Backpacking Instructor, High Sierra
Outward Bound California
Midpines, CA
$145 per day, $140 per day in training
SeasonalHousing
Backcountry Jobs in California
6 open listings · updated Nov 2, 2026
Median posted pay $23.93/hr (3 listings) · 67% include housing · Pay Report
Open backcountry jobs in California: packers, trail crews and camp cooks. Each listing shows whether housing and meals come with the job and, when given, the season dates and pay.
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Kitchen Manager, High Sierra Basecamp
Outward Bound CaliforniaMidpines, CA$22 to $23 per hourSeasonalHousing -
Animal Packer (WG-5) – California Forests
USDA Forest ServiceBishop, CA$21.18 to $26.68 per hour, WG-5Seasonal -
Maintenance Worker Leader (Trails) – Pacific West
National Park ServiceKings Canyon National Park, CA$26.30 to $42.88 per hour, WG-7Seasonal -
Packer
Mammoth Lakes Pack OutfitMammoth Lakes, CASeasonalHousing -
Backcountry Trails Program Corpsmember – 2027 Season
California Conservation CorpsSacramento, CA$2,814/mo stipend (meals deducted at $500/mo)SeasonalHousing
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Questions About Backcountry Jobs in California
How many backcountry jobs in California are open right now?
6 listings are live on WildWork as of November 2, 2026. 5 state their pay and 4 include housing.
What do backcountry jobs in California pay?
The median posted rate is $23.93/hr across 3 current listings that state pay in that unit, with posted rates from $22.50/hr to $34.59/hr. These are advertised rates; tips, overtime and room and board are extra where the listing says so.
Do backcountry jobs in California come with housing?
67% of current listings say the employer provides housing, free or at a charge, and 67% include meals. Each listing shows whether housing is included and what it costs when the employer says.