Lead immersive, multi-day backcountry expeditions that blend adventure, learning, and stewardship

EXPEDITION INSTRUCTOR 

Position Type: Hourly/Daily (non-exempt) 

Schedule: May 26 – July 31, 2026 

Base: Alaska Geographic Central Office, Anchorage 

Field Rate: $200-$230/day 

Hourly Prep Rate: $22/hour 

 
POSITION OVERVIEW 
Alaska Geographic seeks experienced expedition instructors to instruct up to four 5–7-day backcountry experiences between May 26 - July 31, 2026. Four expeditions are being offered to Alaska teens at no cost to them. AK Geo Instructors will provide a safe, inclusive space for a diverse group of Alaskan teens while managing the inherent risks of backcountry travel and experiences in Alaska. Instructors will work alongside National Park, U.S. Fish and Wildlife, and Bureau of Land Management rangers and staff to deliver programs, requiring excellent collaboration and communication skills to maintain a positive relationship with our partners.  In addition, a Student Leader will be part of the leadership team for some trips. 
 
All participants and Student Leaders go through an extensive application process, including being nominated by community members who believe the student will excel when given the opportunity.  

This role requires flexibility; support work in Denali National Park & Preserve, Anchorage, AK and Kodiak, AK may be assigned in addition to or instead of expedition work as program needs evolve throughout the season. 

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Deliver exceptional multi-day backpacking and canoeing expeditions, and base-camp stewardship trips for teens 

• Facilitate place-based learning and group discussions while using inclusive language and practices that accommodate our diverse student groups 

• Work closely with the same co-instructor throughout the season  

• Ensure safety of 7-11 teens in a dynamic outdoor environment – including, but not limited to, the management of wilderness travel, wildlife, cooking and stove use, off-trail hiking and navigation in unpredictable and extreme weather conditions 

• Administer risk management framework, often in partnership with agency staff in the field (backcountry rangers, etc) 

• Effectively work alongside agency partners to establish specific program goals and review risk management policies and procedures 

• Supervise students during pre- and post- trip times, as scheduled. 

• Serve as primary Wilderness First Responder 

• Communicate clearly and effectively to other guides, students, office staff, and agency partners 

• Assist Program Coordinator with pre and post trip gear logistics – including, but not limited to, menu planning, food purchasing, gear pulls, van loading, etc (prep and decommission days are paid at hourly rate) 

• Drive 15 passenger van with trailer on city streets, unpaved roads, and on the highway 

• Other Education related duties as assigned 
   

REQUIREMENTS 

We understand that no one person possesses all of these skills and experience. If you are enthusiastic about the position, we encourage you to apply. 

• 21+ years old. 

• 2+ seasons of guiding or instructing experience, preferably in Alaska 

• 2+ seasons of experience working with teens 

• Must have current Wilderness First Responder and CPR certification by May 2026 

• Proven group management experience in an expedition setting 

• Ability to work effectively with co-guide in a diverse, fast-paced, demanding environment with a high level of responsibility 

• Willingness to be flexible and adaptable, understanding that programs may change on short notice due to weather, border closures, ferry delays, road conditions, agency partner abilities, program needs, or other unpredictable circumstances. These situations may happen while on course, extending the program days 

• Must be able to lift 60 pounds regularly and throughout the day 

• Must have valid driver's license and clean driving record 

• Must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. 

 PREFERRED EXPERIENCE 

• Strongly prefer Alaska-based candidates 

• Strongly prefer candidates with guiding or instructing experience in Alaska 

• Experience working on small staff teams 

• Flat-water canoeing experience, wilderness water safety, and ACA certification preferred 

• Understanding and knowledge of trail and conservation work, direct experience preferred 

 FURTHER INFORMATION 

• Pay rate: $200-230/day, based on certifications, experience, and seasons with AK Geo. $22/hour rate for non-field work (prep, decommission, curriculum development). 

• Other benefits: Paid sick leave accrued at one hour for every 30 hours worked, eligible for $500 end-of-season completion bonus, 15% off AK Geo store products, and access to Pro Deals 

• Location: based in Anchorage, Alaska 

• Season: May 26 – July 31 

• Staff Training: late May-early June, paid at hourly/daily rate 

• Reports to: Education Program Coordinator 

• Job type: Seasonal, Class E employee 

• Room/board: Instructors are responsible for providing their own room and board while not on program. Alaska Geographic may assist non-local candidates with the housing process and ensure an affordable option is found prior to the start of the season. Please inquire for details 

• Time off: 2-5 days between programs. Each instructor will receive a consecutive 5-7 day period off during the summer. 
   

ORGANIZATION OVERVIEW 

Alaska Geographic is the official nonprofit education and fundraising partner to Alaska’s National Parks, National Wildlife Refuges, National Forests, and BLM Conservation Lands, creating and delivering exceptional education programs and products through our collaboration with public lands agencies.  

Alaska Geographic is a dynamic non-profit that offers a diverse array of outdoor programming, expeditions, stewardship projects, and education tours around Alaska to engage people in their public lands. We have been running programs since 2009 and have two education program bases – Anchorage and Denali National Park & Preserve. For Denali Education job postings, please visit akgeo.org