2026 Summer Guide - Portland

What You'll DoAs a Guide at Trackers Earth, you work directly with youth in grades K-12 in our Break Camp, After School, Homeschool, or Weekend Apprenticeship programs. You help them connect with nature, learn real outdoor skills and folk crafts, and discover what they're capable of. You'll be mentored and supported by high-level Coordinators and Supervisors. But out in the field, it's you and your group: building shelters, making fire in the rain, stealthing through the forest, and learning to track the invisible.What We NeedWe need Guides who know this work is gritty, serious fun. Who are comfortable working with sharp tools, steep trails, and quick-witted 5th graders. Who can thrive in a fast-moving team environment and know how to keep kids safe while helping them grow to be wild and capable.Key ResponsibilitiesAt Trackers, every staff member plays a vital role in making camps extraordinary. The responsibilities below outline how we show up for our students, each other, and the land. They are not just tasks-they are expressions of our culture, purpose, and deep commitment to nature connection.Make Programs GoLead with Safety: Uphold and model Trackers safety practices in all aspects of camp. Stay situationally aware, respond to changing conditions, and contribute to the ongoing refinement of protocols through experience in the field.Own the Flow: Support the movement of the day. Thoughtfully manage logistics and gear with intention, ensuring your group and team are prepared and accountable from start to finish.Steward the Whole: Demonstrate care for the land, for students, for families, and for fellow staff. Act in ways that support community, ecological integrity, and emotional safety.Live the Story: Deliver our Tracking and Four Guilds curriculum with creativity and authenticity (we teach you). Organize youth into Trackers Teams. Recognize storytelling as a core teaching tool, and help participants find their place in the greater story of nature and community.Communicate with CuriosityEngage Families and Staff: Communicate with clarity, empathy, and professionalism. Help families understand what their child is experiencing and how it connects to Trackers values and culture.Foster Inquiry: Model a mindset of curiosity. Ask thoughtful questions and invite others-students, peers, and yourself-to explore deeper patterns, relationships, and meaning in the natural and human world.Facilitate Real-World Learning: Create space for students to engage offline. Lead activities that encourage direct collaboration, practical problem-solving, and dynamic exploration of their surroundings.Stay in Conversation: When not in the field full-time, prioritize regular check-ins with the Director or Founders. These conversations help deepen your understanding of Trackers Ecology and align your work with the broader mission.QualificationsAt Trackers, we value guides who are not just instructors-but practitioners, learners, and contributors to a living culture of nature connection. We appreciate the Jack of All Trades and the autodidacts. Our team includes multi-disciplinary learners who pursue skills with rigor, humility, and curiosity. You don't have to be a master-but you do need to strive for and respect the depth of mastery, growing every season.Experience:1+ years in outdoor education, guiding, camp leadership, or youth mentorshipExperience in team-building, survival skills, or nature-based programsFamiliarity with Trackers Earth's philosophy and programs is highly valuedOutdoor Skills:You don't need to be an expert in every skill, but you must understand their depth and have a strong desire to grow. These represent the depth we seek:Bushcraft & Wilderness Living Skills: Long-term self-sufficiency.Animal Tracking & Nature Awareness: Trailing animals & knowing track & sign.Flintknapping & Stone Tools: Crafting cutting tools with traditional techniques.Primitive Technology: Hide tanning, natural fiber processing, bow-making.Wildcrafting & Foraging: Knowledge of sustainable harvesting of edible plants.Naturalist Skills: Classic naturalist training in wildlife, botanical & ecological studies.Shelter Building: Debris huts, lodges & other land-based survival shelters.Fire Making: Bow drill, hand drill, tool-based & fire-building in wet conditions.Bird Language & Stealth: Reading alarm calls as sign & moving invisibly.Fishing, Hunting & Trapping: Ethical harvest using modern and traditional methods.Field Archery & Bowmaking: Bowmaking & practical field archery for hunting.Navigation & Boating: Orienteering & traversing with watercraft.Forestry & Homesteading: Food production & regenerative caretaking for the land.Traditional Mentorship: Direct, long-term learning from experienced practitioners.While modern outdoor education may introduce some of these skills, Trackers Earth operates differently-not better, just different. We have profound respect for the following fields, recognizing them as sister programs doing phenomenal work. While we share many aspects, don't view Trackers solely through their lens.Outdoor Recreation: Activities such as hiking, camping, and guiding that offer outdoor sports. While we integrate these skills, our curriculum goes beyond them to include forest craft, folk craft, and deep nature connection.Wilderness Therapy: Programs that use nature as a healing venue rather than for deep connection and community skill-building. These programs are invaluable and led by practitioners we deeply respect, but they are not our focus.Outdoor Education: General environmental science, ropes courses, team-building, and leadership training. While we share many components, our emphasis is on in-depth survival and foraging skills.Environmental Education: We value the impact of programs that emphasize advocacy or activism. However, Trackers teaches hands-on skills-hunting, fishing, and foraging-to help kids develop a deep care for the more-than-human world.STEAM Education: Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math programs often approach nature through an academic lens. While we incorporate these elements, we prioritize experiential learning through outdoor skills and nature immersion.Forest Schools: Programs for young children centered on outdoor free play. This early nature connection is crucial, but our curriculum emphasizes skill development to foster broader outdoor independence for all ages.Summer Camps: We offer camps and deeply respect camp professionals who create incredible programs. While we share many structural and social aspects, our focus is on skills-driven, immersive learning through nature connection.For a better understanding of our philosophy, explore the work of Tom Brown Jr., Ray Mears, and Jon Young.EducationBachelor's degree in education, environmental sciences, or program managementOr equivalent training from wilderness schools (e.g. Tracker School, Roots, BOSS, Rewild Portland, Twin Eagles, etc.)Schedule & Program TypesThis role may include one or more Trackers Earth programs: part-time School-Year (Homeschool, Weekend Apprenticeships, After School), Seasonal Breaks (Winter/Spring), and/or Summer Camps. While this description outlines shared responsibilities and expectations, exact schedules and duties vary by season and role.Possible School Year Roles: After School (Mon-Fri), Weekday Homeschool (Wed or Fri), Weekend Apprenticeships (Sat/Sun), Winter Break, Spring BreakSummer Break Role: Typically Monday to Friday during assigned weeks, with scheduling based on enrollment and program needs.Location: Must report to Sandy and Portland-area worksites (assignments are not discretionary)Typical Hours: 2-8 hours on days scheduled depending on program needsRequired Training - First Year: Choose June 6-7 or 8-9, 2026Required Training - All Staff: June 10-12, 2026Because we invest significant time and resources in staff training, we prioritize applicants who are available for the full summer season or frequently in the school year. Final schedules are based on program enrollment, performance, and overall staff availability.Pay & CompensationHourly Pay: $17.50-$22.00/hourApplies to school-year, seasonal break, and summer roles.Increases above the $17.50 starting rate are based on defined add-ons, including prior summer seasons and qualifying certifications-see below for details.Certification bumps apply only during active seasonal placement and begin the first pay cycle after the next quarterly review. They are not retroactive.All seasonal training hours are paid at local Oregon minimum wage. Certification bumps do not apply to training hours.How to ApplyApply early for best consideration. This application covers school-year, seasonal break, and summer roles. You can indicate your availability and interests. Not all applicants will be placed immediately-qualified candidates may be added to an on-deck list based on fit and program needs. Current summer staff interested in school-year roles must submit a separate application for Fall.Mutual Fit PeriodAll new roles-including seasonal transitions-begin with a 90-day mutual fit period. This time supports onboarding, training, and shared expectations, especially as school-year programs require greater independence and long-term student mentorship.Physical Requirements & CertificationsThis is a hands-on, active, and at times field-based role. As a Specialist Guide, your physical requirements will vary depending on your assigned program. Outdoor roles may require physical stamina in rugged environments, while classroom-based roles focus more on tool handling, shop safety, and materials management.Physical Requirements - Outdoor Programs(Examples: Bushcraft, Tracking, Forestry, Paddlesports, Rock Climbing)Ability to lift and carry up to 50 lbsHike 5-20 miles per day, including off-trail and uneven terrainRemain on feet for extended periods in variable weather conditionsMove safely across natural landscapes such as forests, hills, and riversPhysical Requirements - Classroom-Based Programs(Examples: Ceramics, Woodworking)Ability to lift and carry up to 50 lbs (e.g., clay, lumber, tools)Stand or move between workstations for extended periods (3-5 hours)Use hand tools and equipment with fine motor coordination and precisionMaintain awareness of shop safety protocols in active teaching environmentsOccasionally transport materials or equipment between locationsReasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.Required CertificationsCPR, First Aid, and Anaphylaxis/Epinephrine Auto-InjectorFood Handler's Permit (or ability to obtain before start)Mandated Reporter Training (18+ in OR)Additional RequirementsState Fishing License (if assisting with fishing activities)Background check and referencesValid driver's license held for 2+ yearsOptional but Valued & PrioritizedCDL Class B with Passenger Endorsement: If you already have a CDL or are interested in earning one, that's a big plus.Eligibility RequirementsTo operate Trackers Earth vehicles requiring a CDL, candidates must:Be 21 years of age or olderHold a valid U.S. driver's licenseHave a clean motor vehicle record (MVR) for the past 3 years, with no major violations (e.g. DUI, reckless driving, license suspension)DisclaimerThis job description does not constitute a contract of employment. Employment with Trackers Earth is at-will. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.About TrackersAt Trackers, we help children feel like that group of kids wandering country backyards 50 years ago: tired, muddy, wet, independent, and happy from being out in the woods and exploring creeks. We are acutely aware of the real hazards of the outdoors, so we work to keep kids safe but not encapsulated from, nor phobic of nature. We believe children need to develop independence and competency in the wild-not only for their own connection, but also to contribute to their families, future generations, and the more-than-human world. We believe it is okay to be thirsty at times, cold at times, and wet at times. This builds empathy and care for the gifts of life, fostering true adventure and genuine accomplishment. We also believe it is critical for children to feel supported and cared for as they explore their passion for service and responsibility. Through a healthy life found in nature, they can test their limits and discover the great potential of the often untapped physical grit and emotional resilience they possess.Pay Rates for Trackers GuidesReturning Staff & Certification Based Add-OnsEffective September 2025At Trackers Earth, we reward Guides for field experience, specialized skills, and professional certifications. The following pay structure applies to all seasonal staff for Fall 2025.Base PayBase: $17.50/hourTraining Rate: Minimum WageAll initial and ongoing training hours, regardless of tenure or certification, are paid at the applicable Oregon minimum wage based on location and do not include pay increases. Base pay and applicable pay bumps begin only once staff begin working in active program assignments. Certification-based pay bumps do not apply to training hours.Certification Pay BumpsGuides can earn additional pay for relevant certifications. Total hourly pay is capped at $22.00/hour.CertificationPay BumpReturning Bonus (per 8 summer weeks worked [training not included], max 1 credit per season)+$0.25/hrWilderness First Aid (WFA)*+$0.25/hrUSA Archery or NASP Level 1 Instructor*+$0.25/hrCyberTracker Track & Sign (Level II or higher)+$0.25/hr9-Month Wilderness Immersion Program+$0.25/hrFEMA ICS 100 & 200*+$0.25/hrTrackers Van & Trailer Driver Certification (21 years +)*+$0.25/hrACA Instructor - Level 1 or 2 (Canoe or Kayak)+$0.25/hrHunter's Safety Instructor Certification+$0.25/hrAMGA Single Pitch Instructor (SPI)+$0.25/hrLifeguard Certification with Waterfront Module+$0.25/hrFirst Responder (Past 8 Years) or U.S. Armed Forces Veteran+$0.25/hrState Teaching Certification (K-12, current or expired within 5 years)+$0.50/hrWilderness First Responder (WFR)*+$0.50/hrFirst Aid/CPR Instructor+$0.50/hrArchery Instructor Trainer (USA Archery or NASP)*+$0.50/hrSwiftwater Rescue Technician+$0.50/hrIncident Qualification Certification (Red Card)*+$0.50/hrCDL with Passenger Endorsement (large school bus-size vehicles)*+$2.50/hr*Stacking Rules (What Doesn't Combine)Not all certification pay bumps can be combined. Some credentials cover the same or higher-level training, so only the larger bump applies.WFA does not stack with WFR. (If you hold WFR, the WFA bump does not apply.)ICS 100/200 does not stack with Red Card. (Red Card replaces the ICS bump.)USA Archery/NASP Level 1 does not stack with Archery Instructor Trainer (Trainer replaces Level 1).Trackers Van & Trailer Driver Certification does not stack with a CDL with Passenger Endorsement (CDL replaces Van/Trailer).Other certifications listed above may stack if they are in distinct skill areas (e.g., Lifeguard + Swiftwater, Teaching Certification + WFR).Certification Verification RequirementSee the Certification Pay Bump Addendum below for criteria of accepted certifications.Quarterly Certification Review & Pay UpdatesTrackers reviews and updates certification-based pay rates on a quarterly basis. At the end of each quarter, eligible staff will receive a form to report any new certifications they have acquired. To be considered for a pay bump, certifications must be submitted before the end of the quarter, include proper documentation, and are subject to HR approval. Approved certifications will be reflected in payroll starting with the first pay period of the following quarter. Pay increases are not retroactive and will only apply moving forward from the scheduled update. For short-term or seasonal-only roles, increases may not take effect unless returning for a future program.Documentation must include:A copy of the official certificate or licenseDates of completion and expiration (if applicable)Name of the issuing organization or agencyCertification Pay Bump Addendum$0.25/hour CertificationsSeasonal Longevity Pay Bump - Summer OnlyGuides earn a $0.25/hour increase for every 8 full weeks worked during the summer season, up to one credit per summer. Key Details:Applies only to weeks worked in Trackers summer programsMaximum of one 8-week credit per summer, regardless of total weeks workedWeeks may be across multiple roles or locations but still count as a single summer creditLongevity bumps are cumulative across summers and applied to future seasonsExample: A Coordinator works 10 weeks in their first summer. They receive one $0.25/hour bump for future seasons. In their second summer, they work 8 more weeks and earn another $0.25/hour, bringing their total longevity bump to $0.50/hour by their third summer.Wilderness First Aid (WFA)Minimum 16 hoursRecognized providers: NOLS, WMA, SOLO, etc.Not stackable with WFRUSA Archery or NASP Level 1 InstructorMust be current and from a national programIncludes range safety and youth instructionCyberTracker Track & Sign (Level II or higher)Evaluation must be through a certified CyberTracker EvaluatorLevel II demonstrates solid field interpretation skills9-Month Wilderness Immersion ProgramMust include one immersive weekend per monthIncludes bushcraft, tracking, survival, foraging, and mentoringRecognized programs:Trackers EarthWilderness Awareness School (WA)Earth Native SchoolJack Mountain Bushcraft (ME)Teaching Drum (WI)Roots VermontOthers reviewed upon requestFEMA ICS 100 & 200Free online through FEMACovers incident response structure and leadership in emergenciesApplies to all program sites for risk and communication clarityTrackers Van Driver Certification (21 years +)Must be 21 or olderMust complete Trackers internal driver safety and trailer towing trainingCertification covers safe operation of vans and utility trailers used for student transport and gearCDL not requiredPriority may be given in hiring and scheduling due to transportation responsibilitiesAmerican Canoe Association (ACA) Instructor - Level 1 or 2 (Canoe or Kayak)Must hold a current ACA instructor certification in canoeing or kayakingCertification must include water safety and rescue protocolsRecognized for Guides leading paddle-based or waterfront programsHunter's Safety Instructor CertificationMust be a certified Hunter Education Instructor through a state-recognized wildlife agency (e.g., Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife)Includes firearm safety, ethical hunting practices, and field instruction for youth and adultsCertification must be current and verifiableRecognized for Guides supporting archery, survival, and hunting heritage programsAMGA Single Pitch Instructor (SPI)Current certification through American Mountain Guides AssociationValid for managing top-rope climbing and site-based instructionLifeguard Instructor with Waterfront ModuleMust be a certified Lifeguard Instructor authorized to train and certify others in:Waterfront lifeguarding, including flatwater rescue scenarios (lakes, ponds, slow rivers)Through the American Red Cross, YMCA, or Ellis & Associates (E&A)Must maintain active instructor status with the certifying bodyAuthorized to certify Trackers staff in waterfront lifeguarding; must register courses through the issuing organization and agree to instruct staff at their standard pay rate; participant certification fees handled through the certifying bodyFirst Responder (Past 8 Years) or U.S. Armed Forces VeteranApplies to staff with documented experience as a U.S. military veteran (honorable or general discharge), regardless of discharge dateOr: documented service within the past 8 years as a firefighter, EMT/paramedic, law enforcement officer, or Search & Rescue team memberExperience must be verifiable. This bump recognizes leadership, resilience, and community service.$0.50/hour CertificationsState Teaching CertificationCurrent or expired within the last 8 yearsValid in any U.S. state for grades K-12Includes student teaching or supervised practicumApplies to General Ed, Special Ed, and subject-specific licensureWilderness First Responder (WFR)Minimum 70+ hoursRecognized providers: NOLS, WMA, SOLOIncludes trauma, evacuation, and backcountry decision-makingFirst Aid/CPR Instructor (Red Cross, HSI, or Equivalent)Must be a certified instructor through a recognized organization such as the American Red Cross, Health & Safety Institute (HSI/ASHI), or American Heart Association (AHA)Authorized to teach and certify Trackers staff in First Aid, CPR/AED, and Bloodborne Pathogens (BBP) as requiredInstructor must maintain active certification and agree to train Trackers staff at their standard pay rate; course registration and participant certification fees are handled through the issuing organizationArchery Instructor Trainer (USA Archery or NASP)Must be a certified Instructor Trainer or Basic Instructor TrainerUSA Archery: Level 2 or higher with instructor trainer endorsementNASP: Basic Archery Instructor Trainer (BAIT)Authorized to train and certify new instructors under official archery programsMust maintain active standing with the certifying organizationMust maintain active standing and agree to provide instruction to Trackers staff at their regular hourly or salaried rate; course must be registered with the certifying organization.Swiftwater Rescue Technician (SRT-1 or higher)Must hold current certification through a recognized provider (e.g., Rescue 3 International, ACA, or equivalent)Certification includes in-water rescue techniques, rope systems, and river hazard recognitionValid for Guides working in or near moving water, especially paddlecraft or overnight expedition programsCertification must be current and meet minimum field hour requirementsIncident Qualification Certification (Red Card)Must have held a valid Red Card within the past 10 yearsMust include:Completion of required fire and ICS courses (S-130, S-190, L-180, ICS 100/200/700)Successful Arduous Pack Test (45 lb pack, 3 miles in under 45 mins)Issued by a sponsoring agency (e.g., USFS, state fire agency)Not stackable with FEMA ICS 100 & 200$2.50/hour CertificationCDL with Passenger Endorsement (Large School Bus-Size Vehicles)Valid CDL with "P" or "S" endorsementQualified to operate full-size school buses (does not require school-bus specific cert)Actively driving or on-callMust meet Trackers safety, MVR, and compliance standardsAbout TrackersTrackers Earth is a youth organization that strives to help kids grow. We need them to build real wilderness survival skills for readiness, caretaking, grit, and team leadership. You're an educator who operates independently while also being excited to work towards a greater team and goal.

Created: 2026-04-02