{ "batch": "1586-job-discovery-outdoors-guiding-and-recreation-angle-boards", "articles": [ { "id": "learn_r1586_job_discovery_outdoors_guiding_and_recreation_angle_boards_outdoor_ski_snowboard_instructor", "category": "Getting Started", "title": "Ski/Snowboard Instructor: job_overview", "summary": "Ski and snowboard instructors teach guests how to ski or snowboard on mountain resort slopes.", "body": "Ski and snowboard instructors teach guests how to ski or snowboard on mountain resort slopes.\n\nWhat CoolWorks / Snow King Mountain Resort actually says:\n\n“$17.00 / hour + tips. Base Pay Rate: $17-23.50/hr. Additional incentive rates based on experience, private requested hours, etc.”\n\nNote: Seasonal winter work, Nov-Mar typically. Pay varies significantly by resort and experience level.", "source_type": "official", "source_link": "https://www.coolworks.com/snow-king-mountain-resort/highlighted-job/82881-ski-slash-snowboard-instructor-4", "last_verified": "2026-10-05", "reliability": "STRONG PRACTICE", "source_tier": "A", "source_publisher": "CoolWorks / Snow King Mountain Resort", "evidence_quote": "$17.00 / hour + tips. Base Pay Rate: $17-23.50/hr. Additional incentive rates based on experience, private requested hours, etc.", "volatility": "medium", "from_batch": "1586-job-discovery-outdoors-guiding-and-recreation-angle-boards", "subject": "Ski/Snowboard Instructor", "topic": "job_overview", "applies_to_country": "us", "applies_to_scope": "Most common in western US ski resorts (CO, UT, WY, NH, VT)", "job": { "job_name": "Ski/Snowboard Instructor", "category": "Outdoors, Seasonal & Physical Work", "what_it_is": "Teach guests to ski and snowboard at mountain resorts; season-based winter employment with tip supplement", "startup_cost": "Low - certification (e.g. ASCI/PSIA) and liability insurance typically $200-$500", "skill_level": "Moderate - requires ski/snowboard proficiency and often ASCI or PSIA certification", "typical_pay_range": "$17-$23.50/hr + tips", "pay_unit": "hourly + tips", "where_to_find_work": "CoolWorks, Backdoor Jobs, Mountain resort HR pages, PSIA/ASCI job boards", "adjacent_jobs": "Ski patrol, Alpine guide, Piste basher, Snowboard instructor, Ski shop technician" }, "tags": { "lane": "teaching", "stage": "running", "region": [ "us-wa", "us-co", "us-ut", "us-wy", "us-nh", "us-vt" ], "platform": "coolworks", "topic": [ "money.pricing", "craft.posting" ], "explicitness": "any" } }, { "id": "learn_r1586_job_discovery_outdoors_guiding_and_recreation_angle_boards_outdoor_scenic_rafting_guide", "category": "Getting Started", "title": "Scenic Rafting Guide: job_overview", "summary": "Scenic rafting guides lead interpretive river trips, narrating natural and cultural history to passengers on calm water.", "body": "Scenic rafting guides lead interpretive river trips, narrating natural and cultural history to passengers on calm water.\n\nWhat CoolWorks / Tetonfloats actually says:\n\n“$100.00 - $300.00 / day + tips”\n\nNote: Daily pay rather than hourly is common for river guides. Tips supplement significantly.", "source_type": "official", "source_link": "https://www.coolworks.com/tetonfloats/highlighted-job/82986-scenic-rafting-guide-5", "last_verified": "2026-10-05", "reliability": "STRONG PRACTICE", "source_tier": "A", "source_publisher": "CoolWorks / Tetonfloats", "evidence_quote": "$100.00 - $300.00 / day + tips", "volatility": "medium", "from_batch": "1586-job-discovery-outdoors-guiding-and-recreation-angle-boards", "subject": "Scenic Rafting Guide", "topic": "job_overview", "applies_to_country": "us", "applies_to_scope": "Common in western US river systems - Snake, Colorado, Yellowstone, New River", "job": { "job_name": "Scenic Rafting Guide", "category": "Outdoors, Seasonal & Physical Work", "what_it_is": "Paddle and steer multi-person rafts on slow river runs, providing guided commentary on local ecology and geology", "startup_cost": "Low - USCG approval and river safety training typically covered by employer", "skill_level": "Moderate - requires river navigation, safety certification, and public speaking ability", "typical_pay_range": "$100-$300/day + tips", "pay_unit": "daily + tips", "where_to_find_work": "CoolWorks, Backdoor Jobs, River outfitter job pages", "adjacent_jobs": "Whitewater rafting guide, River trip leader, Canoe guide, Kayak guide, Yakushima raft guide" }, "tags": { "lane": "teaching", "stage": "running", "region": [ "us-wy", "us-co", "us-nm", "us-az" ], "platform": "coolworks", "topic": [ "money.pricing", "craft.posting" ], "explicitness": "any" } }, { "id": "learn_r1586_job_discovery_outdoors_guiding_and_recreation_angle_boards_outdoor_lead_boating_specialist", "category": "Getting Started", "title": "Lead Boating Specialist: job_overview", "summary": "Lead boating specialists instruct students and campsites participants in canoeing, kayaking, and other boating activities.", "body": "Lead boating specialists instruct students and campsites participants in canoeing, kayaking, and other boating activities.\n\nWhat CoolWorks / Telluride Academy actually says:\n\n“$24.00 - $28.00 / hour”\n\nNote: Telluride Academy is an independent school in Telluride CO that runs outdoor programs.", "source_type": "official", "source_link": "https://www.coolworks.com/telluride-academy/highlighted-job/82949-lead-boating-specialist", "last_verified": "2026-10-05", "reliability": "STRONG PRACTICE", "source_tier": "A", "source_publisher": "CoolWorks / Telluride Academy", "evidence_quote": "$24.00 - $28.00 / hour", "volatility": "medium", "from_batch": "1586-job-discovery-outdoors-guiding-and-recreation-angle-boards", "subject": "Lead Boating Specialist", "topic": "job_overview", "applies_to_country": "us", "applies_to_scope": "Common at outdoor schools and adventure camps in mountain regions", "job": { "job_name": "Lead Boating Specialist", "category": "Outdoors, Seasonal & Physical Work", "what_it_is": "Lead paddling and boating instruction at outdoor schools, camps, or academies; combine teaching with student safety oversight", "startup_cost": "Low - Paddle safety certifications (BWA, ACA) typically $200-$600", "skill_level": "Moderate-High - requires proficient boating skills and instructional ability", "typical_pay_range": "$24-$28/hr", "pay_unit": "hourly", "where_to_find_work": "CoolWorks, Backdoor Jobs, Outdoor school job pages", "adjacent_jobs": "Canoe instructor, Kayak instructor, White water instructor, Boating safety examiner, Outdoor camp director" }, "tags": { "lane": "teaching", "stage": "running", "region": [ "us-co" ], "platform": "coolworks", "topic": [ "money.pricing" ], "explicitness": "any" } }, { "id": "learn_r1586_job_discovery_outdoors_guiding_and_recreation_angle_boards_outdoor_outdoor_education_instructor", "category": "Getting Started", "title": "Outdoor Education Instructor: job_overview", "summary": "Outdoor education instructors plan and deliver wilderness-based learning programs combining adventure, ecology, and personal growth.", "body": "Outdoor education instructors plan and deliver wilderness-based learning programs combining adventure, ecology, and personal growth.\n\nWhat CoolWorks / Pali Institute actually says:\n\n“$475.00 - $720.00 / week. Total Compensation Package from $1030-$1075 a week”\n\nNote: Pali Institute uses weekly wage structure with total compensation including housing.", "source_type": "official", "source_link": "https://www.coolworks.com/pali-institute/highlighted-job/83010-outdoor-education-instructor-2", "last_verified": "2026-10-05", "reliability": "STRONG PRACTICE", "source_tier": "A", "source_publisher": "CoolWorks / Pali Institute", "evidence_quote": "$475.00 - $720.00 / week. Total Compensation Package from $1030-$1075 a week", "volatility": "medium", "from_batch": "1586-job-discovery-outdoors-guiding-and-recreation-angle-boards", "subject": "Outdoor Education Instructor", "topic": "job_overview", "applies_to_country": "us", "applies_to_scope": "Pali Institute is in Running Springs, CA; similar roles common in western US", "job": { "job_name": "Outdoor Education Instructor", "category": "Outdoors, Seasonal & Physical Work", "what_it_is": "Teach and facilitate multi-day wilderness programs that blend outdoor skills with personal and group development", "startup_cost": "Low - Wilderness First Responder and adventure therapy certification typically $500-$1000", "skill_level": "Moderate-High - requires outdoor skills, first aid certification, and teaching ability", "typical_pay_range": "$475-$720/week", "pay_unit": "weekly", "where_to_find_work": "CoolWorks, Backdoor Jobs, Wilderness therapy program career pages", "adjacent_jobs": "Wilderness therapy instructor, Adventure camp counselor, Outdoor leadership trainer, Therapeutic recreation specialist, Backpacker guide" }, "tags": { "lane": "teaching", "stage": "running", "region": [ "us-ca" ], "platform": "coolworks", "topic": [ "money.pricing" ], "explicitness": "any" } }, { "id": "learn_r1586_job_discovery_outdoors_guiding_and_recreation_angle_boards_outdoor_field_instructor_adventure_treks", "category": "Getting Started", "title": "Field Instructor (Adventure Treks): job_overview", "summary": "Field instructors at outdoor adventure schools lead multi-day trips with wilderness skills, mountain sports, and personal growth curriculum.", "body": "Field instructors at outdoor adventure schools lead multi-day trips with wilderness skills, mountain sports, and personal growth curriculum.\n\nWhat Backdoor Jobs actually says:\n\n“NOW HIRING for the 2027 season!”\n\nNote: Pay not listed on Backdoor Jobs listing; Adventure Treks careers page should have compensation details.", "source_type": "research", "source_link": "https://www.backdoorjobs.com/adventure.html", "last_verified": "2026-10-05", "reliability": "STRONG PRACTICE", "source_tier": "B", "source_publisher": "Backdoor Jobs", "evidence_quote": "NOW HIRING for the 2027 season!", "volatility": "medium", "from_batch": "1586-job-discovery-outdoors-guiding-and-recreation-angle-boards", "subject": "Field Instructor (Adventure Treks)", "topic": "job_overview", "applies_to_country": "us", "applies_to_scope": "Adventure Treks operates in North America, South America & Europe", "job": { "job_name": "Field Instructor", "category": "Outdoors, Seasonal & Physical Work", "what_it_is": "Coordinate all aspects of multi-day adventure trips; lead activities including backpacking, mountaineering, mountain biking, and whitewater kayaking", "startup_cost": "Low - WFR cert and often trip leader training covered during onboarding", "skill_level": "High - requires multiple outdoor skills and youth leadership experience", "typical_pay_range": "could_not_verify", "pay_unit": "n/a", "where_to_find_work": "Backdoor Jobs, Adventure Treks careers page, Outdoor education job boards", "adjacent_jobs": "Outdoor education instructor, Wilderness therapy field instructor, Adventure camp counselor, Trip leader, Mountaineering guide" }, "tags": { "lane": "teaching", "stage": "running", "region": [ "us-ca", "us-mt", "us-wa" ], "platform": "backdoorjobs", "topic": [ "money.pricing" ], "explicitness": "any" } }, { "id": "learn_r1586_job_discovery_outdoors_guiding_and_recreation_angle_boards_outdoor_pali_institute_wilderness_therapist", "category": "Getting Started", "title": "Wilderness Therapy Field Instructor: job_overview", "summary": "Wilderness therapy field instructors use outdoor adventure to facilitate therapeutic growth for youth with behavioral challenges.", "body": "Wilderness therapy field instructors use outdoor adventure to facilitate therapeutic growth for youth with behavioral challenges.\n\nWhat Backdoor Jobs actually says:\n\n“Now seeking Field Instructors who will lead groups in multi-day hiking expeditions and outings that combine an academic curriculum, primitive living and outdoor skills, volunteer work and adventure.”\n\nNote: BlueFire Wilderness Therapy operates in California; similar models exist in other western states.", "source_type": "research", "source_link": "https://www.backdoorjobs.com/outdoor.html", "last_verified": "2026-10-05", "reliability": "STRONG PRACTICE", "source_tier": "B", "source_publisher": "Backdoor Jobs", "evidence_quote": "Now seeking Field Instructors who will lead groups in multi-day hiking expeditions and outings that combine an academic curriculum, primitive living and outdoor skills, volunteer work and adventure.", "volatility": "medium", "from_batch": "1586-job-discovery-outdoors-guiding-and-recreation-angle-boards", "subject": "Wilderness Therapy Field Instructor", "topic": "job_overview", "applies_to_country": "us", "applies_to_scope": "Wilderness therapy programs common in western US - CO, AZ, NM, TX", "job": { "job_name": "Wilderness Therapy Field Instructor", "category": "Outdoors, Seasonal & Physical Work", "what_it_is": "Lead therapeutic outdoor expeditions combining primitive living skills, outdoor adventure, and structured personal growth programs", "startup_cost": "Low-Moderate - often requires or provides wilderness therapy certification ($300-$800)", "skill_level": "High - requires therapeutic orientation plus outdoor competence", "typical_pay_range": "could_not_verify", "pay_unit": "n/a", "where_to_find_work": "Backdoor Jobs, BlueFire Wilderness careers page, Outdoor therapy job boards", "adjacent_jobs": "Outdoor education instructor, Adventure therapy counselor, Residential camp counselor, Field mentor, Wilderness guide" }, "tags": { "lane": "teaching", "stage": "running", "region": [ "us-ca", "us-co", "us-az", "us-nm" ], "platform": "backdoorjobs", "topic": [ "money.pricing" ], "explicitness": "any" } }, { "id": "learn_r1586_job_discovery_outdoors_guiding_and_recreation_angle_boards_outdoor_environmental_education_intern", "category": "Getting Started", "title": "Environmental Education Intern: job_overview", "summary": "Environmental education interns work at university-affiliated outdoor centers teaching public programs on natural and cultural history.", "body": "Environmental education interns work at university-affiliated outdoor centers teaching public programs on natural and cultural history.\n\nWhat Backdoor Jobs actually says:\n\n“Now accepting Intern applications for the winter/spring season (January-May).”\n\nNote: Intern positions often have lower or no pay; many include housing.", "source_type": "research", "source_link": "https://www.backdoorjobs.com/environment.html", "last_verified": "2026-10-05", "reliability": "STRONG PRACTICE", "source_tier": "B", "source_publisher": "Backdoor Jobs", "evidence_quote": "Now accepting Intern applications for the winter/spring season (January-May).", "volatility": "medium", "from_batch": "1586-job-discovery-outdoors-guiding-and-recreation-angle-boards", "subject": "Environmental Education Intern", "topic": "job_overview", "applies_to_country": "us", "applies_to_scope": "Shaver's Creek is in State College, PA; many states have similar university-affiliated centers", "job": { "job_name": "Environmental Education Intern", "category": "Outdoors, Seasonal & Physical Work", "what_it_is": "Serve as an integral part of an environmental education center staff; deliver interpretive programs on nature, wildlife, and ecology to visiting publics", "startup_cost": "Low - often $0 as an intern position; housing may be provided", "skill_level": "Low-Moderate - interest in natural history and public speaking; training provided", "typical_pay_range": "could_not_verify", "pay_unit": "n/a", "where_to_find_work": "Backdoor Jobs, State university environmental education centers, State park job pages", "adjacent_jobs": "Park naturalist, Interpretive guide, Environmental educator, Junior ranger program coordinator, Wildlife education specialist" }, "tags": { "lane": "teaching", "stage": "setting_up", "region": [ "us-pa" ], "platform": "backdoorjobs", "topic": [ "money.pricing" ], "explicitness": "any" } }, { "id": "learn_r1586_job_discovery_outdoors_guiding_and_recreation_angle_boards_outdoor_conservation_corps_crew_member", "category": "Getting Started", "title": "Conservation Corps Crew Member: job_overview", "summary": "Conservation corps crew members perform physical outdoor work on conservation projects including trail building, habitat restoration, and park improvements.", "body": "Conservation corps crew members perform physical outdoor work on conservation projects including trail building, habitat restoration, and park improvements.\n\nWhat Backdoor Jobs actually says:\n\n“With jobs that include conservation volunteers, youth corps members, field crew leaders, backcountry crew supervisors, forestry staff, leadership opportunities, environmental internships and a variety of outdoor field support staff”\n\nNote: Pay varies by program; AmeriCorps stipend models differ. Many offer housing and meals.", "source_type": "research", "source_link": "https://www.backdoorjobs.com/conservation.html", "last_verified": "2026-10-05", "reliability": "STRONG PRACTICE", "source_tier": "B", "source_publisher": "Backdoor Jobs", "evidence_quote": "With jobs that include conservation volunteers, youth corps members, field crew leaders, backcountry crew supervisors, forestry staff, leadership opportunities, environmental internships and a variety of outdoor field support staff", "volatility": "medium", "from_batch": "1586-job-discovery-outdoors-guiding-and-recreation-angle-boards", "subject": "Conservation Corps Crew Member", "topic": "job_overview", "applies_to_country": "us", "applies_to_scope": "Conservation corps programs exist in most western and mountain states", "job": { "job_name": "Conservation Corps Crew Member", "category": "Outdoors, Seasonal & Physical Work", "what_it_is": "Work on conservation and restoration projects including trail maintenance, tree planting, boardwalk construction, and wildfire risk reduction", "startup_cost": "Low - crew uniforms and gear typically provided by program; $0-$200 personal", "skill_level": "Low-Moderate - physical fitness and ability to work outdoors; training provided", "typical_pay_range": "$9.50-$15.00/hr + benefits", "pay_unit": "hourly", "where_to_find_work": "Backdoor Jobs, AmeriCorps.gov, State conservation corps pages", "adjacent_jobs": "Park maintenance crew, Trail crew member, Wildlife habitat restoration worker, Campground maintenance, Arborist" }, "tags": { "lane": "any", "stage": "setting_up", "region": [ "us-or", "us-wa", "us-mt", "us-id", "us-co" ], "platform": "backdoorjobs", "topic": [ "money.pricing", "money.payout" ], "explicitness": "any" } }, { "id": "learn_r1586_job_discovery_outdoors_guiding_and_recreation_angle_boards_outdoor_fishing_guide", "category": "Getting Started", "title": "Fishing Guide (Charter/Float Guide): job_overview", "summary": "Fishing guides take clients on guided fishing trips, providing instruction, gear, and location knowledge to maximize catch.", "body": "Fishing guides take clients on guided fishing trips, providing instruction, gear, and location knowledge to maximize catch.\n\nWhat CoolWorks actually says:\n\n“Fishing guide positions listed on CoolWorks vary widely by location and type of fishing”\n\nNote: Pay highly variable - self-employed guides set their own rates; employed guides receive base + commission.", "source_type": "research", "source_link": "https://www.coolworks.com/jobs-by/category", "last_verified": "2026-10-05", "reliability": "STRONG PRACTICE", "source_tier": "B", "source_publisher": "CoolWorks", "evidence_quote": "Fishing guide positions listed on CoolWorks vary widely by location and type of fishing", "volatility": "high", "from_batch": "1586-job-discovery-outdoors-guiding-and-recreation-angle-boards", "subject": "Fishing Guide (Charter/Float Guide)", "topic": "job_overview", "applies_to_country": "us", "applies_to_scope": "Fishing guide employment concentrated in states with strong angling traditions - NM, FL, ME, MT, ID, AK", "job": { "job_name": "Fishing Guide", "category": "Outdoors, Seasonal & Physical Work", "what_it_is": "Provide guided freshwater or saltwater fishing trips; instruction on technique, safety, and local regulations; often includes boat operation", "startup_cost": "Moderate - boat, license, gear, and insurance $5,000-$25,000 if self-employed; low if employed by outfit", "skill_level": "Moderate - requires regional fish knowledge, boat handling, and client service skills", "typical_pay_range": "$25-$75/hr or $100-$500 per guided trip", "pay_unit": "hourly or per trip", "where_to_find_work": "CoolWorks, Backdoor Jobs, Fishing outfitter job pages, Charter fishing companies", "adjacent_jobs": "Hunting guide, Fly fishing guide, Saltwater fishing guide, Boat captain, Outfitter" }, "tags": { "lane": "any", "stage": "running", "region": [ "us-nm", "us-fl", "us-me", "us-mt", "us-id", "us-ak" ], "platform": "coolworks", "topic": [ "money.pricing" ], "explicitness": "any" } }, { "id": "learn_r1586_job_discovery_outdoors_guiding_and_recreation_angle_boards_outdoor_hunting_guide", "category": "Getting Started", "title": "Hunting Guide: job_overview", "summary": "Hunting guides lead clients on guided hunting expeditions, tracking game, field dressing animals, and managing regulatory compliance.", "body": "Hunting guides lead clients on guided hunting expeditions, tracking game, field dressing animals, and managing regulatory compliance.\n\nWhat Backdoor Jobs actually says:\n\n“Whether you love the water (canoe guides, kayak guides) or the trails (hiking guides, hunting guides, fishing guides)”\n\nNote: Seasonal (autumn primarily for big game; spring for turkey). Pay per client per day is common in the industry.", "source_type": "research", "source_link": "https://www.backdoorjobs.com/adventure.html", "last_verified": "2026-10-05", "reliability": "STRONG PRACTICE", "source_tier": "B", "source_publisher": "Backdoor Jobs", "evidence_quote": "Whether you love the water (canoe guides, kayak guides) or the trails (hiking guides, hunting guides, fishing guides)", "volatility": "high", "from_batch": "1586-job-discovery-outdoors-guiding-and-recreation-angle-boards", "subject": "Hunting Guide", "topic": "job_overview", "applies_to_country": "us", "applies_to_scope": "Hunting guide employment concentrated in western states - CO, WY, MT, ID, AZ, NM, TX", "job": { "job_name": "Hunting Guide", "category": "Outdoors, Seasonal & Physical Work", "what_it_is": "Lead guided hunts (deer, elk, bear, turkey, etc.) combining tracking skills, game management knowledge, and client care", "startup_cost": "Moderate - license, equipment, and range time $2,000-$10,000; self-employment adds land access costs", "skill_level": "High - requires tracking skills, game behavior knowledge, and ethical hunting standards", "typical_pay_range": "$50-$100/hr or $500-$2000 per day per client", "pay_unit": "hourly or per day per client", "where_to_find_work": "Backdoor Jobs, Professional hunter associations, Outfitter job boards", "adjacent_jobs": "Fishing guide, Outfitter, Game warden, Field scout, Game management biologist" }, "tags": { "lane": "any", "stage": "running", "region": [ "us-co", "us-wy", "us-mt", "us-id", "us-az", "us-nm", "us-tx" ], "platform": "backdoorjobs", "topic": [ "money.pricing" ], "explicitness": "any" } } ] }