Outdoor / Nature Experiences

Positions: Parkbus Experience Guides (Ontario)
Company: Parkbus
Location: for applicants located in Toronto/GTA ON

ABOUT PARKBUS

Parkbus connects city dwellers with nature through accessible transportation and unforgettable experiences.

Founded in 2010, we operate bus services to National and Provincial Parks from major cities across Canada. Beyond our pioneering city-to-park shuttle model, we've expanded to create meaningful outdoor experiences through our community programs.

Our ActiveDays program offers guided group day hikes that combine social interaction and community-oriented programming led by professional trip leaders. But we don't stop there - Parkbus also offers overnight adventures, specialized nature experiences, and unique outdoor programming that brings people together through shared exploration and discovery.

‍JOB DESCRIPTION

We're looking for dynamic Experience Guides to help deliver our year-round programming, including ActiveDays trips, overnight adventures, and specialty experiences from Toronto to parks and conservation areas throughout southern Ontario.

We want guides who bring something special to the table. While outdoor experience matters, we're equally interested in passionate storytellers, engaging educators, and specialists who can make nature come alive for our participants.

‍WE'RE SEEKING DIFFERENT TYPES OF GUIDES:

Outdoor Adventure Guides

• Wilderness professionals with extensive hiking, camping, and backcountry experience

Science & Nature Specialists

• Biologists, ecologists, naturalists, or environmental scientists

Storytellers & Cultural Guides

• History buffs who can bring local stories and heritage to life
• Creative communicators who excel at engaging diverse audiences

Health, Wellness & Mindfulness Leaders

• Outdoor wellness specialists and/or social fitness influencers who share adventures on Strava, Instagram, or other platforms

Creative Experience Leaders

• Photographers, artists, or creative professionals who use nature as inspiration‍

WHAT UNITES ALL OUR GUIDES:

• Exceptional storytelling and communication skills
• Ability to create inclusive, welcoming environments
• Genuine enthusiasm that's contagious
• Experience engaging diverse groups of people

‍KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead engaging day trips and overnight experiences for groups up to 50 participants
• Create memorable moments through storytelling, education, and community building
• Share your unique expertise - whether that's wildlife knowledge, local history, photography tips, or wellness practices
• Foster inclusive environments welcoming to newcomers, diverse backgrounds, and all experience levels
• Handle logistics including registration, safety briefings, and group coordination
• Manage risk and ensure participant safety in outdoor settings
• Submit trip reports and collaborate with volunteers
• Help build our community of outdoor enthusiasts through authentic connection

‍SAMPLE EXPERIENCES:

• 9km long guided hikes in Algonquin with wildlife spotting
• Overnight stargazing adventures with astronomy education
• Canoe trips with ecological interpretation
• Sunflower farm visits with photography workshops
• Cultural heritage walks through conservation areas
• Mindfulness outdoor experiences

‍REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Standard First Aid and CPR-C certification
• Problem solving: the ability to change plans as needed and think on your feet
• Demonstrated experience leading or engaging groups of people
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Ability to work with diverse participants (different ages, cultures, backgrounds, abilities)
• Available for minimum 1-2 trips per month
• Passion for creating positive outdoor experiences
• Located in the GTA

‍PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Wilderness First Aid (WFA), Wilderness First Responder (WFR), or equivalent
• Knowledge of Ontario trails, parks, and natural areas
• Experience in your area of specialty (science, history, wellness, arts, etc.)
• Group facilitation or teaching experience
• Outdoor leadership certifications
• Established following or audience (social media, community groups, etc.)
• Multilingual abilities

We especially value candidates who bring unique perspectives, diverse backgrounds, and fresh approaches to outdoor education.

‍POSITION DETAILS

• Reports to: COO
• Compensation: $150-300 per day trip (based on trip length) + $100 for optional admin/travel time
• Schedule: 2-3 trips/month in low season, potential for 6-8 trips/month in peak season
• Location: Based from Toronto, ON with trips throughout southern Ontario
• Hiring Company: Parkbus

‍TO APPLY

Send us your cover letter and resume, but more importantly, tell us:

• What makes you uniquely engaging as a guide?
• What's your specialty or passion that you'd bring to our participants?
• How do you create connections with people from diverse backgrounds?
• What kind of audience or community do you already connect with?

Email to: matthew@parkbus.ca

Please mention you saw this at GoodWork.ca.

Application Deadline: ASAP or by September 18. We're reviewing applications and conducting interviews on a rolling basis.

‍