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Wilderness Guide Jobs in Florida (NOW HIRING)

Eckerd Connects

Outdoor Youth Counselor

Floral City, FL · On-site

$36K/yr

... wilderness camp for girls. Make more than a Living, Make a Difference Our Benefits * Low-Cost ... You will have the unique opportunity to live on-site and foster positive relationships, guiding and ...

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Wilderness Guide information

See Florida salary details

$5

$14

$29

How much do wilderness guide jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for wilderness guide in Florida is $14.73, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $10.24 and $14.90 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Wilderness Guides?

Wilderness Guides are professionals trained to lead individuals or groups safely through natural, undeveloped areas such as forests, mountains, or national parks. They are responsible for planning routes, providing information about local ecology and wildlife, ensuring safety, and sometimes teaching outdoor skills like navigation, camping, and survival techniques. Wilderness Guides help create memorable, educational, and safe outdoor experiences for participants, ranging from day hikes to multi-day expeditions.

How can I make 2000 a week working from home?

Wilderness guides typically earn income through outdoor tours, guiding services, or training, which are usually in-person roles and unlikely to be performed entirely from home. To make $2000 weekly, guides may need to increase their rates, offer specialized experiences, or work multiple clients, but most income is tied to physical presence in outdoor environments. Remote work options in this field are limited, so additional skills or certifications in outdoor safety and survival can help increase earning potential if combined with in-person guiding activities.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Wilderness Guide, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Wilderness Guide, you need strong outdoor survival skills, first aid certification, and knowledge of local geography and ecosystems. Familiarity with navigation tools (like GPS, maps, and compasses), wilderness medicine certifications (such as Wilderness First Responder), and outdoor gear are typically required. Outstanding communication, leadership, and decision-making skills help guide groups safely and create memorable experiences. These abilities are crucial for ensuring safety, managing risks, and providing an informative and enjoyable adventure for clients.

How much do outdoor guides make a year?

Wilderness guides typically earn between $20,000 and $50,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the type of guiding services offered. Experienced guides with specialized skills or certifications can earn higher wages, especially in high-demand outdoor environments or through tips and commissions.

What are some common challenges faced by Wilderness Guides during multi-day expeditions, and how are they typically managed?

Wilderness Guides often encounter challenges such as unpredictable weather, navigation through difficult terrain, and managing group dynamics over extended periods. To handle these, guides rely on thorough pre-trip planning, constant monitoring of weather updates, and strong communication skills to ensure group safety and morale. They are trained in first aid and emergency procedures, allowing them to address any medical or safety issues promptly. Adaptability and proactive problem-solving are key to ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for all participants.

What jobs pay 4000 a week without a degree?

Wilderness guides can earn $4,000 or more per week through tips and high-paying outdoor expeditions, especially with experience and specialized skills like survival training or guiding luxury tours. Such roles often require certifications, physical fitness, and extensive outdoor knowledge but do not typically require a college degree. Earnings vary based on location, clientele, and the type of guiding services offered.

How to become a wilderness guide?

To become a wilderness guide, individuals typically need relevant outdoor experience, knowledge of survival skills, and certifications such as Wilderness First Aid or CPR. Gaining experience through outdoor activities, obtaining necessary certifications, and sometimes completing training programs from guiding organizations are essential steps to qualify for the role.

What is the difference between Wilderness Guide vs Outdoor Educator?

AspectWilderness GuideOutdoor Educator
CertificationsWilderness First Aid, CPR, outdoor skills certificationsWilderness First Aid, CPR, teaching credentials
Work EnvironmentRemote wilderness areas, guiding outdoor activitiesSchools, camps, outdoor programs
Industry UsageTourism, adventure companies, outdoor recreationEducational institutions, youth programs

Wilderness Guides and Outdoor Educators both work outdoors and often hold similar certifications like Wilderness First Aid. However, Wilderness Guides primarily lead adventure activities in remote areas, focusing on guiding clients safely through wilderness experiences. Outdoor Educators typically work in structured settings like schools or camps, emphasizing teaching outdoor skills and environmental education. While their roles overlap in outdoor environments, their main focus and work settings differ.

What are popular job titles related to Wilderness Guide jobs in Florida? For Wilderness Guide jobs in Florida, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Wilderness Guide jobs in Florida look for? The top searched job categories for Wilderness Guide jobs in Florida are:
Wilderness Guide jobs near you
Infographic showing various Wilderness Guide job openings in Florida as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $30,629 per year, or $14.7 per hour.
Outdoor Youth Counselor

Outdoor Youth Counselor

Eckerd Connects

Floral City, FL • On-site

$36K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 9 days ago

Eckerd Connects rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 10 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

52nd of 223 rated education and training

Job description

Do you have a bachelor's degree, love to work outdoors and want to make the world a better place for at-risk teenage girls? Eckerd Connects' Camp E-Nini-Hassee is seeking Outdoor Youth Counselors for our residential facilityin Floral City, Florida. This is a unique and rewarding opportunity, perfect for recent college graduates trying to find their career path, to work and reside on Florida's first 860 acre outdoor therapeutic wilderness camp for girls.
Make more than a Living, Make a Difference
Our Benefits
  • Low-Cost Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance
  • 19 days of Paid Time Off the first year
  • 11 paid holidays
  • Retirement savings plan with employer match up to 5%
  • Flexible spending accounts
  • Paid short-term and voluntary long-term disability
  • Group Term Life and AD&D Insurance
  • Voluntary term life insurance
  • Meals provided when on duty
  • Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Eligible Employer
  • PTO Exchange
  • On-Site Housing Provided

Salary Rate: Starting at $36,500 with opportunity for leadership development, professional growth and advancement.
Location Address: 7027 East Stage Coach Trail, Floral City, FL 34436. Relocation Assistance Provided! Relocation on-site required.
Duties and Responsibilities
  • This position lives with girls ages 12 to 17, providing daily hygienic oversight, therapeutic support/group counseling related to teenage girls, and therapeutic outdoor adventures.
  • The Outdoor Youth Counselor provides therapeutic support to 10-12 teenage girls who struggle with low self-esteem, anxiety, depression, family conflicts, neglect, and poor academic performance
  • Provide daily supervision and support to residents in a structured and safe living environment. Serve as a co-teacher while youth attend the on-site school each day. Monitor youth behavior and ensure environment is conducive to learning.
  • You will have the unique opportunity to live on-site and foster positive relationships, guiding and mentoring youth as they navigate personal and educational challenges.
  • As a live-in residential counselor, flexible schedule availability is required including some nights and weekends. Responsible for overall supervision of the youth which includes supervision 24 hours a day for 5 days a week. The purpose of 24/5 flexible schedule availability while on-site is to support residents in crisis situations and provide conflict resolution and de-escalation techniques. Counselors are also sleeping during the 24 hour day and Night Watch employees assist with night supervision.
  • Opportunity for growth and leadership development.

Housing Arrangements
  • Outdoor Youth Counselors reside on-site adjacent to youth campsites five days per week in open-air cabins nestled in Florida's gorgeous rural landscape. Our property is in the heart of Floral City, Florida close in proximity to popular travel destinations, amusement parks, and beaches where counselors can explore the beautiful state of Florida on days off.
  • On-site fully furnished housing is provided for counselors to rest and refresh during their two days off per week at no cost. Option to reside off-site in self funded housing is available.
  • For additional questions regarding arrangements and position details, you may email recruiting@eckerd.org

Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree from an accredited College or University.
  • Physical ability to stand for extended amounts of time, reside in open-air cabins during working days, as well as walk regularly throughout the wilderness terrain 24hr/five-day work week
  • Maintain a positive attitude in a wilderness setting, with exposure to outdoors and/or weather conditions.
  • This position requires Level 2 background screening through Florida's Care Provider Background Screening Clearinghouse. Learn more: https://info.flclearinghouse.com/

*This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by a person assigned to this job. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all job duties that may be performed by a person so classified.
About our Program
Camp E-Nini-Hassee was founded in 1969 by Jack and Ruth Eckerd as the first outdoor therapeutic program for girls at-risk in the southeast. We provide a positive, strength-based environment for girls ages 12-18 to experience nurturing guidance. We present a reality-therapy approach in a residential, outdoor therapeutic environment, using alliances with staff and group therapy to provide safety, adventure, and education. Each girl receives individualized treatment and is supported with family services. We provide an accredited education on site with certified teachers and transferable credits. We help girls considered at-risk who are struggling with school, causing family conflicts, experimenting with drugs, experiencing depression, have low self-esteem, or are exhibiting emotional problems and behavioral issues.
Our Program Location
Eckerd Connects | Camp E-Nini-Hassee
7027 East Stage Coach Trail
Floral City, FL 34436
About Us Video: https://vimeo.com/1150171112?fl=ip&fe=ec
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/eninihassee
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hersunnyroad/
Website: https://www.eckerdhelpsgirls.com/
Eckerd Connects employees and applicants for employment are covered by federal, state, and local laws designed to safeguard employees and job applicants from discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, parental status, national origin, age, disability, genetic information (including family medical history), political affiliation, military service, or other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.
Eckerd Connects is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all individuals, including individuals with disabilities. We comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and applicable state and local laws by providing reasonable accommodations to employees and applicants with disabilities; known limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions; and for sincerely held religious beliefs, observances, and practices. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities. If you need assistance or accommodation due to a disability, please contact adarequest@eckerd.org. Relay Services Dial 711.
Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal
Copy & paste the link into your browser: https://www.dol.gov/agencies/ofccp/posters.
Eckerd Connects is a drug-free workplace and utilizes E-verify to confirm employment eligibility.
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About Eckerd Connects

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Eckerd Connects is one of the largest national nonprofit child and family service organizations in the United States. Eckerd provides a full continuum of life-changing behavioral health, child welfare services, and workforce development through multiple offices and facilities nationwide that strengthen families, assist young adults, and help children succeed.

Industry

Education

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Clearwater, FL, US

Year founded

1968

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