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Wilderness Field Guide Jobs (NOW HIRING)

YMCA

Trail Counselor Guide - Daily

Grand Marais, MN · On-site

$95/day

Trail Guides can expect to spend most of their time outdoors, guiding multi-night canoe trips into ... wilderness trips, camp counseling or a related field Leadership experience with groups of youth ...

Star Guides Wilderness Therapy

Be Seen First

Outdoor Youth Mentor

Saint George, UT · On-site

$165 - $246/day

Star Guides is a wilderness therapy program that takes at-risk youth backpacking in Utah's desert ... A shift runs 8 consecutive days in the field, with 6 days off at a time. Pay ranges from $165-$246 ...

APPALACHIAN MOUNTAIN CLUB

Hiking Guide

Haverstraw, NY · On-site

$22/hr

Course work in natural sciences, experiential education, or related field, or equivalent work ... Current First Aid and CPR/Wilderness First Aid Certificate or ability to obtain certification.

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 ...

Telluride Academy

Field Instructor

Telluride, CO · On-site

$20/hr

Serve as a role model, mentor, and guide for participants, helping them build confidence ... Current Wilderness First Aid (WFA) and CPR certification (or the ability to obtain prior to staff ...

Telluride Academy

Field Instructor

Telluride, CO · On-site

Serve as a role model, mentor, and guide for participants, helping them build confidence ... Current Wilderness First Aid (WFA) and CPR certification (or the ability to obtain prior to staff ...

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Wilderness Field Guide information

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$7

$17

$29

How much do wilderness field guide jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for wilderness field guide in the United States is $17.27, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.98 and $21.15 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.
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What cities are hiring for Wilderness Field Guide jobs? Cities with the most Wilderness Field Guide job openings:
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Wilderness Field Guide jobs near you
Infographic showing various Wilderness Field Guide job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,919 per year, or $17.3 per hour.

Hiking Guide

The Wilderness Society / Outdoors.org

Haverstraw, NY • On-site

$22/hr

Part-time

Retirement, PTO

Posted 29 days ago

Job description

Founded in 1876, the Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC) is America's oldest conservation and recreation organization. AMC is dedicated to protecting, enjoying, and understating the outdoors. We envision a world where being outdoors is an integral part of people's lives; where our natural resources are healthy, loved and protected. Working in America's Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions, AMC values respect for all people and nature, lifelong engagement with the outdoors, prepared leadership, intrinsic worth of the outdoors, and fun.
The year-round, part-time Hiking Guide will be instrumental in helping AMC achieve our goals in building community in the NYC area. AMC's renewed investment in the NYC area will focus first on meeting potential members where they are: in New York's five boroughs. The Hiking Guide will lead hikes in the five boroughs for 48 weekends of the year. Additionally, the Hiking Guide will support Concrete to Trails Hikes, offering transport to destinations outside of the city from May to October. Destinations include, but are not limited to, Harriman State Park. The Hiking Guide will collaborate with staff and volunteers in supporting all events and activities in the NY area.
What you'll be doing at AMC
  • Lead and facilitate walks and hikes in NY's 5 boroughs and other nearby hiking locations.
  • Implement thematic, place-based programming that builds community and meets the needs of a range participant populations.
  • Create and deliver educational activities in collaboration with AMC staff across our region.
  • Create and foster a welcoming group culture and learning environment among hiking participants.
  • Prioritize safety and manage risk of participants in outdoor settings.
  • During emergencies, promptly refer participants to the appropriate state agency personnel, ensuring their safety and well-being.
  • Support events and other community building activities in the NY area.
  • Provide transportation and logistical support for hiking groups.
  • Support Gear Library by pulling, organizing, and returning gear at AMC's Gear

What AMC is looking for
  • Demonstrated experience leading hiking or walking activities.
  • Possess a fundamental understanding of safe practices during hiking and outdoor activities.
  • Course work in natural sciences, experiential education, or related field, or equivalent work experience
  • Must be enthusiastic and enjoy working with the public.
  • Current First Aid and CPR/Wilderness First Aid Certificate or ability to obtain certification.
  • Must be a team player, detail oriented, well organized, highly flexible, adaptable, and resourceful.
  • Physical abilities needed: Requires ability to hike 6 - 8 hours per day on uneven terrain, carrying a backpack and other equipment up to 40 pounds, in all weather conditions.
  • Availability to work weekends, nights, and holidays.
  • Satisfactory driving record and background check, as verified by state record check
  • 21+ years old and ability to obtain DOT medical clearance to drive vehicles strongly preferred

What AMC Can Offer You
Part time employment, 20 hours per week.
Hourly Rate: $22.00/hr
We are committed to fair compensation practices. The initial salary represents our starting point, and our compensation philosophy is designed to reward and recognize the contributions of our employees as they grow within the organization. External candidates typically begin their journey with us at the starting point of the salary range. The final compensation offer will be based on factors such as experience, education, competencies, and geographic differential relevant to the position, and will be discussed during the interview process.
Benefits
  • Insurance: Available with positions that are 6 months or longer and when working greater than 30 hours per week
  • Retirement: Voluntary 403(b) Contribution
  • Paid Time Off: earn up to 10 days of paid earned time depending on length of service
  • Other Team Member Perks:
  • 30% discount on AMC Merchandise
  • Free Annual AMC Membership
  • 4 Free nights at AMC locations
  • Prodeals discounts on equipment & gear and more!

To Apply:
Please include a resume and letter of interest. No phone calls or agencies please.
AMC encourages all interested candidates to apply, even if they do not meet every listed qualification. If you have a passion for the outdoors and believe your skills and experiences align with this role, we welcome your application.
The Appalachian Mountain Club has zero tolerance for child abuse or placing children in danger. The AMC requires all employees who work in a program or facility that serves children, disabled persons, or the elderly to have a criminal background record check performed on their name annually with employment contingent upon satisfactory results.

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