SYMG Employment

Thanks for your interest in a career with SYMG!

Mountain guiding is certainly exciting and we take pride in providing a welcoming and professional environment for our staff. Most guides return each year and we have large numbers of applicants for only a handful of positions. Our summer season is from May 1 to Sept 30 and guides are expected to be available for scheduling during these times. Full time guides average 20 days of work per month in the high season with irregular schedules. Typically, we begin reviewing applications in February for the following summer.

About SYMG:

Southern Yosemite Mountain Guides is one of North America's premier active travel & guiding services. Founded in 1991 and based outside of the south entrance of Yosemite (Oakhurst/Bass Lake), SYMG specializes in backpacking, stock-supported trekking, fly-fishing, rock climbing and natural history trips. We operate primarily in the Sierra Nevada, from Yosemite south through Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks. We are proud to have been named "Best Outfitter on Earth" and "Best Adventure Travel Company" by National Geographic Adventure Magazine. SYMG typically employs 15 guides during the summer guiding season. Please visit our website at www.symg.com to learn more.

We Provide:

  1. 7-day Professional Mountain Guide Training Course
  2. Competitive wages
  3. Optional company housing (shared room)
  4. Full Uniforms and other gear from our sponsor, Columbia Sportswear
  5. Pro-deals from most outdoor gear and clothing companies

Responsibilities:

The responsibilities of the guide include organizing trip logistics (food and gear prep), conducting trip orientations, all cooking, cleaning and camp chores, repair and maintenance of SYMG gear, completion of trip reports and maintaining a safe, fun and memorable experience for paying clients while in the backcountry.

Requirements:

  1. Excellent conversation and group management skills
  2. Excellent backcountry cooking skills
  3. Wilderness First Responder and CPR training is the minimum medical certification we accept
  4. Advanced skills and knowledge of your guiding specialty (i.e mountaineering, fly-fishing, backpacking, etc)
  5. Hands on experience with a variety of backcountry gear including use and repairs
  6. Twenty-one years of age
  7. Vehicle in good working order

Preferred:

  1. Knowledge of the Sierra Nevada backcountry (Yosemite to Mt Whitney)
  2. SYMG offers backpacking, mountaineering, rock climbing and fly-fishing trips. Ideally, guides will specialize in at least one of these disciplines and be competent in others.
  3. Prior experience with leading adults on wilderness adventures.
  4. Some guides have other credentials such as Search and Rescue, Paramedic, AMGA/PCGI certifications, Orvis Fly-fishing School, etc.

How to Apply:

To apply, please email a cover letter and resume to info@symg.com or send a hard copy to:

  • SYMG
  • c/o Colby Brokvist
  • 42997 E Mountain View Ln
  • Oakhurst CA 93644

Need more experience before applying?

Consider applying for our successful Internship Program or participating in our 7-day Guide Training Course.