Love to hike and want to get paid for doing it? There are plenty of opportunities out there for hiking and backpacking job-seekers. These can include working for organizations in either the public or private sector that focus on programming for children, teenagers, adults, or sometimes all three groups.
Hiking or Backpacking Jobs with Outdoor Education Groups
There are many outdoor education groups that use hiking and backpacking as a medium for introducing others, especially kids, to the natural world. Trips could be as short as a few hours in a local park or multi-week backpacking expeditions in remote wilderness locations. Most often this work is seasonal, but sometimes groups run programs throughout the year. Potential staff need to know how to be comfortable in the outdoors, be able to lead and teach others, and usually have to provide their own clothing and outdoor equipment. Some outdoor education groups that use hiking include:
The National Outdoor Leadership School: Also known as “NOLS” this non-profit based in Lander, Wyoming, runs thirty-day wilderness expeditions throughout the western United States and several other countries that focus on skill development and leadership.
The Appalachian Mountain Club: Based in the New England and Mid-Atlantic areas, the Appalachian Mountain Club runs outdoor education programs for both children and adults throughout the year. They also need volunteers to help with their programs.
To find a job with an outdoor education group, look online at Outdoored.com’s job board, which has postings for open positions.
Hiking or Backpacking Jobs with Government Organizations
State and Federal governments hire personnel either seasonally or full-time to be park rangers, land managers, researchers, interpreters, trail maintenance, or to fulfill other roles. These jobs require potential staff to be able to spend often lengthy periods of time outside in various conditions. Also, park staffers usually have to wear a park uniform.
Park Rangers: Interpret environmental and human resources to visitors, or enforce park rules and protect resources.
Researchers: Conduct studies and gather data in the field.
Trail Maintenance: Build, maintain, and repair trail systems, trail signs, and other backcountry facilities.
To find a job with the parks, check with the parks and recreation division with the state, or at USAJobs.gov for positions at the Federal level.
Hiking and Backpacking Jobs with Summer Camps
Summer camps are always looking for qualified staff to lead campers on day-hikes or longer backpacking trips. This is a great way for younger job-seekers to begin their backpacking and guiding careers. Camps train their staff how to work with youth, how to lead others in the woods, and how to handle different situations. Camps may be run by local community recreation departments, church groups, or national camping organizations such as the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts. These can range from small camp programs, to very large programs such as Philmont Scout Ranch, the largest camp for the Boy Scouts of America.
A hiking or backpacking job allows for a beautiful office view, and the opportunity to teach and lead other about the outdoors.
Bill Sassani - Bill Sassani is an outdoor enthusiast, educator, and writer with over 15 years' experience.
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