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Alaska Jobs more

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, active seniors are also needed to work as commercial bus drivers (with training provided). Applications are available online.

• Chilkat Guides summer staff have the opportunity to lead these unique adventures: the Chilkoot Trail Hike and Float, the Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve Float Trip, the Glacier Point Wilderness Safari or the Tatshenshini and Alsek River Expedition.

Spend a summer in one of the most spectacular regions in the world—work and play in Southeast Alaska! Celebrating 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. Applications and job descriptions are available online. Interviews begin in October with most positions filled by April 1st.

• 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.

Minnesota & Canada Jobs more

The Northern Tier National High Adventure Program was created by the Boy Scouts of America's National Council in 1923 to offer 6-10 day guided wilderness canoe treks for scouts, venturers and leaders into the Boundary Waters of the Northern U.S. and Canada. While the lakes and the mystery of the north woods have always been the big draw, becoming a staff member is the adventure of a lifetime. As a canoe trip leader, you will become the key staff member working with youth and adults on the crew. You will serve as a scouting role model, specialist and resource person for all aspects of the canoe trip, including packing and preparation, food handling, navigation, safety, history, fishing and ecology. Additional staffing opportunities include positions in outfitting, the Trading Post, dining hall, maintenance, and living history. The season begins with staff training on May 28th and runs through August 21st. Compensation includes a salary, plus additional benefits depending on the base you are assigned to, paid staff training, and canoe trip equipment including paddle, PFD, pack and tent. You must be at least 18, people-oriented, enjoy working with teens and adults, energetic, a quick learner, willing to teach others and eligible to join the Boy Scouts of America or Scouts Canada (women too!). Applications available online.

• Looking for that perfect summer job? Bored with retirement? Want an adventure? The Northern Tier National High Adventure Program has staffing opportunities in the U.S. and Canada for everyone! Do not put off the adventure of a lifetime. Where else can you get paid for paddling and portaging?

Vermont Jobs more

With programs designed to foster personal growth, self-reliance, cooperation, confidence, and a sense of community in people of all ages, Hulbert Outdoor Center offers school programs, wilderness trips, Elderhostel experiences, leadership training workshops, and public events in Vermont's Upper Connecticut River Valley. Whether working as an outdoor educator, trip leader, assistant leader or rock specialist, staff opportunities blend elements of wilderness travel, outdoor skill development, teamwork, sensitivity to the environment, and personal growth. During the summer, a 3-month commitment is ideal; however, trip staff are contracted per course. During the spring and fall, outdoor education instructors are hired on a seasonal basis with an opportunity to return for multiple seasons. Updated wage information is available online; all positions include room, board and paid staff training. The staff at Hulbert form a unique community of educators that values dedication, creative problem solving and hard work. If this sounds like you, applications can be found online.

• Are you an energetic, talented and dedicated individual who has the desire to live, learn and work in an intense and positive environment? As a staff member with Hulbert Outdoor Center you'll play the role of guide, chef, housekeeper, doctor, educator and entertainer.

Washington Jobs more

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.

• 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.

Southwest Jobs (Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, Utah)

With a 128-acre base camp in southwest Colorado, Deer Hill Expeditions engages young people in wilderness adventure, community service projects and native cultures in the southwestern U.S. (Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, Utah) and Costa Rica. Experienced and motivated summer Field Leaders teach minimum impact wilderness skills, lead outdoor activities (rafting, rock climbing, mountaineering, backpacking, mountain biking), facilitate community service projects and serve as mentors for participants. In addition to traditional summer leadership positions, Deer Hill is also hiring Field Leaders for the PanimWorks program. PanimWorks concentrates on Native American cross-cultural service learning, basic camping skills and Jewish education. During the spring, Field Leader positions are available, and focus primarily on rafting and Native American service projects. Spring programs are generally condensed courses that involve groups of 10 to 25 participants. All Field Staff applicants must be WFR or WFA plus CPR certified (depending upon the program they lead), have previous outdoor education experience and possess solid technical skills. In addition to summer Field Staff openings, 3-5 month paid internships are available seasonally. Interns are fully immersed in behind-the-scene logistics and maintenance that are the backbone of Deer Hill and support the entire organization. Grab an application online!

• Offering a unique and powerful blend of wilderness expeditions and community service programs in the southwestern U.S. and Costa Rica, Deer Hill Expeditions spring and summer field leaders facilitate the adventure side of the program, while seasonal interns learn the ropes behind-the-scenes.

Across the USA • North America Jobs more

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, $125/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 with 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 more information connect with Katy Birchett through email or by calling 800.345.8777.

• 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.

• 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:

Live your adventure dream! Uncover new and challenging ways to explore and experience the world with National Geographic Adventure.

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 Finding The Open Road (written by the founders of Roadtrip Nation)

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