GUIDE QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS

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)
• Please note: Wildland Trekking accepts Wilderness First Responder (WFR) courses that are 70-80 hours of in-person curriculum that include written examination and practicals. We do not accept fully online WFR courses. If you have a question on whether your certification is accepted, please email [email protected].
• 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, Basecamp, Inn-based) offered in the program area one is applying.
• Willingness to get llama-trained and work llama trips for all multi-day guide positions in Colorado, Utah, and Idaho/Montana/Wyoming.

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.

WHAT WE PROVIDE

• A multi-day, field-based guide training course and shadow trip process
• Comprehensive trip support (including satellite phones, InReach Garmin devices and access to 24/7 trained emergency staff and resources)
• Use of Wildland Trekking gear for trips (backpacks, tents, sleeping pads, trekking poles, etc.)
• Temporary, seasonal housing opportunities in select programs for pre and post trip
• Increased flexibility in scheduling as seniority is gained
• Competitive compensation
• Commission opportunities for referring non-Wildland guests to our tours
• Opportunities to guide in multiple program areas
• Opportunities for advancement/professional growth within the organization
• A fun and supportive work environment with lots of high quality people to work alongside
• Industry pro deals

Compensation

One of our goals at Wildland Trekking is to create a home for outdoor professionals who want to make a living guiding. It continues to be our focus as regulatory and practical considerations alter the landscape of what it means to be compensated as an outdoor guide in today’s world. We hire our field staff as employees versus independent contractors.

Wildland pays field staff by the hour*, but Wildland guides receive a significant portion of their income from guest gratuities. With an annual average of 10,000 guests and an average field staff schedule of 15 days working a month, our guides have the potential to making a good living. Guide pay is included in more detail below.

• The Wildland hourly pay system complies with all federal and state laws. Historically most outdoor adventure companies paid by the day. Regulatory changes at the federal and state levels have changed, making the practice of daily rates illegal for most companies. Paying by the hour allows employees to accrue overtime earned and sick leave.