Experienced Backpacking Guide – September 26 – October 2, 2026
Organization:
Location: Yosemite National Park (CA) and/or Grand Staircase-Escalante (UT)
Commitment: September 26 – October 2, 2026 (with potential for additional work opportunities throughout the Fall season)
Join Our Team
Positive Adventures creates transformative outdoor experiences that help students build confidence, leadership, resilience, and connection through adventure-based learning. Through camping, climbing, paddling, hiking, and team-building programs across California, we help young people discover what they're capable of—and we're looking for exceptional backpacking guides to help lead the way.
We are seeking experienced, professional Backpacking Guides to support multi-day wilderness expeditions for youth groups during Fall 2026. This position is intended for individuals with demonstrated experience leading overnight backpacking trips in remote backcountry environments. While experience leading youth groups is preferred, guides with strong adult backpacking leadership backgrounds are also encouraged to apply.
Position Overview
As a Backpacking Guide, you will lead students through multi-day wilderness expeditions while ensuring participant safety, fostering positive group culture, teaching outdoor skills, and facilitating meaningful experiences in the backcountry.
Trips may take place in Yosemite National Park or Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument and will involve carrying overnight packs, managing backcountry risk, logistics, and leading groups in remote environments with limited resources and communication.
Fall 2026 Trip Dates
- Primary Guide Need: September 26 – October 2, 2026
- Additional outdoor education and adventure program opportunities may be available before or after these dates for qualified candidates interested in joining the broader Positive Adventures field team.
Core Responsibilities
- Co-guide a multi-day backpacking expedition alongside another experienced Positive Adventures leader
- Oversee the safety, wellbeing, and development of a student group throughout the expedition
- Share responsibility for risk management, decision-making, and emergency response in remote wilderness settings
- Teach backpacking, camping, Leave No Trace, and outdoor living skills
- Foster positive group dynamics, teamwork, leadership, and student growth
- Support students through physical, emotional, and interpersonal challenges in the backcountry
- Assist with camp management, meal preparation, water systems, and other backcountry logistics
- Maintain high standards of professionalism, judgement, and risk management throughout the expedition
Qualifications
- Certifications:
- Must be at least 21 years old
- Strong leadership, communication, and facilitation skills
- Ability to maintain professionalism and sound judgement under challenging field conditions
- Comfortable working collaboratively with co-guides and program staff
- Physical: Ability to carry a fully loaded backpack for multiple consecutive days. Ability to travel over varied terrain and significant elevation gain/loss. Ability to work long days in remote backcountry environments and varying weather conditions.
Compensation & Perks
- Prep/Debrief Day: $155.00/day
- Field Day: $280.00/day
- Meals and group equipment provided while on program
- Potential travel stipend for qualified candidates traveling significant distances
- Access to outdoor industry pro deals
- Additional seasonal employment opportunities with Positive Adventures
- Opportunity to work with a highly experienced and supportive outdoor education team
TrainingAdditional onboarding and/or training may be required prior to the expedition. Details and timing will be communicated during the hiring process.
How to Apply: If you are interested in joining our team, please complete this online application. https://forms.clickup.com/90131706016/f/2ky49c50-2953/UIQK8ACFOUIY75LAP3
Pay: $155.00 - $280.00 per day
Work Location: On the road
