Acadia Mountain Guides Climbing School Employment Opportunities

We are currently accepting applications for the following: 

FULL-TIME YEAR ROUND

• Open Spring 2024. Download Manager of Retail Operations, Inventory and Marketing

SUMMER 2024

• Download Single Pitch Instructor & Camp Trip Leader Internship
• Download Single Pitch Instructor
• Download Multi-Pitch Instructor and Guide
• Download Climbing School Manager Internship

WINTER SEASON

• Winter Per Diem Guides (Ice Climbing and Mountaineering)
• AIARE Level 1 Course Leaders and Instructors
• Ski guides

if interested, please send a complete AMG Employee Application, cover letter, and resume to climb@acadiamountainguides.com

AMG Guide Development Program

Over the years, many talented guides have cut their teeth in Acadia and chosen Acadia Mountain Guides as the source for great training, on-going professional skill development, and a diversity of work opportunities. Some of the guides who have worked for us include:

• Silas Rossi, IFMGA/AMGA Guide, PCIA Course Provider
• Peter Doucette, IFMGA/AMGA Guide
• Christian Helger, AMGA Rock Instructor
• Paddy O’mara, AMGA Rock Guide
• Craig Luebben, AMGA Rock Guide
• Mark Vermeal, AMGA Rock Instructor, Director of Risk Management, Outward Bound
• Tom Kontos, AMGA Rock Instructor
• Danny Uhlmann, Rock and Alpine Guide
• Arthur Haines, AMGA Rock Guide
• Chris Marks, AMGA Rock Instructor
• Steve Nichipor, AMGA Rock Instructor
• Matt Shove, AMGA Rock and Alpine Guide
• Paul Haraf, AMGA Rock Instructor, PCIA Course Provider
• Ryan Tetz, AMGA Rock Guide
• Alexis Finley, AMGA Rock Guide
• Matt Wade, AMGA Rock Guide, Ski Mountaineering Guide
• Geoff Schellens, AMGA Rock Guide
• Kurt Hicks, AMGA Rock Guide
• Chris Damboise, Director of Credentialing for Project Adventure, PCIA Course Provider

…and dozens more Single Pitch Climbing Instructors and Top Rope Site Managers.

“Having guided and/or taught single pitch instructor courses at well over a hundred climbing areas around the country, I can honestly say that Acadia is one of the best places to gain a solid foundation in climbing instruction and basic guiding skills.”

– Jon Tierney, IFMGA Guide and Owner of AMG.

Jon has been training aspiring outdoor leaders and guides for nearly three decades. A major contributor to and early adopter of formalized training and certification, Jon has been extensively involved in guide and instructor training through both the AMGA and the PCIA. In 1997, he led the charge to develop the curriculum and promote the now well recognized AMGA Single Pitch Climbing Instructor certification.

IFMGA Level Training

As a full-service year-round school and guide service, Acadia Mountain Guides provides opportunities for guides to pursue career development at various levels starting with Single Pitch Instruction and progressing all the way to AMGA/IFMGA certification.

In the summer, single pitch instructors can hone their skills at a wide variety of sites throughout Acadia and Maine while receiving valuable feedback from one of the country’s best single-pitch super-specialists. The multi-pitch terrain in Acadia, Clifton, and Katahdin is ideal for developing sound Single Pitch, Rock Instructor, and Rock Guide and alpine skills. Aspiring alpine and ski guides can gain valuable winter and ice experience in the Presidential Range as well as on Katahdin, not to mention the opportunities to apprentice on an international trip.

Each year we seek 1-2 additional experienced guides or instructors to join our team and 6-8 interns. Being an intern is a great way to get a foot in the door, although occasionally, we receive an outstanding resume from a first-time applicant for a guide position.

We typically desire at least a 3 season commitment from new employees. This can include an internship year. During that time, we work with each individual to customize guide development. Often it looks something like this:

• Year 1: Internship (complete PCIA and AMGA Single Pitch Instructor by the start of the season), WFR, or WEMT. Lead AMG climbing camps with possible private client work at the end of the season. If available during the winter season, begin apprenticing on mountaineering and winter backcountry courses.
• Year 2: Single Pitch Instructor employment (complete AMGA Rock Instructor course). Begin working on multi-pitch terrain via camp programs and private clients. Take an AIARE Level 1 Avalanche Course. Lead basic mountaineering and ice climbing during the winter season. Apprentice expeditionary trip. Complete rock instructor exam at the end of the season.
• Year 3: Rock Guide Course. Assist with staff training. Guide extensively, including on trips to Red Rocks, New Hampshire, etc. Lead advanced camp programs as well (RP IV). Prepare for future Rock Guide Exam. Continue alpine and ski skill development.
• Year 4: Continuing development of skills and expanding terrain choices.