Job Openings

Blue Ridge Hiking Company is currently hiring for two open positions: Hiking Guide (Core Guide) and Appalachian Trail-er Caretaker.

In order to apply for either open position, please submit your resume and cover letter (including references) via email to trips@blueridgehikingco.com. Anticipated availability should be included in your cover letter.

First round interviews will be held in late January, with second round interviews in early February. Guide training will be held March 3-5, 2025. Attendance at Guide Training is mandatory.

Hiking Guide (Core Guide)

Blue Ridge Hiking Company is looking for enthusiastic, outgoing hikers and adventurers to serve as contract hiking guides for our 2025 season. Our trips take place on the Appalachian Trail, Mountains to Sea Trail, and Art Loeb Trail, as well as other areas of Pisgah National Forest, Dupont State Forest, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and along the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Guides are responsible for leading Half Day Hikes, Full Day Hikes, and Multi-Day Backpacking Trips. Guides will uphold our Mission and Vision, and will be adaptable to a variety of situations. They will act as good stewards of the land, practicing Leave No Trace Principles and encouraging their groups to do the same.

Required qualifications include:

• Wilderness First Aid (or higher) and CPR Certifications. 
• 16-hour certification from SOLO, NOLS, Red Cross, Landmark Learning, or comparable which includes in-person scenarios is required. Shortened courses or courses offered entirely online are not accepted.
• Discounted registration for our WFA and CPR Course (March 1-2, 2025) is available to all BRHC Employees.
• Must have a reliable car, valid driver's license, cell phone, email access, clean driving record, and pass a background check.
• Basic computer skills, including Google suite
• Strong social skills, both in person and over the phone
• The ability and willingness to work with people of all backgrounds and experience levels

The most successful applicants will also have the following:

• Experience guiding hikes
• Experience hiking in all seasons and over various types of terrain
• Confidence in group management, risk management, and decision making
• The ability to think on your feet and adapt to changing circumstances
• Familiarity with trails across Western NC
• Experience in the outdoor industry; on long distance trails (ie, hiking the Appalachian Trail, Pacific Crest Trail, etc); and/or knowledge of local flora/fauna, history, foraging, mushrooming, photography, etc

Core Guides must provide a minimum of 8 days of availability per month, March through October. Availability must include at least one 3-day weekend (Friday - Sunday or Saturday - Monday) per month. Any periods longer than 10 days with no availability must be disclosed in advance. This is a 1099 Independent Contractor contract position, so the more availability you have the more hikes you can lead; however, bookings are never guaranteed. Guides typically work solo on trail.

Guides are paid a flat rate per trip, which covers time spent communicating with the client and Admin team before the trip, leading the trip, and any necessary post-trip communication with the client and Admin team. 

At this time, we are only considering candidates currently based in the Asheville, NC area. Trips typically start and finish in either Asheville, NC or Hot Springs, NC.

Appalachian Trail-er Caretaker

Blue Ridge Hiking Company is looking for Caretaker for the “Appalachian Trail-er”, our basecamp and bunkhouse in Hot Springs, NC. The Caretaker is responsible for pulling and cleaning gear for our guided backpacking trips, driving trail shuttles, and acting as a host for our bunkhouse guests. Caretaker must have a cell phone, email access, a valid driver's license, a clean driving record, and pass a background check. Current Wilderness First Aid (WFA) and CPR Certifications are required. This is a live-in position; on-site lodging in a private, locking room is provided as part of the compensation package. Couples are welcome to apply as “co-Carektakers.”

Our open season is March - October. The ideal candidate will be available for the full season; we require a minimum 3 month commitment. This is a great position for a vanlifer looking for some stability for a few months! 

Caretaker Responsibilities

• Communicate with bunkhouse and shuttle guests on behalf of Blue Ridge Hiking Company.
• Book bunks and shuttles, and sell retail items from the retail desk.  
• As bunkhouse host, Caretaker is expected to turn over bunks between guests (launder linens, re-dress beds, clean bathrooms and bunk rooms), maintain general cleanliness of the bunkhouse, and complete/arrange general maintenance tasks for the house, property, and vehicles.
• For BRHC Guided Backpacking Trips:
  • Communicate with BRHC Admin team and guides ahead of backpacking trips.  
  • Before Backpacking Trips: Pull and organize backpacking gear (using provided gear request lists). Be present for the last 30 min of gear shakedown to provide any necessary gear exchanges. Drive backpacking trip shuttles to the trailhead.
  • During Backpacking Trips: Serve as an emergency contact person for the guide and first line of response for the BRHC Admin Team in the event of an on-trail emergency.
  • After Backpacking Trips: Drive pickup shuttle, if needed. Organize returned gear, and provide linens for hikers to shower/change after trips. Once all gear is clean and dry, inspect for any needed repairs.  If repairs are needed, either complete the repairs or arrange for them to be done professionally.
• For Gear Rentals, Caretaker should prep and clean gear similar to BRHC guided backpacking trips. Help fit guests for their gear if needed. Assess any damage or wear and tear at the end of the trip to determine if repair is needed.
• Drive trail shuttles as needed (both for backpacking trips and a la carte shuttles). Communicate with BRHC Admin about any needed repairs or maintenance for Hot Springs based company vehicles. Ensure basic vehicle maintenance tasks (ex: oil changes) are completed. Hot Springs based company vehicles include a full-size SUV and a 15 passenger van.
• Maintain admin records for trail shuttles driven throughout the season. Attend weekly Admin team meetings.

The ideal candidate will be:

• A “people person” inclined towards hospitality 
• Passionate about the Appalachian Trail community
• An experienced hiker or backpacker
• Self-motivated and able to work independently and as part of a team
• Experience with basic home and vehicle maintenance and/or basic gear repair a plus

The Caretaker is paid a flat monthly rate for all BRHC trip-related tasks (pulling and cleaning gear, driving shuttles, prepping food, communicating with guests, etc). They are paid commission for any additional work they book (ex: standalone shuttles, bunkhouse guests, gear rentals, etc).