Backpacking Guide

There’s a side of Big Sky, Montana that speaks to those seeking something special. A vast 8,000-acre landscape where stunning natural beauty and an endless array of alpine adventures blend to create a private club and mountain living experience like no other.

Whether it’s winter or summer, Moonlight Basin is something you won’t soon forget. The mountain scenery, the direct access to some of the finest skiing at Big Sky Resort, the hiking, the golf and so much more all add up to a unique place to work and enjoy Montana.

Moonlight Basin is located right in the middle of the best things to see and do in Montana. You can visit Yellowstone National Park. Explore the national forest and wilderness lands. Come down to the town of Big Sky and shop, eat, and catch some music. Bozeman is a short drive and easily accessible by Skyline Bus.

POSITION SUMMARY:

This seasonal position within Moonlight Basin is leading the way for member and local kids to explore their backyard national park for July and August. Guides will take participants on overnight trips in Yellowstone National Park and local wilderness areas to empower, expose, and educate.

JOB DUTIES:

• Lead 11- 17-year-old member kids on backpacking expeditions in wilderness settings.

• Maintain a schedule of assigned 4 day/3 night trips with variable days off in between for the season (July 8-August 20)
• Act as primary expedition risk manager & continuously evaluate group and individual performances.
• Hike 5-12 miles per day with a 40lbs pack over steep, uneven, and variable terrain in all weather conditions.
• Manage all emergencies in the field.
• Be responsible for knowledge of trails prior to trips with Moonlight Basin.
• Prepare and manage all aspects of food preparation, camp setup, and Leave No Trace in the backcountry while empowering kids to participate in daily camp responsibilities.

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  Keep in timely communication with management and support staff.
• Assist with the care and maintenance of backpacking gear before and after trips.
• Must be able to keep kids’ spirits high in all backcountry scenarios.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• 2 years professional backcountry guiding experience, preferably with children. Personal experience a plus.
• WFA or WFR certification, higher with CPR/First Aid or the ability to obtain before start date.
• ServSafe Food Handler’s certification or ability to obtain before start date.
• LNT awareness.
• Knowledge and experience working in the national parks, Yellowstone National Park a plus.
• Natural resources, wildlife, ecosystems, and stewardship knowledge as it pertains to Yellowstone National Park.
• Experience guiding and/or recreating in bear country.
• Self-motivated and works well independently and with a co-guide/support staff.

Work tasks are performed mostly outdoors. Must be able to work in all-weather events specific to high mountain environments including, but not limited to, extreme heat, rain, smoky air, and biting insects.

• Position requires walking; must be able to stand and exert well-paced mobility for up to 7 hours in length. Length of time of these tasks may vary from day to day and task to task.
• Must be able to carry a backpack with safety equipment, necessary gear, and teaching materials.

• Hike 5-12 miles per day with a 40lbs pack over steep, uneven, and variable terrain in all weather conditions.
• Must be able to exert well-paced ability in limited space.
• Must be able to bend, stoop, squat and stretch to fulfill cleaning tasks.
• Must be able to lift up to 30 lbs. on a regular and continuing basis.
• Requires grasping, writing, standing, sitting, walking, running, repetitive motions, bending,