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Wilderness Guide Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Canyon Ranch

Outdoor Sports Guide (On-Call)

Lenox, MA

$20 - $20.80/hr

Most recently, Canyon Ranch was honored by the MICHELIN Guide as the top wellness hotel and #1 ... First Aid/CPR/AED within 90 days (Wilderness First Aid preferred), MA driver's license meeting ...

Horseshoe Canyon Ranch

Hiking Guide

Jasper, AR · On-site

THE ROLE As a Hiking Guide, you'll lead guests through scenic trails, providing insight ... Wilderness First Responder preferred. * Ability to manage multiple guests with varying physical ...

Horseshoe Canyon Ranch

Hiking Guide

Jasper, AR · On-site

THE ROLE As a Hiking Guide, you'll lead guests through scenic trails, providing insight ... Wilderness First Responder preferred. * Ability to manage multiple guests with varying physical ...

Horseshoe Canyon Ranch

Adventures Guide

Jasper, AR

THE ROLE As an Adventure Guide , you'll lead guests through outdoor experiences that are safe ... Wilderness First Aid or CPR certification preferred. * Knowledge of local terrain, flora, fauna ...

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Wilderness Guide information

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$19

$39

How much do wilderness guide jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 10, 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.

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.

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 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:
What job categories do people searching Wilderness Guide jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Wilderness Guide jobs are:
Wilderness Guide jobs near you
Infographic showing various Wilderness Guide job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, and 17% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $40,987 per year, or $19.7 per hour.

Multi-Day Raft Guide

Wet Planet Rafting and Kayaking

Mccall, ID • On-site

$184 - $220/day

Full-time, Part-time

Posted 16 days ago

Job description

Wet Planet is looking for experienced multi-day raft guides to join our team on the Owyhee River in Oregon, and the Salmon River in Idaho.

Our multi-day raft guide team enjoys making it possible for guests to experience the magic of a multi-day wilderness river adventure. In addition to having prior rowing experience, multi-day guides must prioritize guest care and risk management in order to create seamless, memorable and joyful river adventure experiences for our guests. As the face of Wet Planet, our guides enjoy working with a team of fellow river professionals to make sure our guests have amazing experiences both on the river and at camp.

Wet Planet

Each year, many of our guests and team members return to enjoy the abundance of beautiful rivers we raft and kayak in Washington, Oregon and Idaho. Our headquarters is located on the banks of the White Salmon River in the heart of the Columbia River Gorge, surrounded by a whitewater paradise and an incredible community of boaters. It's the perfect location for raft guides and kayakers to work and play in the Pacific Northwest. Our multi-day trips are operated in Oregon and Idaho.
Qualifications & Experience:

  • Previous commercial multi-day experience on Class III whitewater
  • Professional appearance, great communication skills, a team player with a positive mindset
  • You love to share the river with guests and interpret natural and human history
  • You prioritize guest care and risk management
  • Current Wilderness First Responder & CPR certification
  • Current River Rescue Certification (Sierra Rescue, ACA Swiftwater, or equivalent)

Multi-Day Season: Our Owyhee season is mid-April through mid-May, and our Main Salmon season is mid-June through mid-September.

Availability:

  • Full-time, full season: Mid April through the second week of September
  • Full-time, peak season: Mid-June through the second week of September
  • Part-time, peak season: Must be available for a minimum of 2 trips in July and/or August

Many of our river team combine work in multiple disciples and enjoy the variety of work throughout the season. For those with skills in paddle rafting, rowing, and/or kayaking, work is available April-September, combining day-trips, multi-day trips, and kayak instruction.

Wet Planet Perks:

  • Access to free trips and courses, and discounted professional training (river rescue courses, medical courses, ACA instructor course, etc.)
  • Cross training for other job areas & opportunities within Wet Planet
  • Discounts on food, drinks, and merchandise in the Wet Planet store and espresso bar
  • Industry Pro Purchase program
  • Free rafting and kayak courses for friends & family
  • Access to local housing options
  • Accrued Sick Leave
  • Retirement plan after two years of employment

Compensation:

  • Compensation by day, Range: $184-$220, based on experience, training & certifications, and role (trainee, guide or sr trip leader)

Combine your desire to play outside with your professional skillset and experience join our team!