1

Wilderness Guide Jobs in Georgia (NOW HIRING)

Starter Ranger - Part Time

Stone Mountain, GA · On-site

$16.75 - $20.50/hr

... Wilderness EMT or EMT/Paramedic preferred • Multi-lingual skills a plus • Must have extensive experience guiding in the same or related environment • Sit, stand and walk for varied amounts of ...

Starter Ranger - Part Time

Stone Mountain, GA · On-site

$16.75 - $20.50/hr

... Wilderness EMT or EMT/Paramedic preferred Multi-lingual skills a plus Must have extensive experience guiding in the same or related environment Sit, stand and walk for varied amounts of time ...

Starter Ranger - Part Time

Stone Mountain, GA

$16.25 - $20.25/hr

... Wilderness EMT or EMT/Paramedic preferred • Multi-lingual skills a plus • Must have extensive experience guiding in the same or related environment • Sit, stand and walk for varied amounts of ...

Wilderness Guide information

See Georgia salary details

$6

$16

$33

How much do wilderness guide jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for wilderness guide in Georgia is $16.64, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $11.59 and $16.83 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 Georgia? For Wilderness Guide jobs in Georgia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Wilderness Guide job openings in Georgia as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $34,608 per year, or $16.6 per hour.
River Guide - Chattahoochee Metro Location (2026 Season)

River Guide - Chattahoochee Metro Location (2026 Season)

Nantahala Outdoor Center

Atlanta, GA • On-site

$12.50 - $13.25/hr

Temporary

Posted 7 days ago


Job description

For 53 years NOC has led the outdoor industry, taking more guests whitewater rafting and teaching more paddlers than any other outdoor recreation company. NOC also provides top-quality aerial and trail-based adventures, wilderness medicine as well as unmatched retail service, foodservice, lodging, and trip planning services. NOC career opportunities offer a rare combination of work in beautiful locations, a chance to grow skills and to share a passion for active outdoor recreation.

JOB SUMMARY

Come and spend your summer on the river at Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC)! The position of River Guide is a great opportunity to work on a new technical skill-set while growing your leadership, communication and teamwork skills. River Guide applicants must be at least 18 years of age prior to their start date, and have current First Aid and CPR certifications. This is a physically demanding position and is classified as seasonal.


Responsibilities


  • Occasionally guide through rapids with crews of varying size, age, and number; understanding and implementing risk-reduction in navigation, communication, and decision-making
  • Communicate with guests about local area information, other NOC activities and offerings, river and trip information, and providing general entertainment
  • Provide top-notch guest service to all guests, before, after, and during their trip
  • Participate in off-the-water tasks, including moving, loading and unloading rafts, assisting guests with gear, delivering instructional talks, and washing and organizing gear and equipment
  • Other tasks as assigned and based on qualifications, such as: driving vehicles, repair and maintenance of gear or facilities, guest check-in, and assisting other NOC departments


Qualifications


  • Basic First Aid & CPR are required prior to beginning work and this certification must be obtained through a classroom setting (please note, online First Aid & CPR are not acceptable as per our river permit agreements)
  • Wilderness First Aid or higher is encouraged
  • Effective communication skills and the ability to motivate small and large groups
  • A strong sense of guest service
  • Accountability for one's actions and performance
  • Enthusiasm about teaching and sharing outdoor activities with others
  • The ability to take direction from supervisors and managers
  • Good judgement in decision-making
  • The ability to work well under pressure and be able to respond quickly to emergencies with appropriate judgement
  • A can-do attitude and ability to work in a teamwork-based environment
  • The ability to speak clearly and with authority while guiding

Physical Demands and Working Conditions

  • Must be physically capable of maneuvering rafts for the duration of the season both on the water by steering and guiding and on land by carrying and lifting
  • Applicants should be able to lift 50lbs repetitively
  • Applicants should be comfortable sitting in raft for long periods of time and standing for long periods of time as well as able to bend, stoop and twist
  • Applicants should be comfortable working outside in varying weather conditions (heat, cold, wind, rain)
  • Due to the seasonal nature of this position, hours and schedule will vary from week to week based on business demands


The above noted job description is not intended to describe, in detail, the multitude of tasks that may be assigned but rather to provide a general sense of the responsibilities and expectations of this position. As the nature of business demands change, so too may the essential functions of this position.

Please note that as an employer with over 100 employees, NOC will be required to comply with any OSHA Vaccination and Testing Emergency Temporary Standard should that standard be enacted.

The Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC) is dedicated to the principles of equal employment opportunity in any and all terms, conditions or privileges of employment including hiring, promotions, termination, training and compensation. The NOC does not discriminate against applicants or employees on the basis of age, race, sex, color, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic condition or any other status protected by federal, state or local law, where applicable. Furthermore, the NOC is committed to a work environment free of discrimination and harassment through respecting and valuing the diversity among employees and all those with whom the NOC does business.