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Wilderness Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

YMCA

Trail Counselor Guide - Daily

Grand Marais, MN · On-site

$95/day

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 ...

Ortho Conditioning

Hand Surgeon -- MN -- $500k

Duluth, MN · On-site

$450 - $550/hr

Fishing and wilderness destinations include Superior National Forest, Voyageurs National Park, Lake Vermilion, the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, and more! * Award-winning schools, a children ...

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Wilderness information

See Minnesota salary details

$27.9K

$62.7K

$93K

How much do wilderness jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for wilderness in Minnesota is $62,677.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $49,000.00 and $73,500.00 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.
More about Wilderness jobs

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

The most popular types of Wilderness jobs in Minnesota are:

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

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

What job categories do people searching Wilderness jobs in Minnesota look for?

The top searched job categories for Wilderness jobs in Minnesota are:

What cities in Minnesota are hiring for Wilderness jobs?

Cities in Minnesota with the most Wilderness job openings:

Wilderness jobs near you
Infographic showing various Wilderness job openings in Minnesota as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 5% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 5% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $62,677 per year, or $30.1 per hour.

Trail Counselor Guide - Daily

YMCA of the USA

Grand Marais, MN • On-site

$95/day

Temporary

Re-posted 12 days ago

Job description

Description
Camp Menogyn is looking to hire a diverse team of adventurous and responsible Trail Guides for the fall season. Trail Guides can expect to spend most of their time outdoors, guiding multi-night canoe trips into the Boundary Waters for school groups, leading activities and day trips into the Boundary Waters during family camps, and acting as a host for retreat and artist groups. Wages start at $95/day and include room and board and a free YMCA membership.
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.
o 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).
o 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
o Valid US Driver's License and ability to pass both external driving background check and camp driving evaluation as well as a Physical Exam
o 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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