Dog Hiking Specialist - Get Paid to Be in the Woods

About the role

Small-group hikes through Connecticut's best woods, beaches, and trails. Muddy boots, tired dogs, happy ending. Every single day.

This Is You If

• You would rather be on a trail than anywhere else
• Teaching four dogs to walk politely together sounds like a fun puzzle, not a nightmare
• You want to end your workday dirty, tired, and grinning

The Work

Hiking is the heart of it. Between hikes you will also handle neighborhood Dog Walking, yard let-outs and potty breaks, and in-home visits for Pet Sitting (cats included).

• Lead structured small-group hikes on local trails, beaches, and woods
• Coach dogs into great leash manners, solo and as a pack
• Cover Dog Walking, let-outs, potty breaks, and vacation drop-ins
• Send photo updates and visit reports that make clients' whole day
• Drive between visits across our service area
• Keep learning: we pay for your continuing education in dog behavior

Schedule

• 10 to 25 hrs/week, you pick the number. We just need it consistent.
• Year-round only. No summer-only hires.
• Primary need: Tues/Wed/Thurs, 9 AM to 1 PM or 10 AM to 2 PM
• Mon to Fri also considered. Evenings, weekends, and overnights optional.

Pay and Benefits

• $16.94/hr paid training
• $17 to $25/hr hiking pay. New hires start at the low end, no exceptions. Raises come with tenure and performance.
• Tips, mileage reimbursement, PTO, holiday pay, end-of-year bonuses
• Paid Pet CPR certification plus an education stipend (dog training, Pet CPR Instructor)
• Costco membership, employee discounts, referral program
• Real W-2 employment with workers' comp and liability insurance
• Advancement into leadership roles

Service Area

Must live in or very near, no exceptions: Essex, Old Saybrook, Old Lyme, Westbrook, Clinton, Madison, Deep River, Chester, East Lyme & Niantic.

What You Bring

• 18+, genuine love for animals, patient and respectful
• Reliable, communicative, detail-oriented
• Calm and confident with fearful, reactive, or excitable dogs
• Happy outdoors in any weather
• Can handle large or strong dogs (90+ lbs) and hike several miles a day over uneven terrain
• Reliable vehicle, valid license, clean driving record, current auto insurance
• Smartphone with data, able to pass a background check