Backpacking Guide

Job Overview

Wild Society is a wilderness education nonprofit based in Kitsap County, WA. Our mission is to cultivate wonder and belonging in the natural world. Wild Society runs a variety of programs including Backpacking Camps, Junior Naturalist day programs, Adult & Family trips, and partner programs with other local nonprofits and community organizations. Our community of guides is made up of a variety of ages, professional and personal backgrounds, and skill sets.

Backcountry Guides are responsible for guiding and teaching Backpacking Camps for 12-18 year olds in the Olympic Mountains. Our curriculum is built around natural history, basic backpacking skills, and wilderness awareness, taught within a culture of gratitude and respect. Guides must share these values and should have their own strong relationship with the backcountry. All trips have two guides and up to 10 participants. Wild Society programs follow a daily structure that incorporates reflection, direct instruction, and exploration. Guides engage participants throughout the day to encourage deeper understanding of and connection to the natural world.

Guide Responsibilities:

● Guide campers ages 12-18 on 4-8 day backcountry backpacking trips in the Olympic Mountains, departing from Kingston, WA.

● Collaborate with a co-guide on all aspects of the trip.

● Teach Wild Society curriculum including; daily structure, basic backpacking skills, leadership, Leave No Trace, natural history, and wilderness awareness skills.

● Maintain an environment of safety through adherence to Wild Society policies, as well as maintaining a general attitude of safety and risk prevention.

● Leading and teaching in culturally responsive ways to a diverse client base.

● Participate in pre- and post-trip preparation including, but not limited to, gear and food packing, camper information review, de-issuing gear, and post trip reporting.

● Adhere to all National Park and National Forest regulations.

Special Benefits

● $20/hour for frontcountry work, $150/day in the field.

● Full time, variable hours and schedule.

● WFR course reimbursement; 50% for initial certification or full cost of recertification.

● If needed, we can assist guides in finding low cost housing.

Minimum Requirements

● Experience with backcountry trips.

● 21+ by the start of the season.

● Valid driver's license.

● Ability to pass a comprehensive background check.

● Strong sense of personal relationship with the natural world.

● Experience working with youth 12-18 years old.

● Hold a valid Wilderness First Responder certification prior to start date.

● Proof of Covid-19 vaccination.

● Drive to help the organization continually reexamine practices to center ourselves around justice, equity, diversity and inclusion.