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Wilderness Guide Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Wilderness Guide information

See Washington salary details

$8

$22

$45

How much do wilderness guide jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for wilderness guide in Washington is $22.32, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.53 and $22.60 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 Washington? For Wilderness Guide jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Wilderness Guide jobs in Washington look for? The top searched job categories for Wilderness Guide jobs in Washington are:
What cities in Washington are hiring for Wilderness Guide jobs? Cities in Washington with the most Wilderness Guide job openings:
Infographic showing various Wilderness Guide job openings in Washington as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 23% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $46,421 per year, or $22.3 per hour.

Field Leader - George Washington Memorial Parkway Trail Crew

Career Site

Mclean, VA

$920/wk

Temporary

Posted 25 days ago


Job description

Position Summary

The Student Conservation Association (SCA) George Washington Memorial Parkway (GWMP) Young Adult Trail Crew will be a team of 1 Leader and 3 Members conducting hands-on conservation projects focused on trail maintenance and improvement. Projects will include designing and constructing a timber staircase to improve trail accessibility; repairing and installing retaining walls to address drainage and erosion issues; and repairing and installing split-rail fencing at Turkey Run Park. Secondary projects may include bridge and boardwalk repairs, as time allows.

Hosting Organization

George Washington Memorial Parkway, National Park Service

Location

Arlington, VA

Schedule

August 17, 2026 - October 30, 2026

Weekly schedule: Monday - Friday, 7:30am - 4:00pm

Key Duties and Responsibilities

Crew Supervisor: Foster teamwork, guide crew dynamics, and manage field-based tasks to ensure safety and productivity.

Advisor: Train crew members in technical conservation skills, mentor personal and professional development, and promote environmental stewardship values.

Project Manager: Communicate with agency and park partners, oversee successful and timely project completion, and ensure a positive representation of the SCA.

Program Administrator: Organize logistics, manage program budgets, complete necessary documentation, and maintain clear communication with SCA staff.

Transportation: Upon completing SCA's MVR check and driver safety training, safely transport crew members to and from pick-up locations, worksites, and drop-off points within the DC metro area using an SCA rental truck. This leadership role offers a unique opportunity to mentor budding conservationists while contributing to meaningful environmental projects in both urban and park settings.

Marginal Duties

Crew leaders should expect to complete ~3-5 hours/weekly to complete crew leader administration tasks. These tasks may include coding expense receipts, uploading photos from the field, writing incident reports, attending weekly staff check-in meetings, or reviewing member time logs, among other things.

Required Qualifications

  • Perform manual, physical labor for up to 8 hours per day, exposed to the elements, and must occasionally lift and/or move 40 pounds or more
  • 21 years of age or older
  • US Work Authorization
  • Valid driver's license for 3+ years and pass SCA Motor Vehicle Report standards

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience with carpentry or landscaping is desired
  • Experience working with youth or young adults, teaching or environmental education preferred
  • Leaders will work in new outdoor environments, being excited and open to new experiences is strongly desired
  • Experience leading a team
  • Open to learning new skills, more about conservation, and environmental education

Hours

40 per week

Living Accommodations

No housing; Persons must already have secured housing locally prior to starting the position.

Compensation

  • $920/weekly
  • $45/month cell phone stipend.

Biweekly pay schedule.

All allowances are subject to applicable federal, state, and local taxes.

Additional Benefits

  • Defensive Drive Training
  • First Aid/CPR
  • Wilderness First Aid Training

Optional Benefit: This SCA Position is authorized under the Public Land Corps Authority. All participants must be between the ages of 16 and 30, inclusive, or veterans age 35 or younger. Participants must also be a citizen or national of the United States or lawful permanent resident alien of the United States. Hours served can be applied toward the Public Land Corps (PLC) hiring authority.

Equal Opportunity Statement

The Student Conservation Association, Inc., is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The SCA strives to cultivate a work environment that encourages fairness, teamwork, and respect among all staff members and is committed to maintaining a work atmosphere where lifestyles may grow personally and professionally.