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Wilderness Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Beyond skiing and golfing, Pine Mountain invites exploration of the surrounding wilderness through hiking trails, fishing spots, and scenic overlooks. It's a perfect destination for families, couples ...

RN Oncology Nurse

Iron River, MI ยท On-site

$2.6K/day

Iron River, MI Iron River is a charming small city nestled in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, surrounded by stunning wilderness, pristine lakes, and abundant outdoor recreation opportunities including ...

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Wilderness information

See Michigan salary details

$24.8K

$55.8K

$82.8K

How much do wilderness jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for wilderness in Michigan is $55,777.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $43,600.00 and $65,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a wilderness guide?

Wilderness guides are professionals who lead individuals or groups on outdoor adventures in natural, often remote environments. They are responsible for ensuring the safety of participants, providing instruction on outdoor skills, and sharing knowledge about the local ecosystem. Wilderness guides often lead activities such as hiking, backpacking, canoeing, or wildlife observation, and are trained in first aid and emergency response. Their expertise helps participants experience and appreciate the wilderness while minimizing risks and environmental impact.

What are the qualifications to get a wilderness job?

To qualify for a wilderness job, you typically need a bachelor's degree in forestry or another relevant field. If you are working as a therapist or paramedic, you must also meet industry training standards and requirements. A scientific wilderness career requires specific knowledge and research skills. Additional qualifications include First Aid and CPR certification, strong interpersonal and communication skills, and the ability to work independently. You must be comfortable traveling and working in a wilderness setting, as well as adhere to all local and state laws regarding wildlife.

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 a solid understanding of local geography and ecosystems. Familiarity with navigation tools such as GPS devices, topographic maps, and wilderness safety protocols is typically required. Exceptional communication, leadership, and problem-solving abilities help guides manage group dynamics and respond to emergencies. These skills and qualities are crucial for ensuring client safety, delivering informative experiences, and adapting to unpredictable outdoor challenges.

What are some common challenges faced by wilderness guides and how can they be addressed?

Wilderness guides often encounter challenges such as unpredictable weather, ensuring group safety, and managing diverse skill levels among participants. To address these, guides must be well-prepared with contingency plans, maintain strong communication within the group, and adapt activities to fit the abilities of all participants. Building trust, staying organized, and continuously updating outdoor skills are essential for success and safety in this dynamic environment.

What is the difference between Wilderness vs Forest Ranger?

AspectWildernessForest Ranger
CredentialsOften requires environmental or outdoor certificationsRequires forestry, environmental science degrees, or certifications
Work EnvironmentRemote, undeveloped natural areasManaged forested areas, parks, and reserves
Industry UsageUsed broadly to describe remote natural areas or conservation zonesSpecific job title for managing forests and parks
Search IntentUnderstanding natural areas, conservation, outdoor activitiesManaging parks, conservation efforts, outdoor safety

Wilderness refers to remote, undeveloped natural areas, often used broadly to describe untouched environments. A Forest Ranger is a specific job title involving managing forests, parks, and conservation efforts within these areas. While Wilderness describes the environment, Forest Ranger describes a role within that environment, requiring relevant certifications and responsibilities.

What jobs work in the wilderness?

Jobs that work in the wilderness include park rangers, wilderness guides, conservation scientists, forestry technicians, and outdoor educators. These roles often require knowledge of environmental science, survival skills, and certifications such as CPR or first aid, and they typically involve working outdoors in remote or natural settings.

What are the most commonly searched types of Wilderness jobs in Michigan?

The most popular types of Wilderness jobs in Michigan are:

What are popular job titles related to Wilderness jobs in Michigan?

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

Infographic showing various Wilderness job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 7% Temporary, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $55,777 per year, or $26.8 per hour.

Secretary/Paraprofessional - Elementary Classroom Assistant - Wilderness Academy Outdoor

Jenison Public Schools

Jenison, MI โ€ข On-site

$13.50 - $17.50/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 12 days ago


Job description

Position Type:
Support Staff/Assistant
Date Posted:
7/13/2026
Location:
Wilderness Academy
Elementary Classroom Assistant - Wilderness Academy & TK at Kids First
Classroom Assistant - Class I - 29.75 hours week - school year employment
Qualifications:
  1. CPI certified or willingness to be trained as required
  2. Physically ableto lift at least 30 lbs.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
1. Work under the supervision of the appropriate teachers.
2. Ability to follow lesson plans with individual students or groups of students.
3. Lead a reading, writing, and math group.
4. Provide support and accommodations in general education classroom(s) and specials as specified in the student's Individualized Educational Plan.
5. Able to use email efficiently and consistently for communication.
6. Able to use Google Documents.
7. Have an understanding of trauma and its impact on student behavior.
8. Ability to provide behavior support calmly and effectively.
9. Trained or willing to be trained in de-escalation techniques.
10. Assist in implementing/monitoring behavior plans.
11. Initiative to intervene and develop solutions when student behavioral challenges arise.
12. Trained in Social Thinking or willingness to be trained.
13. Ability to problem solve and adapt quickly in a changing environment.
14. Ability to manage multiple transitions of students and materials between classrooms on a daily basis.
15. Flexibility with a changing schedule.
16. Prepare room and materials for daily activities.
17. Assist in making materials for the classroom.
18. Assist in maintenance of equipment and materials used in the classroom.
19. Accompany teacher and/or students on field trips.
20. Ability to do outdoor recess.
21. Monitor and provide social support during outdoor recess.
22. Assist/monitor students for morning and afternoon arrival and departure.
23. Assist in any other miscellaneous functions as required by building administrator.
24. Regular attendance is an essential function of the job.
Interview process may be required
Internal candidates, please apply in writing (email is adequate) to the Assistant Superintendent.
External candidates, please apply online at www.jpsonline.org. using the Frontline Applitrack system
Notice of Nondiscrimination
The District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnicity, religion, sex, age, height, weight, familial status, marital status, military service, veteran status, genetic information, disability, or any other legally protected basis, and prohibits unlawful discrimination, including harassment and retaliation, in any education program or activity that it operates, including in admission and employment. The District's Nondiscrimination, Anti-Harassment, and Non-Retaliation Policy and Grievance Procedures are listed within Board Policy.