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Wilderness Guide Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Trail Counselor is responsible for leadership in group facilitation and wilderness camping for ... Guide and influence the trail group's social interaction and personal growth Observe camper ...

The Trail Counselor is responsible for leadership in group facilitation and wilderness camping for ... Guide and influence the trail group's social interaction and personal growth Observe camper ...

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Wilderness Guide information

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$7

$19

$39

How much do wilderness guide jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for wilderness guide in the United States is $19.71, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.70 and $19.95 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.

More about Wilderness Guide jobs
What cities are hiring for Wilderness Guide jobs? Cities with the most Wilderness Guide job openings:
What states have the most Wilderness Guide jobs? States with the most job openings for Wilderness Guide jobs include:
Infographic showing various Wilderness Guide job openings in the United States 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 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,987 per year, or $19.7 per hour.
Gauley Season River Guide- Adventures on the Gorge

Gauley Season River Guide- Adventures on the Gorge

Aramark

Lansing, WV

Full-time

Posted 13 days ago


Aramark rating

5.9

Company rating: 5.9 out of 10

Based on 1,245 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

361st of 451 rated business services


Job description

Job Description

The River Guide II is responsible for providing exceptional and safe guide services to whitewater participants during rafting trips at Adventures on the Gorge. This is accomplished in the role through providing exceptional guest experience during their scheduled trips.

This posting is for Gauley Guides for the Gauley 2026 season. Canidates must have previous guiding expirience with a commercial log that contains expirience in guiding in Class 4/5 rapids. The first day of training will be September 11th, 2026 with the guide meeting held that Wednesday 9/11/2026. Guides should expect to arrive by Tuesday 9/9/2026.

 If you do not have the background shared in this job posting but are interested in gaining experience rafting, please reach out about guide training opportunities occuring in the spring 2027- you can send your interest to AOTG-HR@aramark.com.

Job Responsibilities
  • Arrive at scheduled time dressed and ready to work 
  • Perform pre-trip tasks as assigned by the Trip Leader and River Managers 
  • Prepare equipment at the put-in as designated by gear truck driver/trip sweep boater
  • Provide guests with specific safety instructions regarding equipment and trip plan   
  • Maintain trip order/plan established by the Trip Leader
  • Provide interesting and entertaining information about popular locations or specific points of interest.
  • Assist with post-trip jobs i.e. loading/unloading rafts, washing lunch dishes, etc.
  • Attend post trip video (if applicable)
  • Maintain a working knowledge of all products and services offered by AOTG.
  • Adheres to safety policies and procedures to ensure safety of guests.
  • Guides should test the communications equipment prior to operation.
  • Must be a knowledgeable guide for clients and provide support and reassurance.
  • Ensures security of company assets and a safe work environment through daily maintenance and housekeeping.
  • Works in conditions that involve exposure to unusual elements and extreme temperatures.
  • Maintains excellent customer service and a positive demeanor towards guests, customers, clients, co-workers, etc.

At Aramark, developing new skills and doing what it takes to get the job done make a positive impact for our employees and for our customers. In order to meet our commitments, job duties may change or new ones may be assigned without formal notice.

Qualifications

•    Completion of AOTG training program or equivalent  

  • Must have current CPR/FA certification with a hands-on component
  • Training in First Aid protocols such as Wilderness First Responder, Wilderness Advanced First Aid, Wilderness EMT or EMT/Paramedic preferred 
  • Current Swift Water Rescue certification is preferred  
  • Must have extensive experience guiding in the same or related environment
    • solid Class IV/V (4/5) past experience with a commercial log is required to be considered as an applicant for the Gauley Guide role on the Gauley River with Adventures on the Gorge
  • Sit, stand, swim, and walk for varied amounts of time
  • Demonstrates interpersonal and communication skills, both verbal and written
  • Must be available to work flexible hours

This role may have physical demands including, but not limited to, lifting, bending, pushing, pulling and/or extended walking and standing. This role may also require uniforms and/or usage of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

Education
About Aramark

Our Mission

Rooted in service and united by our purpose, we strive to do great things for each other, our partners, our communities, and our planet.

At Aramark, we believe that every employee should enjoy equal employment opportunity and be free to participate in all aspects of the company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, gender, pregnancy, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, military status, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by applicable law.

About Aramark

The people of Aramark proudly serve millions of guests every day through food and facilities in 15 countries around the world. Rooted in service and united by our purpose, we strive to do great things for each other, our partners, our communities, and our planet. We believe a career should develop your talents, fuel your passions, and empower your professional growth. So, no matter what you're pursuing - a new challenge, a sense of belonging, or just a great place to work - our focus is helping you reach your full potential. Learn more about working here at http://www.aramarkcareers.com or connect with us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.


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About Aramark

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The people of Aramark proudly serve millions of guests every day through food, facilities, and uniform services in 19 countries around the world. Rooted in service and united by our purpose, we strive to do great things for each other, our partners, our communities, and our planet. We believe a career should develop your talents, fuel your passions, and empower your professional growth. So, no matter what you're pursuing - a new challenge, a sense of belonging, or just a great place to work - our focus is helping you reach your full potential. Learn more about working here at or connect with us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

Industry

Hospitality services and facilities support services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Philadelphia, PA, US