Hiking and Backpacking Guide (United States)

Share your passion of nature, travel, and adventure while introducing guests to the magic of the outdoors!  

We are now seeking guides to lead trips for seven stunning regions across the US - from Olympia, Washington to Morrisville, Vermont (and beautiful destinations in between).     #LI-DNI  

As a Guide, you will enhance the lives of our guests by doing everything in their power to lead and facilitate a safe, fun, positive, unforgettable outdoor adventure experience while fostering a respect and appreciation for the special places we travel in.  

Responsibilities include (but are not limited to) guest email correspondence before the trip, gear and food preparation, pre-trip orientation meeting, assist guests in learning basic skills (backpack adjusting and putting up tents, etc), natural and human history interpretation, risk management, first aid, cooking and clean-up, gear repair in the field, meaningful post trip wrap up with guests, post trip gear de-issue and trip debrief. Some trips require guides to drive groups to and from the trailhead, possibly including pulling a trailer. Multi-day trips with Wildland Trekking range from 3-7 days with mileages that range from 5-12 miles per day.  

In program areas where we offer llama trips, guides are trained as llama wranglers in addition to our guide training, and assume all llama related responsibilities in addition to guide duties described above.  

Benefits include a fun, supportive work environment with high-quality people, paid training, post-trip gratuities, and opportunities for professional growth into management positions. Imagine working a job where many of America's premier hiking destinations are your day-to-day lifestyle.  

To be considered you must:    

• Be 21 years or older, as required by insurance to drive    

• Must have significant personal and/or professional multi-day guiding experience in the backcountry 1-2 years  

• Willingness to run any trip type barring physical restriction discussed and accommodation made upon hire   

• Successfully complete WTC Guide Training Course, shadow trip, and all applicable trainings  

• Competence in backcountry travel and living skills  

• Hold/Maintain current Wilderness First Responder (WFR) or Wilderness Emergency Technician (WEMT) and Adult CPR certification  

• Obtain/maintain a Backcountry Food Handlers or servSafe certification  

• Pass a background and motor vehicle investigation  

• Pass a drug test (CA only)    

• Ability and willingness to pick up and carry a heavy backpack (45-65 lbs) for multiple hours/days   

• For front country trips, the ability and willingness to pick up and move heavy loads and carry a moderate backpack of 25-35lbs    

• Willing and able to guide at least two trips monthly during peak season 

• For Driving: commercial driving experience preferred (any job where you had to at least occasionally transport passengers); ability to drive and maneuver with a cargo trailer  

All fields are required for applications to be reviewed.