International students may be allowed to carry fewer hours than specified above and still be considered "full-time" by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). A reduced course load is approved by theOffice of International Services(OIS), and must be provided to the Student Employment Center.

Additional Required Qualifications

  • Wilderness First Aid, Professional RescuerCPRwithAED,DRSBloodborne Pathogens training.

  • TheALIField Specialist position is reserved for students who are actively pursuing their Adventure Leadership Certificate withALI. The minimum requirements to be hired as field staff areWilderness First Aid or Wilderness First Responder, in addition toLEAD430/530 Foundations of Adventure Leadership.If you have not taken these courses, you are not eligible for hiring at this time. You are encouraged to enroll in these courses and apply at a later date.

This position is designated as a critical or security-sensitive position; therefore, the incumbent must successfully complete a Criminal History Check and be determined to be position qualified as per OSU Standard 576-055-0000 et seq. Incumbents are required to self-report convictions and those in Youth Programs may have additional Criminal History Checks every 2 years.

This position requires driving a University vehicle or a personal vehicle on behalf of the University; therefore, the incumbent must successfully complete a Motor Vehicle History Check, possess and maintain a current, valid driver's license in their state of residence, be determined to be position qualified and self-report convictions (as per Voluntary and Compulsory Driver Standards OSU Standard 125-155-0200) as per OSU Standard 576-056-0000 et seq.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Strong role models, possess excellent conflict resolution skills and respond quickly and effectively in emergency situations.

  • Commitment to student development and leadership.

  • Awareness of safety concerns and risk management within an adventure education setting.

  • Ability to provide positive customer service.

  • Awareness of and appreciation for individual uniqueness and diversity.

  • Excellent oral and written communication skills.

  • Energetic and enjoy working with a variety of people and environments.

  • Reliable, self-motivated, and work well with minimum supervision.

  • Progress toward and/or completion of the Adventure Leadership Certificate with the Adventure Leadership Institute.

Working Conditions/Schedule:Period of Employment:
One academic year (continuing employment is contingent upon satisfactory completion of a 30-day probationary period and satisfactory job performance as evaluated by immediate supervisor). 2-4 hours per week on average. Field Specialists are typically assigned 1-2 weekend day or overnight trips per term.
Compensation:
Student employees are paid an hourly wage consistent with the OSU Student Employment Pay Rate Guidelines. The Department of Recreational Sports identifies pay ranges base upon job duties, level of responsibility and complexity of the work to be performed.Salary Range:Anticipated Start Date:2026-10-02Anticipated End Date:

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