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Wilderness Lifeguard Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Hyatt

Outdoor Adventure Guide - Full-Time

Austin, TX · On-site

Wilderness First Aid and Wilderness First Responder Preferred or willingness to complete provided training * Lifeguard certification preferred or willingness to complete provided lifeguard training ...

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Wilderness Lifeguard information

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How much do wilderness lifeguard jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for wilderness lifeguard in the United States is $24.74, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.62 and $22.12 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a wilderness lifeguard?

Wilderness Lifeguards are trained professionals responsible for ensuring the safety of individuals in remote outdoor aquatic environments such as lakes, rivers, and natural swimming areas. Their role includes monitoring swimmers, responding to emergencies, administering first aid, and educating the public about water safety in settings where traditional rescue resources may not be readily available. Wilderness Lifeguards often have specialized training in wilderness first aid, rescue techniques, and survival skills to handle emergencies in isolated locations.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a wilderness lifeguard?

To thrive as a Wilderness Lifeguard, you need strong swimming ability, first aid and CPR certification, and knowledge of water rescue techniques, often supported by specialized wilderness or open water lifeguard training. Familiarity with rescue equipment like throw bags, rescue boards, and two-way radios is typically required. Exceptional situational awareness, quick decision-making, and strong communication skills help lifeguards respond effectively to emergencies and coordinate with teams. These skills are critical to ensuring safety and swift rescues in unpredictable and remote aquatic environments.

What unique challenges do wilderness lifeguards face compared to traditional pool or beach lifeguards?

Wilderness Lifeguards often work in remote or natural water environments like lakes, rivers, or campsites, where access to advanced rescue equipment and immediate medical support may be limited. They must be prepared to handle unpredictable weather, variable terrain, and natural obstacles such as rocks, currents, or wildlife. Additionally, Wilderness Lifeguards are usually expected to perform first aid, lead emergency evacuations, and educate groups on water safety, making adaptability and strong problem-solving skills essential. Collaboration with other outdoor staff and effective communication are also crucial for ensuring the safety of all participants.

What is the difference between Wilderness Lifeguard vs Surf Lifeguard?

AspectWilderness LifeguardSurf Lifeguard
CertificationsCPR, First Aid, Wilderness First ResponderCPR, First Aid, Lifeguard Certification
Work EnvironmentRemote outdoor areas, lakes, rivers, wilderness settingsBeaches, oceanfronts, surf zones
Employer & IndustryOutdoor adventure companies, parks, wilderness resortsBeach resorts, coastal communities, surf clubs

Wilderness Lifeguards and Surf Lifeguards both focus on water safety but operate in different environments. Wilderness Lifeguards work in remote, natural settings like lakes and rivers, requiring wilderness-specific certifications. Surf Lifeguards are based at beaches, focusing on ocean safety and surf rescue. While their certifications overlap, their work environments and employer types differ significantly.

What states have the most Wilderness Lifeguard jobs?

States with the most job openings for Wilderness Lifeguard jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Wilderness Lifeguard jobs?

For Wilderness Lifeguard jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Wilderness Lifeguard job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 40% Full Time, 54% Part Time, 3% Temporary, and 2% Summer. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $51,458 per year, or $24.7 per hour.

Trail Counselor Guide - Daily (Camp Menogyn)

Grand Marais, MN • On-site

YMCA of the USA
Non-Profits • 10K+ employees
Learn more about YMCA of the USAexternal

$95/hr

Temporary

Posted 3 days ago

New

Job description

Description
Trail Counselor Guide - Daily | Camp Menogyn | $95.00 per hour
Are you excited to spend a winter mostly outside in the beautiful Minnesota North Woods? Program staff are responsible for carrying out day-to-day operations of the winter program at Camp Menogyn. They will share duties of guiding hiking, skiing, and snowshoeing day trips, cooking, cleaning, assisting with the dog sledding program, and the responsibilities of hosting. Menogyn serves a diverse audience in the winter season, including high school students, artist retreats, affinity groups, family camps, and more.
If you are interested in the Musher position, please note that on your application.
  • Room and board included.
  • The Program Director will begin reviewing applications the week of September 14th. We would love to have you apply!

Pay:
The salary for this position is $95.00 daily. We take into consideration an individual's background and experience in determining salary; therefore, base pay offered may vary considerably depending on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. The compensation package includes a wide range of other benefits and earned time off that vary depending on part-time or full-time status.
1. Job Summary:
The Trail Counselor is responsible for leadership in group facilitation and wilderness camping for groups of teenagers, families, or adults as well as program support.
2. Essential Functions:
  • Provide professional and culturally sensitive leadership to diverse groups of campers on overnight wilderness trips and during pre-trip preparation
  • Provide inclusive instruction in wilderness camping, canoeing, and backpacking
  • Participate in camp programs, such as campfires, group singing, and games
  • Guide and influence the trail group's social interaction and personal growth
  • Observe camper behavior, assess its appropriateness, and apply the necessary behavior-management techniques
  • Promote the core values - Caring, Equity, Honesty, Respect and Responsibility
  • Enforce safety and health regulations and emergency procedures
  • Comfortable leading a group of teenagers for at least 7 days in remote and backcountry wilderness areas
  • Complete all paperwork including camper evaluations, parent letters and trip reports etc. in a timely, high-quality manner
  • Participate in routine camp maintenance, facility upkeep and other duties as assigned

3. Relationships:
This position reports to both the Program Director and Executive Director. Trail Counselors need to maintain professional, positive working relationships with the entire camp team including kitchen staff, office and support staff and other trail counselors.
4. Qualifications:
Required:
Required certifications provided by YMCA or other certified organization may be acquired after hire but must be completed before an employee supervises youth in the backcountry:
  • Lifeguard certification.
    • The YMCA recognizes and accepts certifications from the following institutions: American Red Cross, YMCA, Star Guard, and Boy Scouts of America
  • Basic Life Support/CPR for the Professional Rescuer (renewed annually). Must include adult, child, and infant 1 and 2 person and use of an AED.
    • The YMCA recognizes and accepts certifications from the following institutions: American Safety and Health Institute BLS, American Red Cross BLS or CPR for the Professional Rescuer, American Heart Association Basic Life Support.
  • Wilderness First Responder (WFR).
    • The YMCA recognizes and accepts WFR certifications from a variety of institutions if they meet certain requirements. A full course must be at least 70 hours with a practical in-person component, must be called a "Wilderness First Responder" certification, and the institution providing the certification must have a medical director who is an MD and advises on the curriculum.
  • Minimum age of 18 years
  • If applicable, valid DOT Medical Examiners Certificate
    • Valid US Driver's License and ability to pass both external driving background check and camp driving evaluation as well as a Physical Exam
    • Minimum age of 21
  • Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion
  • Experience or education in wilderness risk management, camp counseling, outdoor education, outdoor recreation, youth development, or related field
  • Training or experience in wilderness camping, canoeing, backpacking, and/or trip planning
  • Demonstrated good judgment without direct supervision
  • Ability to operate in an emotionally demanding environment without access to front-country support systems
  • Strong organizational and communication skills

Preferred:
  • 1 season of experience leading wilderness trips, camp counseling or a related field
  • Leadership experience with groups of youth
  • Wilderness camping experience

5. Work Conditions:
  • Ability to communicate and work with groups of campers, adults and families
  • Emotional awareness, health and stability to create a supportive, empowering and affirming environment for young people
  • Visual, auditory, and decision-making ability to calmly and effectively identify and respond to environmental, human and other hazards related to remote travel.
  • Ability to lift and carry canoe and backpack weighing up to 100 lbs in rough and hilly terrain for extended periods of time.
  • Ability to live and work outside in a wide variety of conditions including extreme weather.

6. Additional Notes:
At all times the Trail Counselor must keep the safety and enriching experience of the campers in the forefront of their thoughts and actions.
This job description represents the major functions of the position but is not intended to be all-inclusive. The Trail Counselor is also responsible for taking direction from the Executive Director and Program Director or their representatives in completing projects or performing duties deemed necessary for the Branch or Association success.

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