Looking for a job that involves hiking or backpacking? Like any other job, having certain experiences and skills are important for being able to land that position. These experiences and skills can include having personal hiking experience, leadership skills, and medical training.
Having Hiking Experience for Getting a Hiking or Backpacking Job
Having personal hiking and backpacking experience is very important for getting a hiking or backpacking job. Potential employers will want to know that applicants can take care of themselves in the backcountry, sometimes for extended periods of time. For instance, knowing how to use clothing layers to stay warm and dry, or staying hydrated while hiking. Also, having a fundamental knowledge of the following:
- Backcountry navigation such as using a map and compass.
- Setting up a campsite, tents, or shelters.
- Backcountry cooking and using a camp stove.
The more days that someone has spent in the woods, the more personal experience that an applicant can bring to a job. Sometimes employers will want to know some personal stories where the applicant had to exercise personal judgment in a backcountry situation. In addition, they may require that employees provide their own hiking gear, such as backpacks, hiking boots, clothing layers, and water bottles.
Having Teaching and Leadership Experience for Getting a Hiking Job
Having teaching and leadership experience can help with getting a job because often one is working with novice hikers and backpackers who need to learn skills. Being able to teach and communicate with novice hikers is important. Also important is being able to make decisions in the backcountry that promote the safety of the group, as well as have fun. Employers may not only just look at professional experience, such as classroom teaching, but volunteer positions as well.
Having Medical Training for Getting a Hiking or Backpacking Job
Medical training is another important qualification that employers will be looking for. This is important because hiking and backpacking trips are often in remote areas where medical assistance could be delayed from reaching a patient for up to an hour or more. At the minimum, applicants should have completed a basic First Aid and CPR course.
However, more advanced training may be necessary. Consider taking a wilderness first aid or wilderness first responder course from a recognized wilderness medical program. These courses teach students how to handle emergencies, treat injuries, recording information, and adapting equipment for treating patients. A wilderness first aid course is typically a weekend long, while a wilderness first responder is usually eight or nine days long.
Getting a hiking or backpacking job can be easier by making sure to highlight one’s experience and training in order to meet the basic expectations of a potential employer.
Bill Sassani - Bill Sassani is an outdoor enthusiast, educator, and writer with over 15 years' experience.
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