JOB DETAILS

Hiking and Backpacking Guide

CompanyIntrepid
LocationUnited States
Work ModeOn Site
PostedDecember 21, 2025
About The Company
Intrepid Travel offers sustainable experience-rich travel via more than 900 trips on all seven continents. As a certified B Corp, we're a business that balances purpose and profit. We are the largest global adventure tour operator with a network of 31 destination management companies (DMCs) and a not-for-profit foundation. Majority owned by its co-founders and staff, Intrepid has been taking small groups to travel the local way, on real-life experiences for more than three decades. Through our global DMC network, our expert teams operate the majority of our trips, as well as tours on behalf of other leading travel brands. Our not-for-profit, The Intrepid Foundation, has raised over AUD $20m for 160 charities around the world since 2002. Find out more in our annual report: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/annualreport
About the Role

Share your passion of nature, travel, and adventure while introducing guests to the magic of the outdoors!  

  

We are now seeking guides to lead trips for seven stunning regions across the US - from Olympia, Washington to Morrisville, Vermont (and beautiful destinations in between).     #LI-DNI  

  

As a Guide, you will enhance the lives of our guests by doing everything in their power to lead and facilitate a safe, fun, positive, unforgettable outdoor adventure experience while fostering a respect and appreciation for the special places we travel in.  

  

Responsibilities include (but are not limited to) guest email correspondence before the trip, gear and food preparation, pre-trip orientation meeting, assist guests in learning basic skills (backpack adjusting and putting up tents, etc), natural and human history interpretation, risk management, first aid, cooking and clean-up, gear repair in the field, meaningful post trip wrap up with guests, post trip gear de-issue and trip debrief. Some trips require guides to drive groups to and from the trailhead, possibly including pulling a trailer. Multi-day trips with Wildland Trekking range from 3-7 days with mileages that range from 5-12 miles per day.  

  

In program areas where we offer llama trips, guides are trained as llama wranglers in addition to our guide training, and assume all llama related responsibilities in addition to guide duties described above.  

  

Benefits include 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.  

  

To be considered you must:    

  

  • Be 21 years or older, as required by insurance to drive    

  • Must have significant personal and/or professional multi-day guiding experience in the backcountry 1-2 years  

  • Willingness to run any trip type barring physical restriction discussed and accommodation made upon hire   

  • Successfully complete WTC Guide Training Course, shadow trip, and all applicable trainings  

  • Competence in backcountry travel and living skills  

  • Hold/Maintain current Wilderness First Responder (WFR) or Wilderness Emergency Technician (WEMT) and Adult CPR certification  

  • Obtain/maintain a Backcountry Food Handlers or servSafe certification  

  • Pass a background and motor vehicle investigation  

  • Pass a drug test (CA only)    

  • Ability and willingness to pick up and carry a heavy backpack (45-65 lbs) for multiple hours/days   

  • For front country trips, the ability and willingness to pick up and move heavy loads and carry a moderate backpack of 25-35lbs    

  • Willing and able to guide at least two trips monthly during peak season 

  • For Driving: commercial driving experience preferred (any job where you had to at least occasionally transport passengers); ability to drive and maneuver with a cargo trailer  

   

All fields are required for applications to be reviewed.  

Key Skills
Backcountry TravelRisk ManagementFirst AidCookingGear RepairNatural History InterpretationGuest CorrespondenceTrip DebriefLlama WranglingHeavy LiftingDrivingOutdoor AdventureTeamworkCommunicationProblem SolvingCustomer Service
Benefits
Fun, Supportive Work EnvironmentPaid TrainingPost-Trip GratuitiesOpportunities for Professional Growth
Job Information
📋Core Responsibilities
Guides will lead outdoor trips, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for guests while fostering respect for nature. Responsibilities include guest correspondence, gear preparation, skill instruction, and post-trip wrap-up.
📋Job Type
full time
📊Experience Level
0-2
💼Company Size
2385
📊Visa Sponsorship
No
💼Language
English
🏢Working Hours
40 hours
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