Wildland Trekking

Hiring:

Guides to lead backpacking, hiking, lodge or campground based, day hike and llama trekking trips in 2025. Work from March - October  or Mid August through October in our desert regions of the Grand Canyon, Sedona, Southern Utah.  Or June through September/October in: The Greater Yellowstone region, Pacific Northwest, New England, Sierras, or Rocky Mountains of Colorado. 

Guides manage all aspects of the trip. They prep gear and food, cook meals, teach guests the basics of backpacking and camping, provide interpretive information, manage risk in variable environments, and facilitate social dynamics and guest satisfaction.

Benefits include awe inspiring landscapes, a fun, supportive work environment with high-quality people, paid training, post-trip gratuities, and opportunities for professional growth into management positions. Imagine working a job where many of America's premier hiking destinations are your day-to-day lifestyle.

The Wildland Trekking Company offers small group, multi-day backpacking or llama/mule supported trips, day hikes, car-camping basecamp style, and inn-based hiking trips for adults and families looking to experience unforgettable hiking vacations in majestic landscapes. Guests can expect delicious meals and extraordinary guides who have the ability to turn a great get-away into an unforgettable, inspiring adventure. 

Job Requirements:

• 21 years old or older in order to guide and drive

• Able to pass a background, motor vehicle record check, and a drug test (CA only)

• Able to obtain a Backcountry Food Manager’s Certification

• Able to obtain a Leave No Trace certification (location dependent)

• Able to obtain WFR (Wilderness First Responder) or WEMT (Wilderness EMT)

• Able to hike up to 15 miles per day with a pack weight up to 55-65 pounds

• 20-35 pounds for day hike only positions

• Able to attend pre-season guide training

• Willingness for multi-day guides to lead all trip styles (Backpacking, Llama/stock supported [location dependent], Basecamp, Inn-based) offered in the program area one is applying.

Required Qualifications:

• A minimum of 50 field days in a professional outdoor guide/leader position (touring, hiking, backpacking or other activities) and/or professional experience in outdoor education (i.e. NOLS, Outward Bound, Wilderness Therapy, etc.).

• Extensive personal backpacking experience in a variety of conditions.

• Strong back-country skills (i.e. maps, compass/GPS, route finding, river crossings, water purification, bear country, camps stove use, back-country cooking, etc.).

• Interpretation knowledge of the area one is applying or commitment to learning through self-study.

• Ability to work independently and use good judgment for decision making in a variety of situations.

• Speak and write English fluently, excellent verbal communication skills and interpersonal skills.

• Strong customer service skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

• 1-2 years of experience in a professional outdoor guide/leader position (touring, hiking, backpacking or other activities) and/or professional experience in outdoor education (i.e. NOLS, Outward Bound, Wilderness Therapy, etc.).

• Background in geology, ecology, biology, native and modern history or expertise in at least one of our program locations.

• Excellent outdoor cooking skills and ability to create a fantastic menu factoring food allergies, restrictions and preferences.

• Two years of commercial driving experience (any job where you had to at least occasionally transport passengers).

• Fluent in French, German, Spanish, Mandarin, Japanese a plus.

The Deputy Operations Manager plays a pivotal role in the successful and profitable running of Intrepid & Wildland Trekking Co. trips to the standards stipulated by Intrepid and Wildland Trekking’s policies and practices. The position provides the main point of contact for field staff working in the CA/Sierra branch as well as the Operations teams. The Deputy Operations Manager is responsible for the overall performance of Sierra trips, including maintaining and operating a branch warehouse location, and performing business administrative duties related to the branch. In addition, this role supports the contracting, reservations, sales, and other functions for the branch. They may also be required to undertake additional duties occasionally that fall outside the scope of these responsibilities, depending on business needs. 

This is a Full-Time Permanent Position that will operate on a hybrid basis out of our office in Mariposa, CA from 1st of February until 15th of October, 2025. 

Pay is $25/hr with housing included    

Some of the experience you’ll bring with you may include: 

• Extensive knowledge of the field area; Yosemite, Sequoia Kings Canyon, John Muir Trail, Lassen, Lost Coast trail, Inyo National Forest, Sierra National Forest, Trinity Alps Wilderness and more. 

• Experience in the travel industry, preferably as a tour leader or guide, with strong written and verbal communication skills in English. 

• Proficiency in Google Drive, Microsoft Office/Excel, and CRM systems (Salesforce preferred). 

• Office duties required, ability to lift up-to 20 pounds and work at a computer station up to 40 hours-per-week. 

• Strong supervisory, facilitation and organization skills; 

• Must meet company and DOT driving requirements, maintain a valid Driver’s License (minimum age 21), hold current Wilderness First Responder, CPR, and Epi certifications, and successfully pass background checks and pre-employment drug screens, including availability for random drug testing. 

Additional Information About Wildland Trekking:

Enjoyment of our work comes from a passion and belief that providing hiking and backpacking tours into majestic landscapes is meaningful. For the guides, leading these trips as a profession is a dream come true. It would be difficult to find more inspiring "workplaces" than the backcountry of our program areas.     

Benefits:

• Supportive environment with a great team

• 24/7 emergency response team for in-field support

• Opportunities for professional growth

• Pro-deals

• 401K + matching

• Paid training

Learn more about Wildland Trekking here: https://wildlandtrekking.com/about-wildland/