ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Wilderness Guide Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Horseshoe Canyon Ranch

Adventures Guide

Jasper, AR · On-site

Adventure Guide Hospitality Starts Here: Welcome to The Indigo Road Hospitality Group (IRHG ... Wilderness First Aid or CPR certification preferred. * Knowledge of local terrain, flora, fauna ...

Horseshoe Canyon Ranch

Adventures Guide

Jasper, AR

Adventure Guide Hospitality Starts Here: Welcome to The Indigo Road Hospitality Group (IRHG ... Wilderness First Aid or CPR certification preferred. * Knowledge of local terrain, flora, fauna ...

Horseshoe Canyon Ranch

Adventures Guide

Jasper, AR · On-site

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

Horseshoe Canyon Ranch

Adventures Guide

Jasper, AR

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

Horseshoe Canyon Ranch

Adventures Guide

Jasper, AR

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

Alyeska Resort

Mountain Guide

Girdwood, AK · On-site

$20/hr

  • PTO

Preferred qualifications include previous guiding or adventure tourism experience, knowledge of local trails in the Girdwood area, or certifications such as Wilderness First Responder (WFR) or EMT.

Star Guides Wilderness Therapy

Be Seen First

Outdoor Youth Mentor

Saint George, UT · On-site

$165 - $246/day

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Star Guides is a wilderness therapy program that takes at-risk youth backpacking in Utah's desert backcountry. Our clients issues include ADD, depression, anxiety, sexual behavioral problems, and ...

previous page

Showing results 41-60

All JobsWilderness Guide Jobs

Wilderness Guide information

See salary details

$7

$19

$39

How much do wilderness guide jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 17, 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 is a wilderness guide?

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?

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 August 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, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,987 per year, or $19.7 per hour.

Wilderness Medicine Instructor (SOLO Program)

Nantahala Outdoor Center

Bryson City, NC • On-site

$17 - $21/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 4 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

SOLO Instructors conduct courses in the fields of wilderness medicine, CPR, first aid, wilderness survival, and emergency medicine. Primary responsibilities of instructors are to teach Wilderness First Aid (WFA), CPR, Wilderness First Responder (WFR), and Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) courses. Instructors are responsible for preparing and delivering lectures, leading, and moderating classroom discussions, running hands-on scenarios, and administering and grading examinations and practical assessments. The instructor is expected to provide positive student interactions/experiences and to take all precautions to keep guests and other instructors prepared and safe.


Responsibilities and Duties:
• Plan, prepare, and deliver instructional activities that facilitate active learning experiences.
• Develop lesson plans and establish/communicate clear objectives for all learning activities.
• Observe and evaluate student's performance and development and provide appropriate feedback on work.
• Prepare classroom for class activities and check equipment and paperwork prior to start of class.
• Instruct and monitor students in the use of learning materials and equipment.
• Complete end of course activities in a timely manner including, but not limited to, end of course paperwork and classroom/equipment clean-up.
• Assist in maintaining social media accounts and post relevant content
• Assist with inventory control and equipment maintenance
• Research and develop classroom resources for instructors
• Answer phones in a professional manner
• Train instructors as prescribed by the Manager and Assistant Manager
• Stay updated with developments in subject areas and make relevant changes to instructional plans and activities.


Position Qualifications

Outdoor and Medical Background
• Experience leading trips in back-country settings
• Worked for more than one season as a head guide/trip leader
• Medical provider: EMS, ski patrol, military, rescue squad or other channels

Teaching Experience:
• Experience teaching in a classroom and an outdoor environment
• Knowledge of concepts and experience teaching to adult learners
• Understanding of methods and principles of experiential education
• Medical teaching experience is preferred

Education:
• High School diploma or equivalent required - College degree preferred
• Current medical certification – EMT minimum requirement; EMT, RN, Paramedic, MD preferred
• Previous wilderness medicine training or equivalent required

Physical Requirements:
• Must be able to lift and carry 50 lbs
• Must be able to walk 3 miles over uneven terrain


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.