Finding a job that pays to hike or backpack sounds fun, but where are those jobs? How can job seekers find these positions? There are a few areas of the economy where potential employers hire people with the training and also the qualifications to fill positions.
Wilderness Therapy Jobs
Wilderness therapy companies are constantly hiring to fill positions as field instructors. Field instructors are responsible for leading groups of students/clients in the backcountry, keeping them safe, and helping the students/clients with completing their therapeutic work. Many of these companies provide not only a full-time salary, but also health insurance and other benefits. A resource for learning more about wilderness therapy programs is the National Association of Therapeutic Schools and Programs (NATSAP), which also has a job board.
Hiking Jobs with Government
Federal, state, and local governments also hire people for jobs that involve hiking or backpacking. Governments are responsible for everything from large swathes of public lands to the local community park, and need employees who can manage these resources. These positions can vary from seasonal summer employment to full-time positions with benefits. Some of the different kinds of people governments hire can include:
- Park rangers
- Foresters
- Resource interpreters
- Trail maintenance workers
- Wildland firefighters
- GIS workers
- Caretakers
- Morale, Welfare, Recreation workers.
To find these positions at the federal level, visit USAJobs.gov, the U.S. government’s clearinghouse for open job positions. State and local governments may have similar websites as well.
Hiking Jobs with Private Organizations
Different organizations such as private companies, non-profits, guide services, college programs, and schools hire people for jobs that involve hiking. Two websites that feature these kinds of programs are Outdoored.com and AEE.org, which is the official website for the Association for Experiential Education. These are two resources for outdoor professionals, and those looking to find their first job in the industry. Both websites have search engines where job seekers can enter in search criteria to focus for particular positions, or fewer criteria to cast a wider net. Also, members of the Association for Experiential Education can post an employee profile to greater advertise their skills and abilities.
Seasonal-Summer Hiking Jobs
With summer coming soon, camps and other summer-seasonal programs will be hiring workers to run their programs and work with kids. Some of these programs are the traditional summer camp, while others are high-end multi-sport adventure programs. Church groups, scouting programs, private organizations are some of the kinds of summer camp programs. The American Camp Association has its own job search section.
Finding a job can be difficult, but by knowing what sectors are hiring, job seekers can not only find a job, but one that allows employees to get paid to hike.
Bill Sassani - Bill Sassani is an outdoor enthusiast, educator, and writer with over 15 years' experience.
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