Join Our Team

Hiring for our Fall 2026 season will begin soon!
Job Title: Outdoor Educator & Backpacking Guide (“Fieldguide”)
Location: Central California (locations vary throughout the season)
Employment Type: Seasonal 
Pay: $17–$20/hour (8–12+ hours/day; includes overtime pay)
To apply send your resume and cover letter to [email protected].  

Fieldguides is dedicated to bringing youth outdoors to foster a stronger sense of self, community, and connection to the natural world. We lead overnight, backpacking, and camping-based outdoor education programs for students in grades 3–8 at locations throughout Central California. Programs range from one to four nights and include coastal science, redwood ecology, Gold Rush history, and introductory backpacking.
Position Overview
We are seeking enthusiastic, adaptable Outdoor Educators (“Fieldguides”) to lead immersive, place-based learning experiences. Fieldguides facilitate all-day hikes, teach environmental and natural history lessons, lead team-building activities, promote wilderness leadership skills, and help create safe, fun, and well-organized camping and backpacking experiences for students, teachers, and parent chaperones.

Work Schedule & Time Commitment
  • Typical program days are long and active, generally spanning morning through evening (approximately 8:00am–9:00pm), with built-in breaks throughout the day. Backpacking trips require being on-call 24/7.
  • Work usually ends by 1:00pm on Fridays
  • Weekends off unless required for staff training

Living & Working Conditions
This is a fully field-based position. Staff spend most of the season camping in tents, cooking outdoors, and working in beautiful, often remote locations with limited cell service. Weekends are typically free for rest or personal time. Fieldguides has a strong, supportive team culture, and staff often look out for one another — from sharing meals to offering a couch to crash on or access to a nearby campground. 

Key Responsibilities
  • Lead outdoor education programs for students (grades 3–8) and chaperones, including instruction in environmental science, coastal ecology, plant identification, Gold Rush history, wilderness skills, backpacking, and team building
  • Navigate and manage all-day or overnight hikes, including pacing, risk assessment, and group safety
  • Collaborate closely with program coordinators and fellow staff to ensure high-quality programs
  • Assist with meal preparation, service, supervision, and cleanup
  • Deliver clear instructions to large groups and lead engaging evening programming and campfire activities
  • Support program logistics, including setting up and breaking down campsites and activities
  • Participate in staff training and site-specific professional development throughout the season

Required Qualifications
  • Comfortable living and working outdoors in remote settings for extended periods
  • Experience leading overnight backpacking trips
  • Passion for outdoor education and working with diverse communities
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills, ability to work independently and collaboratively
  • Flexibility, adaptability, and a positive attitude
  • Physical stamina to support long, active days outdoors, including hiking while carrying personal gear
  • Current First Aid and CPR certification (or willingness to obtain prior to the start date, reimbursement available). 
  • Must be at least 18 years old

Preferred Qualifications
  • Degree in Education, Environmental Science, Outdoor Recreation, or a related field
  • Experience in environmental education, outdoor programs, or camp settings
  • Knowledge of Central California ecosystems, flora, and fauna
  • Comfort with performance-based skills (e.g., singing, storytelling, skits, instruments)
  • Spanish language proficiency (spoken and/or written) is a plus

Why Join Fieldguides? At Fieldguides, you’ll join a close-knit team working to make outdoor education accessible and meaningful. You’ll gain hands-on teaching experience, grow as an educator and leader, and spend your days working in some of California’s most beautiful landscapes. We work hard, support each other, have a lot of fun, and build lasting friendships along the way.

​How to Apply
-Please submit a resume, cover letter, and any relevant certifications to [email protected].
-Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

Fieldguides is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from all qualified individuals. We are committed to building a diverse team that reflects the communities we serve. Employment is contingent upon passing required background checks for working with youth.

Join us and help inspire the next generation of environmental stewards. 🌿​
Contact us today! FIELDGUIDES INC. (650)969-6325. [email protected]