What are the responsibilities and job description for the Adventure Guides/Dog Walkers needed! | Part-Time | 2–4 Days Per Week position at Nature Calls Dog Walking and Hiking?
Part-Time | 2–4 Days Per Week | Nature Calls Dog Walking & Hiking
Love the outdoors? Good with dogs? Ready to get your boots muddy?
At Nature Calls, we're not just dog walkers. We're Adventure Guides! We give dogs the exercise, enrichment, and outdoor adventures they deserve, and we're looking for dependable, energetic people to join our team.
This isn't a job for someone who wants to stroll around the block while scrolling on their phone. We're looking for outdoorsy people who enjoy an active workday, can confidently manage dogs, and aren't afraid to get a little muddy along the way.
We're looking for someone available approximately 2–4 days per week. About 10-20 hours/week.
Important: This position has no guaranteed hours. The number of visits and hours available depends on client demand, so weekly hours may fluctuate. We do our best to maintain consistent schedules, but we cannot promise a set number of hours each week. This position is best suited for someone looking to supplement other income rather than someone who needs a guaranteed weekly paycheck.
What Makes a Great Adventure Guide?
We're looking for someone who:
- Thrives outdoors. You'd rather be on a trail than stuck behind a desk. Mud, rain, snow, and New England weather don't scare you.
- Is firm but fair with dogs. You're calm, confident, and consistent. You can set appropriate boundaries without being harsh and enjoy a dog's personality while maintaining control and prioritizing safety.
- Is physically active. Walking miles, navigating uneven trails, and keeping up with enthusiastic dogs are all part of the job.
- Advocates for the dogs in their care. You're comfortable speaking up when someone approaches without permission, asking people to give your dogs space, or firmly addressing situations where an off-leash dog approaches. You can stay calm, think on your feet, and prioritize your dogs' safety rather than worrying about offending a stranger.
- Takes safety seriously. You pay attention, anticipate potential problems, follow instructions, and make responsible decisions when situations get challenging.
- Takes initiative. You notice what needs to be done, solve problems within your role, and don't need someone hovering over your shoulder.
- Is dependable. Clients trust us with their beloved pets and access to their homes. We take that responsibility seriously.
You don't need to know everything on day one, but you do need a solid foundation with dogs, a willingness to learn, and the confidence to handle the responsibilities of the job.
What You'll Do
Every day brings a different adventure! Responsibilities include:
- Taking dogs on neighborhood walks and enrichment-focused outings.
- Leading off-leash adventures on approved trails with appropriate dogs.
- Supervising playtime in secure, fenced-in yards.
- Safely transporting dogs to trails and appointments.
- Providing basic care, including food, water, and medications as instructed.
- Following individual client instructions and established safety protocols.
- Sending clients detailed updates, photos, and reports after visits.
- Keeping dogs safe, engaged, and happy while treating their homes with care and respect.
What We're Looking For:
Experience matters, but the right kind of experience matters even more.
- At least 18 years old.
- One or more years of professional pet care experience preferred, such as dog walking, veterinary care, boarding, daycare, or pet sitting.
- No professional experience? We'll consider candidates with at least five years of substantial dog ownership and hands-on experience. This should include meaningful outdoor experience, such as hiking with your own dog on or off leash, and/or working with a challenging dog alongside a professional trainer.
- A valid driver's license, reliable personal vehicle, and current car insurance.
- Comfortable handling dogs of different sizes, breeds, personalities, and energy levels.
- Physically able and willing to work outdoors in all seasons. We hike in temperatures as low as 15°F, with exposure limited during extreme conditions.
- Comfortable using a smartphone and responding promptly to work-related messages.
- Strong communication, time management, and organizational skills.
- Willingness to complete required training and continuing education.
- Reliable, recurring availability on agreed-upon days, including some weekends and holidays.
This is hands-on work with real dogs in real environments. Being a dog lover is a great start, but you must also be comfortable taking responsibility, following safety protocols, and managing dogs confidently and appropriately.
Opportunities for Growth
We believe in developing our own team. Everyone starts as an Adventure Guide, with opportunities to take on more responsibility as they gain experience and demonstrate their skills.
- Team Trainer: Eligible after 90 days, when a position is available, with an additional pay increase.
- Leadership Opportunities: Team Lead and other leadership roles may become available as our team grows.
We invest in training our team, and we want people who are interested in learning, improving, and building their skills over time.
Compensation & Perks
- Average earnings of $18–$21 per hour, including tips.
- Birthday off with pay.
- Paid online training, including Pet First Aid/CPR certification.
- Work supplies provided.
- Workers' compensation coverage.
- Opportunities for bonuses, performance recognition, and periodic raises.
Ready to Join the Adventure?
If you're reliable, active, confident with dogs, and excited about a job that gets you outside every day, we'd love to hear from you!
To apply:
- 1. Fill out the application: https://forms.gle/BuP7F4AAnSrLDauR7
- 2. Email your resume, cover letter and pictures of your pets to: NatureCallsNH@gmail.com with "Adventure Guide Application" as the subject.
After you apply, we'll reach out to schedule a quick 10-minute phone call to discuss your availability, followed by a 30-minute virtual interview.
Come help us give dogs more than a walk. Give them an adventure!
Happy Trails!
Job Type: Part-time
Pay: $18.00 - $22.00 per hour
Expected hours: 10.0 – 20.0 per week
Benefits:
- Flexible schedule
- Referral program
Application Question(s):
- Do you have your own insured, reliable car, a valid driver's license, and insurance?
Experience:
- professional dog : 1 year (Preferred)
- intensive dog ownership: 5 years (Preferred)
Work Location: On the road
Salary : $18 - $22