Backcountry Guide

Backcountry Guide – Alaska Adventures

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 forattitude 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 aper-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
• PTO for year-round staff
• Pro deals & discounted gear
• Complimentary or discounted KBA tours
• Opportunities for growth within a respected Alaska adventure brand

WHY WORK WITH US

• Be part of an elite, passionate team
• Guide in some of Alaska’s most iconic terrain
• Work for a company that values professionalism, safety, and authentic wilderness
• Real opportunities for advancement and long-term career development

This isn’t just a job —it’s a lifestyle and a chance to work in wild Alaska.

HOW TO APPLY

Submit:

• Résumé
• Short cover letter explaining why you want to guide in Alaska
• Any relevant certifications

We look forward to hearing from you!