Adventure Jobs USA • North America

Adventure Jobs North America

As a field trip leader or outdoor intern for Wilderness Inquiry you may fill the role of pack horse, teacher, rehabilitation specialist, folksinger, chef, personal-relationship counselor, storyteller, disciplinarian, dishwasher and bush doctor.

It's time to blend a little excitement with your career for a summer, season, or year-round! An adventurous lifestyle means to grow through passion, challenge and risk taking. It's about learning to look at the world through curious eyes—to wonder what's on the other side of the mountain—and allowing wanderlust to become your guide. You'll work hard and you'll play hard; the intimacy of your adventurous pursuits will allow you to see, hear, taste, and smell more intensely.

Whether you love the water (canoe guides, kayak guides, white-water rafting guides, river guides, fishing guides, lifeguards, boat captains, cruise ship staff), the land (cycling guides, horseback guides, natural history guides, safari guides, tour leaders, trail staff), the mountains (climbing guides, mountaineering guides, ski guides) or outdoor adventure (outfitting staff, outdoor educators, tour guides, trek leaders, trip leaders, wilderness specialists), you'll find it here!

In the Spotlight

Alaska Jobs more

Imagine traversing sky bridges stretched high above the forest floor and zipping across cables hung between lofty hemlock and spruce trees. As the first company to bring the thrill and excitement of zipline canopy tours to the Alaskan rainforest, Alaska Canopy Adventures operates its zipline expeditions with daily ship excursions from Herring Cove, Ketchikan and Douglas Island, Juneau. Whether you want to spend your summer high above the ground, on the water, or at the docks, seasonal job opportunities include Canopy (Zipline) Guides, Tour Coordinators, Marine Personnel/Deckhands, Boat Captains, Store Clerks, Driver Guides, as well as management and supervisory positions. Preference is given to those who can commit from mid-April through the end of September. You can expect to work 6 to 10 hours per day with at least one day off each week. Benefits include one of the most competitive pay rates in Alaska, a seasonal bonus program based on performance and commitment, and gratuities. Some positions require experience and/or specific skills and licenses, with paid training available. If you love the outdoors and working with people, view detailed job descriptions, download the online application and begin your journey in the Alaskan rainforest.

Alaska Canopy Adventures guide and participants traversing across a sky bridge

• Looking to fly high on the ultimate eco-adventure work experience this summer? The Alaska Canopy Adventures team provides once-in-a-lifetime rainforest canopy challenges for guests with the help of ziplines, suspension bridges, off-road vehicles and jet boats.

Are you a spirited adventurer looking to experience Alaska this summer with a cool job? With a commitment to ecotourism and small-group interactive experiences, Alaska Wildland Adventures offers wilderness lodge-based travel, tours and adventure vacations in Alaska's Kenai Peninsula and Denali National Park. AWA also owns and operates Kenai Fjords Glacier Lodge, Kenai Riverside Lodge and the Kenai Backcountry Lodge. Outdoor adventure your passion? Summer job opportunities include fishing, rafting, natural history, sea kayak and safari guides as well as adventure program interns. Behind-the-scenes your strength? Plenty of options to choose from, including cooks, hospitality staffers, trip packers, maintenance and office staff. Salaries vary dependent on experience and also include gratuities. Rustic cabin-tent housing (with staff kitchen and lounge) is provided along with a payroll deduction for meals at the Riverside Lodge and free room and board at the backcountry lodges. Most positions run from mid-May through mid-September; however, some positions have flexible start/end dates. For more information, job descriptions, essential requirements and to download an application, please visit www.awasummerjobs.com. Hiring is conducted though April 30th each year (or until positions fill), with interviews most often conducted by phone.

An Alaska Wildland Adventures summer guide leads the adventure of a lifetime for guests

• Do you have skills and experience in natural history interpretation, guiding, outdoor leadership and recreation, fish guiding, rafting, maintenance, and/or hospitality? Find the perfect job this summer with Alaska Wildland Adventures.

As a stepping stone to the greater world of guiding and backcountry recreating, Chilkat Guides—based in the picturesque town of Haines, Alaska—will teach anyone with the aptitude and interest how to guide themselves and others safely in and out of the wild. Whether activities include trail hikes, float trips, wilderness safaris or river expeditions, summer guides, trip leaders and naturalists get participants excited about the great outdoors. Their annual guide school (beginning mid-April for those without guiding experience) is by invitation only and is free of charge to accepted applicants. All invitees successfully completing the guide school are offered employment as guides from May through the end of September. Compensation starts at $10/hour for straight guiding with added incentives for trip leaders and naturalists (expect overtime which is paid at time and a half). Applicants must have the desire to work long and hard (usually 6-12 hours per day) in sometimes unpleasant conditions, be athletic and have a love for people. In addition to guide positions, office, maintenance, catering and dock staff are needed as well as active seniors to work as commercial bus drivers (with training provided). Applications are available online.

Chilkat Guides Trip Leaders involve guests in trail hikes, float trips, wilderness safaris and river expeditions.

• With over 100 people on staff at Chilkat Guides, each team member is highly qualified and passionate about the Alaska region and what they do. Meet the team »

Spend a summer in one of the most spectacular regions in the world—work and play in Southeast Alaska! Celebrating over twenty years in business, Sockeye Cycle Co. is the only full-service bicycle business in Alaska offering sales, service, rentals and tours. From April through September, twenty seasonal workers are employed, with positions that include tour guides, van drivers, bicycle mechanics and managers. The majority of positions are based in Skagway and involve daily tour operations. Daily tours are three hours long with groups of twelve; other overnight and multi-day tours go out at varying dates and times based on staffing and seniority. Wages start at $10/hour, plus a performance bonus upon completion of your contract. Contracts are for a minimum 3-month commitment. Management positions are salaried, with pay based on experience. At minimum, applicants must be U.S. citizens, 23 years old and have a clean driving record. Job descriptions and an application is available online. Interviews begin each October with most positions filled by April 1st.

Work and play in Alaska this summer with Sockeye Cycle Co.

• If you are looking to work and play in Alaska this summer, Sockeye Cycle Co. is hiring plenty of seasonal employees, including cycling tour guides, van drivers, bicycle mechanics and a variety of managers.

Montana & Wyoming Jobs MT • WY

A bank teller turned boat builder started a family legacy in Glacier National Park. What started in 1938 as a two-boat operation, Glacier Park Boat Company has grown to include five locations throughout the Park. Seasonal boat captains staff historic wooden boats that carry from forty-five to eighty passengers from the first part of June until the end of September. Captains are trained to drive the boats and give professional commentary informing visitors of the historic, cultural and geographic aspects of America's Little Switzerland. Applicants need no prior captain experience, must be 18 years of age, possess current CPR and first aid certificates, and pass physical exam and drug test. A desire to learn how to operate these historic boats and people skills are a must! Pay starts at $9/hour, with increases for experience. Housing is family-style and is included in the compensation package; employees provide their own food. To begin the application process, email your resume to Denise VanArtsdale.

Glacier Park Boat Company: Seasonal Boat Captains

• Captains for Glacier Park Boat Company staff historic wooden boats while informing visitors of the historic, cultural and geographic aspects of America's Little Switzerland.

Backcountry Guides with the C5 Bridges Program facilitate multiple leadership experiences in Wyoming and Montana with groups of young leaders from around the country. A typical 13-day experience involves meeting each group at the airport and leading a multi-day trip and travel adventure that includes a day hike at Mann Gulch in Helena, Montana, a college campus visit to Montana State University, whitewater rafting, and a service day at Yellowstone National Park. Following these activities, you will spend a few days at the base camp in Hyattville, Wyoming leading adventure experiences like rock climbing, rappelling, teaching Leave No Trace ethics, and working with your group to prepare gear and food for the backcountry trip. You will then become the lead facilitator of a 6-day backcountry experience, teaching navigation, leadership and group curriculum while in the wilderness. Upon your return, you will participate in your group's development of a multi-media presentation that they will unveil to their site when they arrive home. Applicants must be at least 21 years old, Wilderness First Responder certified (reimbursement available), and have a positive attitude. Positions begin on May 20th and conclude either on August 28th or September 4th. Email your completed application to Zack Terakedis.

C5 Bridges Program Backcountry Guides: inspiring high-potential youth from risk-filled environments

• To be a successful C5 Bridges Program Backcountry Guide requires insightful facilitation and dynamic leadership to promote positive relationships, sharpening of leadership skills, and connecting trip-related challenges to skills needed for success in college, work, and life.

Washington Jobs more

Anacortes Kayak Tours: Sea Kayaking in the San Juan Islands

Connecting adventurers to the least developed and least visited shorelines in the San Juan Islands, Anacortes Kayak Tours offers four unique trips: a 1.5 hour Deception Pass trip, a 5-6 hour Outer Island program, a 3 hour trip directly off Fidalgo Island, and multi-day kayaking adventures. Prior to leading guests on the water, Summer Sea Kayak Guides participate in a formal class with professional coaches along with a fairly intensive in-house training program. You will learn how to use high-end paddling equipment, handle currents, read weather, and find wildlife—all while razzle-dazzling your guests. Guides must commit to at least a mid-June through Labor day timeframe, in addition to pre-season training activities. Office/logistics staff are also hired each year. Wages start at $10/hour and go up to $14/hour. There is a fee for the training course, but much of this is reimbursed upon completion of the season. Hardworking, outdoorsy-type folks with a sunny outlook on life will thrive here.

A seasonal kayak guide with Anacortes Kayak Tours leads an adventure trip in the San Juan Islands

• With one of the most comprehensive kayak guide training programs in the region, Anacortes Kayak Tours is looking for professional, mature and fun-loving individuals who are looking to work and play in the great outdoors.

Specializing in sea kayak, whale watch and multi-day tours in the spectacular San Juan Islands of Washington, San Juan Outfitters creates fun and educational trips which inspire people to love and care for the environment. Sea Kayak Guides conduct a wide variety of tours ranging from 3 hours to 5 days long. Newer guides primarily operate 3-hour or 5-hour tours, while more experienced guides lead extended overnight trips. Offering a range of tours allows each staff member room to grow professionally. On the water, guides lead guests on pre-determined routes, with an emphasis on interpretive stops along the way. Compensation includes up to $12/hour with considerable gratuities (overnight guides up to $150/day), extensive employee pro deals, discounts off food/beverages at marina restaurants, kayak training with world class professionals Body Boat Blade, and free kayaking trips, whale watching trips and company equipment use. Applicants must make a commitment from May 15th to September 15th (some exceptions for college students), be at least 21 years old, have experience kayaking as well as confidence in teaching natural history and marine ecology, and be CPR/first aid certified (WFR preferred). To apply, send your resume, cover letter and 3 references to Brian Goodremont.

San Juan Outfitters provides a meaningful employment experience to both aspiring and experienced outdoor professionals.

• With a history of employing and developing some of the industry's top kayak guides, naturalists and outdoor professionals, one of the larger business goals at San Juan Outfitters is to provide a meaningful employment experience to both aspiring and experienced outdoor professionals.

Southeast Jobs NC • SC • TN

Ready to soar and glide into the trees? Committed to designing, operating and managing the highest quality zipline canopy tours available in the Southeastern U.S., Adventure America Zipline Canopy Tours is seeking highly motivated and professional people who are interested in exposing visitors to the great outdoors. Canopy Rangers will lead small and large groups, instruct guests on proper use of canopy tour course and equipment, and share facts and stories about the environment and region. Lead Canopy Rangers will set the tone for the team, lead by example at all times, assist with physical and emotional challenges, maintain a timely experience using ziplines & high level climbing gear, and coordinate with other team members while leading groups. Canopy Course Managers will coordinate all aspects of the canopy tour site, maintain a professional, friendly work and operational environment, administer budget and payroll, and works closely with the Wildwater team to insure smooth operations for all. Job opportunities are available from March through September at one of three locations: Nantahala Gorge and Plumtree in North Carolina and Chattooga Ridge in South Carolina; each offering fully guided tours with at least 10 zips, 4 bridges and a training course. AAZCT offers competitive wages and benefits. Apply now!

• Cool Job of the Week: WSPA.com (CBS affiliate) showcases Canopy Ranger Lee Allison at Nantahala Gorge. Learn what it's really like to work for Adventure America Zipline Canopy Tours.

As the oldest outfitter on the wild and beautiful Chattooga River, Wildwater offers rafting on five rivers in the Carolinas and Tennessee, canoe and kayak clinics, Raft & Rail© excursions, team-building retreats, a variety of lodging facilities and plenty of seasonal work opportunities to explore. Guide and trip leader positions are the most numerous and the most sought after; however, if you love people (and don't have the desire to play in water all day), you might consider a land-based position, including reservations, front desk/retail management staff, marketing staff, transportation drivers and the food service team. Preference is given to those who can work from March through October; however, opportunities do exist for the summer months. In addition to competitive wages, free staff housing and meal options for a small fee, you can also expect unlimited river trips, complimentary tickets and lodging discounts and pro deal purchases. Applicants who have a positive attitude, good work ethic and friendly personality are always at the top of the hiring list. Guides must be 18 and certified in first aid and CPR; a guide school program is offered in the spring for training potential employees.

Wildwater: the challenges of working in an outdoor environment.

• Wildwater invites you to consider the challenge of working in an outdoor environment as part of a team. You'll learn new skills, work in a variety of settings, enjoy fun and recreation, work with people with similar interests, make lifetime friendships, and participate in a valuable work experience.

Maryland Jobs more

After nine years of providing adventures to almost 2 million visitors in England, Scotland and Wales, Go Ape! thought it was time to do the same here in the US. With awesome tree top adventure courses, zip-wires, Tarzan swings, giant rope nets and general monkey business, the Go Ape! experience gets the adrenalin pumping, gets people out of their comfort zones and above all (no pun intended), it's just great fun. Now recruiting full-time, part-time and freelance instructors for its first course in the U.S. at Rock Creek Regional Park in Rockville, Maryland. A variety of contracts are available from mid-April through November. Instructors will be provided with full training, competitive pay, benefits and the opportunity to work in a fast growing and exciting business. Hard working, enthusiastic individuals that can work as part of a dynamic team are encouraged to apply. You should have a passion for working in the outdoors, excellent communication skills, a proven track record in customer service and a sense of adventure! Previous high ropes experience is preferable but not a necessity. To apply, email your resume and a cover letter describing your suitability for the job.

• Go Ape! now recruiting instructos for its first course in Rockville, Maryland! Learn more about the interview process »

Across the USA • North America Jobs more

With programs designed to teach leadership, teamwork, creative problem solving, self-responsibility, confidence building, community living and outdoor skills, Adventure Treks provides unique outdoor experiences for teens, ages 12-18. In the summer months, 16-29 day adventure program destinations include Alaska, Northern California, Oregon, Washington, Montana and the Canadian Rockies; while in the fall, wilderness-based programs are offered for up to a week for school students in the mountains of North Carolina. Doubling as teacher, role model and trip coordinator with five other leaders, Wilderness Instructors manage group dynamics, coordinate trip logistics, maintain outdoor equipment and teach outdoor skills, including backpacking, rock climbing, mountaineering, sailing, whitewater kayaking, cooking and orienteering. Benefits include a competitive salary, partial travel reimbursement for summer adventures, room and board while training and working, pro-deal purchases and the opportunity to work during the summer and fall. Applicants must be at least 21 years of age (college graduate preferred), certified in WFR/CPR, have several years experience working with teens and/or leading wilderness programs, solid outdoor skills in a variety of activities and the ability to work long hours with little or no time off. To begin the application process, email your resume to Dave McGlashan. Applications are due by March 31st for the summer and August 15th for the fall season.

Adventure Treks: The Power of Six Instructors

• The Power of Six Instructors
Adventure Treks is the only wilderness program to feature 24 students with 6 instructors on most trips. Six instructors ensure that there is always an instructor available to do what's most important: be actively involved with the students and to get to know them as individuals.

Incredible Adventures is an eco-friendly adventure tour company offering small group tours throughout the western United States, with adventures departing from San Francisco and Las Vegas. Tours range from 7-21 days with a hotel or camping option, and are designed to get customers off the beaten path while exploring unique destinations with as little environmental impact as possible via biodiesel-fueled vans. Tour leaders will arrange daily logistics, outdoor and evening activities, sightseeing excursions, teach sustainable travel, camping etiquette and cooking skills, and engage clients by participating in daily chores. Compensation is $75/day plus tips and commission (staff accommodations are not provided between tours). Due to insurance restrictions, drivers must be at least 23 years of age with a clean driving record and be able to obtain a commercial drivers license (the right candidate will be trained), have great communication skills, be first aid/CPR certified, and be able to make at least a 4-month commitment from May through October. If you're ready to get on the road with Incredible Adventures, send a cover letter (specifying whether you are interested in hotel or camping tours or both), resume and the short form of your DMV record for the past 3 years (which is available at your local DMV for $5).

Incredible Adventures is a small, environmentally-conscious tour company that offers small group tours by biodiesel van

• Incredible Adventures is looking for reliable and organized individuals with a desire for adventure. Tours are designed to get customers off the beaten path while exploring the western U.S with as little environmental impact as possible.

Specializing in international small group adventure tours, Intrepid Suntrek offers 65 lodging and adventure camping tours from 1-9 weeks throughout the U.S. (including Alaska), Canada and Mexico. Active people who love working with multi-cultural groups of people are needed as Group Leaders. You will lead cross-country adventures along pre-planned scenic tours in a 15-passenger maxi-van, arrange daily itineraries and activities, facilitate daily camp set-up and break-down, load/unload camping gear, work with local vendors to arrange activities, organize food shopping and cooking, and proactively handle the varying dynamics and personalities of each group. You must be able to lead tours on the road for up to four months between the months of April and October and lead/drive a series of consecutive treks. Applicants must be at least 21 years old with a clean driving record; qualified applicants are asked to join a training camp where you will receive hands-on training in all aspects of trek leading and practice all the daily tasks and activities a trek leader performs. The first camp is offered beginning in mid-April, with additional training sessions offered every three weeks through July.

Discover America, have fun and earn money as Intrepid Suntrek Group Leader this summer

• Do you want to discover America, have fun and earn money all at the same time? Intrepid Suntrek group leaders travel along pre-planned scenic routes throughout North America with small international groups of travelers.

Are you ready for an adventure? The Mountain Workshop has been taking kids outside in search of adventure through School Outdoors (day and overnight trips), Awesome Adventures (summer day camp), and Trailmark Expeditions (multi-week wilderness trips all over the country). Field Leaders are responsible for safely co-leading school aged children and teens in spectacular wilderness settings in the Northeast, Colorado, Utah and Wyoming—making even the hardest day in these work places well worth the amazing experience. Responsibilities include teaching, leading or participating in activities that may include canoeing, kayaking, rafting, sailing, rock climbing, rappelling, caving, bike touring, orienteering, backpacking, challenge course, high & low ropes facilitation or leadership and survival skills. Benefits include competitive per diem rates, meals for all overnight trips, pro deal purchases and extensive training (including WFA, CPR and life guard certification). Programs run from May through November, with staff training beginning at the end of May. Staff are hired based on their judgment, experience, enthusiasm, teaching skills, relevant certifications, ability and desire to learn technical and group management skills, and overall attitude. Applications are accepted continuously through spring and summer, although priority will go to staff that apply early and have committed to a full season!

The Mountain Workshop staff are dynamic, energetic people committed to creating personal growth opportunities for youth in the outdoors

• The Mountain Workshop staff are dynamic, energetic people committed to creating personal growth opportunities for youth in the outdoors. They come from many different professional backgrounds including school teachers, park rangers, athletic coaches, camp counselors, ski instructors, river guides, outdoor equipment retailers, adventure course facilitators, social workers, military veterans and college students.

With a unique blend of sightseeing and adventure, TrekAmerica offers walking, camping and lodging tours for a younger international crowd on a budget throughout North America. Taking to the road in 15-passenger vans, tour leaders double both as guide and driver for their group. In a day's work, leaders must be prepared to arrange daily logistics, research unfamiliar territories, organize day and evening activities, provide briefings and commentary, and lead a safe and enjoyable holiday for passengers. In addition to a 3-week training period, leaders can normally expect to work from April through mid-September, with tours that last from 1-9 weeks. Base pay starts at $1,250 per month plus tips up to $5 per passenger per day with a limit of 13 passengers, $100/month for insurance, $30/month for cell phone, an end of year bonus and accommodation throughout the season. At minimum, applicants must be at least 23 years of age, be a U.S. citizen and possess a clean driving record. If you think you have the skills to accommodate a diverse group of travelers—who have different needs, wants, physical fitness and English fluency levels, musical tastes, diets and expectations—obtain detailed tour leader information online. For an application send a resume to Jennifer Boyle via email or by calling 800.345.8777.

A Trek America group enjoying exciting adventures throughout North America

• Doubling as travel guide and driver, tour leaders for TrekAmerica take small groups on exciting adventures throughout North America.

Whether by canoe, sea kayak, skis, dog sled, horse pack or backpack, Wilderness Inquiry connects people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities with the natural world while inspiring personal growth. Trail staff are responsible for organizing and leading rigorous single-day events and extended wilderness adventures primarily in North America. Typically, 2-3 staff conduct each trip for 10-14 participants. Over the course of a single trip, leaders may fill the roles of pack horse, teacher, rehabilitation specialist, folksinger, chef, personal-relationship counselor, storyteller, disciplinarian, dishwasher, and bush doctor. Seasonal positions are offered from June through September and December through April. A 10-day staff training conducted in early June provides skills in canoeing, camp craft, leadership and risk management. Benefits include a per diem stipend from $45 to $110, along with meals while working and staff housing between trips. In addition to having current certification in advanced first aid, water safety and CPR, individuals with previous experience working outdoors and with people with disabilities are desired. Summer coordinator positions and year-round internships are also available—details and application materials are available at www.wildernessinquiry.org/get_involved.

Wilderness Inquiry: high-quality outdoor experiences accessible for everyone

• With a passion for creating high-quality outdoor adventure travel experiences accessible for everyone (including those who do not typically get out and enjoy the wilderness), Wilderness Inquiry staff members will lead their group to some of the most amazing places on earth.

Unique Resources

Expand your adventure job search by exploring these keywords:

It's time to power up and push your vocation to its full potential. Explore Outside Magazine's life expanding work-and-play adventure plan with a monthly subscription.

Each summer, scores of students road trip along America's highways in search of something they can't find at school. Find out how you too can join a team (as a writer, photographer or coordinator) and hit the road with Roadtrip Nation.

For a roadtrip pump-up, a must read is Roadtrip Nation: A Guide to Discovering Your Path in Life, filled with interviews of successful people who had made their own way in the world. Perfect for the entrepreneurial attitudes of so many twenty-somethings.

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