Backcountry Guide

Kenai Backcountry Adventures; Alaska; On-site; USD 42,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Staff housing

401(k) with company match

Job summary

Kenai Backcountry Adventures seeks backcountry guides for Alaska's summer season in Seward, AK. This full-time seasonal role offers a chance to lead hikes, glacier trips, rafting, and multi-day expeditions while ensuring guest safety and memorable wilderness experiences.

We value attitude, safety, growth, and authentic adventure, with training and development opportunities throughout the season. Housing options may be available for staff.

Qualifications

• WFR certification required by start date.
• Excellent communication and professionalism.
• Strong physical fitness and ability to hike long distances.
• Reliable, coachable, team-oriented attitude.
• Comfort working long days in variable conditions.

Responsibilities

• Lead wilderness and mountain hikes and guide glacier trips.
• Guide rafting trips on the Kenai Peninsula.
• Support or lead ice climbing programs and heli-hiking operations.
• Manage guest safety, communication, and experience.
• Assist with gear prep, logistics and field operations.

Skills

strong communication

physical fitness

hiking with pack

team-oriented

customer safety awareness

long days endurance

Education

Wilderness First Responder (WFR) certification

Job description

Kenai Backcountry Adventures Backcountry Guide Seward, AK Full time Company website

Now Hiring: Backcountry Guides for Alaska’s Summer Season

About Kenai Backcountry Adventures

Kenai Backcountry Adventures (KBA) is Alaska’s premier wilderness guiding company — built by explorers who live and breathe the wild. From glacier treks and bear viewing to multi-day backcountry expeditions, we lead guests through some of the most remote and breathtaking places on Earth.We operate year-round across Alaska’s national parks, wildlife refuges, and untamed frontiers, offering guided experiences that are as authentic as they are unforgettable.At KBA, adventure is more than a trip — it’s a way of life. We’re passionate about sharing the raw beauty of Alaska while fostering meaningful connections between people and the wild places that shape them.

Description

Seasonal (with potential for year-round roles) | Seward, Alaska

You weren’t made for an office — you were made for mountains, glaciers, and wild places.

Kenai Backcountry Adventures (KBA) is hiring Backcountry Guides for the 2026 season. We’re looking for positive, skilled, and hardworking people who want to spend their summer leading guests through some of Alaska’s most spectacular terrain.

We operate hiking, glacier, rafting, ice climbing, heli-hiking, and multi-day expedition adventures. Guides are assigned to trips based on their skills, training, and experience.

ABOUT KBA

We’re a tight-knit team of naturalists, mountain athletes, and outdoor professionals who live what we guide. Our mission is simple:

Create life-changing adventures that connect people to wild Alaska.

If you want to guide for a company that values professionalism, safety, growth, and authentic adventure — this is the place.

WHAT YOU’LL DO

Depending on your qualifications, you may:

• Lead wilderness and mountain hikes
• Guide or assist glacier trips
• Guide rafting trips on the Kenai Peninsula
• Support or lead ice climbing programs
• Participate in heli-hiking operations
• Guide multi-day backcountry expeditions
• Manage guest safety, communication, and experience
• Assist with gear prep, logistics, and field operations

Note: Not all guides guide all trips. Assignments depend on skills, readiness, and operational needs.

WHAT YOU BRING

Required:

• Strong communication & professionalism
• Solid physical fitness
• Ability to hike multiple miles with a pack
• Wilderness First Responder (WFR) by start date
• Reliable, coachable, team-oriented attitude
• Ability to work long days in variable conditions

Preferred (but not required):

• Prior guiding experience
• Glacier, mountaineering, or rope skills
• Rafting / swiftwater experience
• Climbing or technical background
• Backcountry cooking & campcraft skills

We hire for attitude first — we can train the right people.

TRAINING & DEVELOPMENT

All guides participate in preseason training covering:

• Backcountry guiding fundamentals
• Safety & risk management
• Guest communication & experience
• Trip-specific skills where appropriate

Additional skill development opportunities may be available throughout the season depending on performance, readiness, and company needs.

SEASON & SCHEDULE

• Main season: May–September/October
• Potential for year-round employment for qualified returning staff
• Full-time seasonal schedule with opportunities for growth

COMPENSATION

We use a per-trip professional pay structure based on experience, trip type, and responsibility level.

Compensation details are discussed during the interview process.

BENEFITS & PERKS

• Staff housing options (limited availability)
• 401(k) with company match for year-round staff