Interpretive Hiking Guide

Position Details  

• Position Dates: August 3 to November 15, with the possibility of returning for the subsequent guiding season beginning in April 2027 
• An average of 3 days (22.5 hours) per week, as needed, based on program bookings 
• Salary: $26-$28/hour, depending on experience and qualifications 

Description 

The Interpretive Hiking Guide is a seasonal part-time average of 22.5 hours per week position with CPAWS Southern Alberta. The position runs from August to November. 

Joining the CPAWS Southern Alberta team means becoming part of a passionate, inclusive, and mission-driven team dedicated to protecting Alberta’s wild spaces and fostering a deep connection between people and nature. As a regional chapter of Canada’s only national charity focused solely on the conservation of public lands and waters, CPAWS Southern Alberta offers a unique opportunity to contribute to meaningful environmental change while advancing reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples. Working at CPAWS Southern Alberta means contributing to a future where healthy ecosystems support thriving communities, and where conservation is rooted in science, respect, and inclusivity. 

The successful candidate will lead themed educational day hikes in urban and wilderness settings, supporting our knowledge building strategic goal of educating and engaging a diverse community about conservation for long-term support. 

This position offers an opportunity to apply and expand the candidate’s skills and knowledge related to outdoor environmental education. These skills would support career development in the fields of outdoor leadership, education, youth engagement, and community outreach. 

This role will work with CPAWS Southern Alberta’s education team, reporting to the Education Director.

Job duties will include:   

• Participating in seasonal guide team training, preparations, trail recons, and debriefs.  
• Lead groups of students (Kindergarten – Grade 12), families (all ages), and adults on themed educational day hikes in urban and wilderness settings in Calgary and Kananaskis Country. 
• Deliver CPAWS Southern Alberta’s interpretive and conservation messaging during each hike.  
• Implement CPAWS Southern Alberta’s Risk Management Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for all guided hikes. This includes preparations and communications before, during, and after each hike. 
• Maintain guiding supplies/equipment and ensure all equipment is returned in good condition at the end of the season.  

Position Requirements:  

• Believe in and want to contribute to our mission; 
• Must have reliable transportation (i.e., a personal vehicle) to travel within the Calgary and Kananaskis areas; 
• A working cell phone; 
• Ability to work some weekends and evenings;  
• Ability to stand for 4 hours, walk/hike on Level 1 Terrain, carry a guide backpack, and lift up to 30 pounds;  
• Be legally eligible to work in Canada; and 
• Criminal record check for working with children and vulnerable people. 

Education and Professional Certification:   

• Post-secondary diploma or degree in outdoor leadership, education, environmental sciences, or a related field or have a minimum of 2 years’ related experience; 
• 40-Hour wilderness first aid certification or willingness to obtain upon employment; and 
• Interpretive Guides Association Apprentice Interpreter certification or equivalent certification or equivalent experience or willingness to obtain upon employment.

Experience & Job-Related Skills:  

• Experience leading guided hikes 
• Experience delivering educational programming  
• Risk management and emergency response skills

Behavioural Competencies:  

• Passion for nature  
• Relationship-oriented 
• Professional, collaborative communicator  
• Engaging educator  
• Safety-oriented 
• Inclusive mindset  
• Adaptable 
• Reliable 

What We Offer:  

• 4% vacation accrual paid with each pay period; 
• Opportunities to expand your professional network through attending CPAWS and partner events; and  
• Mentorship opportunities with CPAWS Southern Alberta staff members.   

Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion  

At CPAWS Southern Alberta, we recognize that conservation and social justice goals are intertwined and essential for a sustainable future. This work is long overdue for the conservation community. CPAWS Southern Alberta is committed to working internally and with partners from equity-deserving communities to promote diverse voices, frame nature as a positive space for all, and remove barriers to participation in conservation. Staff are supported through ongoing Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI) training, and our workplace culture encourages continuous learning, collaboration, and personal growth. 

We encourage applications from folks who are typically under-represented in conservation organizations including, but not limited, to BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour) individuals, 2SLGBTQI+ identifying individuals, people with disabilities, and immigrants. We know that people from equity-deserving communities are less likely to apply for roles unless they meet every single requirement.   

If you’re excited about the role, but your qualifications don’t match perfectly, we encourage you to apply. We value diverse perspectives and will consider relevant life experience alongside professional qualifications when reviewing applications. 

CPAWS Southern Alberta strives for a workplace free of barriers by providing supports, where possible, for disabled applicants and staff members. Please contact us for a conversation about accessibility and possible supports throughout the hiring process. All information received in relation to accommodation will be kept confidential.    

To Apply:

Please send your resume and cover letter to Jaclyn at infosab@cpaws.org before 4pm on June 15. In your cover letter, please tell us about why you are interested in working with CPAWS Southern Alberta and what you will bring to the Interpretive Hiking Guide role. Your cover letter can be maximum one page. You may choose to submit an oral cover letter as an audio or video file. The audio/video letter can be maximum 3 minutes. 

Application Process 

• Application submissions  
• Some applicants may be contacted via email with any clarifying questions and/or to set up a short phone screening.  
• Applicants selected for an interview will be contacted via email by June 22.  
• Interview questions will be provided to the candidates at least 1 week prior to the interview. 
• Interviews will be conducted at a time that works for the candidate, either at our accessible office space or online.  
• Interviewed candidates will be asked to demonstrate their teaching style by delivering a short (5-minute) teaching or activity on the topic of their choice. 
• All candidates who are interviewed will be contacted via email regarding our decision. We plan on completing the hiring process by July 15.