Trip Leader

Once you apply, you can expect to hear from us within one week on next steps. If your application aligns with what we are looking for in candidates, we will offer you a first-round interview. This interview is a 30-minute phone call with a member of our Leadership Team. Following a successful first-round, you will receive an email from a member of our team about a second-round interview. This is a 1-hour Zoom meeting where you will dive more into scenarios and details of the position. If all goes well in both interviews, you will receive an offer!

Our applications run on a rolling basis so we hire until all positions are filled. Based on previous years, our hiring season runs up to March!

June 1 – August 4 – is the full contract length

• June 1 – June 12, Staff Training in the Wind River Range of Wyoming
• June 14 – July 31, Trips all over the world
• Aug 1 – Aug 4, Wrap Up in Wyoming

June 1 – June 12

Staff Training kicks off with 6 days of all staff together in one spot. Here, we focus on overarching Wilderness Adventures policies and procedures- diving into our Staff Manual, Risk Mitigation Handbook, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Mental Health First Aid, and more! Through this time, we also dissect daily summer paperwork, finances on trip, and what the curriculum looks like. These first few days take place in more of a classroom setting (powerpoints, some lecture-style, etc.) but we also are passionate about working in tons of group games and fun events each night to keep us all up, moving, and having fun while we learn!

Following this All-Staff Training, we break up into smaller groups of 10-15 leaders called ‘Pods’. Each pod is led by returning WA leaders (Pod Leaders) that go through an additional training prior to summer’s start. These Pod Leaders take their crews through another 6 days of training in the backcountry to simulate what a WA trip looks like in real-time. This gives our team a chance to put into practice the methods, policies, and ideas we covered in the classroom setting. This also provides an amazing opportunity for bonding, confidence-building, and growth for leaders!

Following Staff Training, our whole staff breaks off into their individual Trip Leader teams. For example, if you are leading our Pacific Northwest Explorer trip, you will drive from Jackson to Seattle. If you are leading abroad, you will fly to your international destination. You travel with your team to whatever destination you are assigned to for that season.

Once you are officially signed on to lead a summer with Wilderness Adventures, you are sent what we call a ‘Dream Sheet’. This Dream Sheet asks you your preferences on factors such as age group, geographical location, and co-leader characteristics. It also asks you about your competency in specific areas like fly fishing, Spanish speaking, off-trail navigation, and more.

With a combination of individuals’ past experience, skills, strengths, passion, personal preferences, and where our needs are, leaders are assigned a trip! In most cases, leaders will run through the same trip itinerary 2-3 times throughout the summer season. Other times, leaders will execute two different trip itineraries that are paired with each other. Every trip will always have a co-leader team of 2-4 people (depending on location, age group, logistics).

An important note on trip placements is that they are always subject to change. We look specifically for folks that are adaptable and excited about getting youth outside no matter the location. In the event of a staff injury, last minute logistical change, etc. leaders will be assigned a different trip. This could happen at any point before or during the summer. It’s all a part of the adventure and your flexibility is very much appreciated!

• The 2025 Staff WFR course will take place May 28-June 1, 2025. The WFR price per trip leader is split between Wilderness Adventures and the Trip Leader. 
• The WFR will be a hybrid course – half online coursework required to be completed prior to May 28 so that the in-person days can be focused on applying skills!

Great question. Short answer – no, but having experience is a plus! 

All of our backpacking trips as well as local kayaking + canoeing trips are all led in-house by our trips leaders. Other than that, Wilderness Adventures works with a variety of subcontractors all over the world. When participating in activities such as rock climbing, ice climbing, whitewater rafting, mountaineering, scuba diving, etc., we work with third-party organizations. Those organizations bring all of the necessary equipment as well as the technical instruction you need. On the days you work with subcontractors, you are still overseeing, participating, and responsible for your students at all times!

After you’re hired, you will receive a general pack list focused towards Staff Training. Once you are assigned your trip, you will receive a trip-specific packing list! All leaders will be responsible for bringing personal clothing, toiletries, etc. that are needed for their trip location. In most cases, the packing list will also include a sleeping bag, sleeping pad, and backpack. Other than that, Wilderness Adventures will provide all other gear (tents, stoves, kitchen equipment, water purification, etc.). Wilderness Adventures is not responsible for personal items that are lost or stolen while on contract with us.

Trip Leaders are 21+ in age and have full responsibility for all trip needs. Trip Counselors are folks 19-20 in age and are experienced in participating in/leading outdoor adventures that are looking to further that leadership. Trip Counselors are unable to drive our 15-passenger vans when there are students in the vehicle.