Help Wanted: Beer Drinking Appalachian Trail Hiker

Yes, you read that right. Despite the recent surge in unemployment, there is a position available that requires hiking the Appalachian Trail and drinking beer; and it includes a salary as well as a title. The title would be Chief Hiking Officer (CHO) for the Devils Backbone Brewing Company (DBBC).

Headquartered in Lexington, Virginia, DBBC’s Basecamp Brewpub is located right off the Appalachian Trail around mile 842. Over the years they’ve hosted thousands of thru-hikers. Per the company’s COO, Hayes Humphreys, these hikers have affected the brewing company, in a good way. “Those folks really understand how life-altering it is to slow down and take in what’s going on around you, and they’ve taught us a lot about the benefits of taking a break from the pace of daily life. So, these days, we refer to our company as ‘Slow by Nature’ and we are committed to protecting that lifestyle.”

Devils Backbone has partnered with the Appalachian Trail Conservancy for years, but obviously the creation of a Chief Hiking Officer takes things to a whole other level. I asked Humphreys why the company is making such an investment. He responded, “The inspiration for the Chief Hiking Officer came from the thru-hikers and their stories. The Appalachian Trail thru-hike is a life-changing adventure, available only to those with the mental fortitude to complete the 2,200 mile journey. And as we’ve learned at Devils Backbone, the AT isn’t just a hiking trail, and it doesn’t just affect the lives of the hikers. The AT is a collection of communities, from Georgia to Maine, full of people who support the hikers in lots of little ways, and who, in return, find their own lives enriched by the people they meet.”

The Job Description


DBBC has created the CHO position with the 2021 AT season in mind. The qualifications are fairly straightforward. Per their website, “You’ve gotta love hiking and beer. We mean really love it.”

That’s all I needed to know, but Humphreys added a bit more detail. “So, we are looking for a Chief Hiking Officer who loves hiking and can be a voice for responsible hiking and protecting the trail with sustainable recreation practices like Leave No Trace. We also hope the CHO will help us celebrate the communities and institutions along the trail who make the journey possible for so many hikers every year. Telling stories is part of the trip, and we hope to highlight some great places to drink a beer, eat a meal, and recharge along the way. We’ve learned that spending time with thru-hikers prompts reflection and restoration, and looking around the world today, I think we would all benefit from some time spent with these amazing people.”

Beyond the basic (hiking, beer drinking) qualifications, the folks at DBBC have some specifics in mind. They are looking for someone who is likely to succeed. If you apply to be the CHO, plan on being able to show hiking/adventure experience. The ability to share the adventure on social media is another plus. And, of course, a keen interest in drinking beer won’t hurt either. In fact, the successful candidate is likely to be involved in “product research” along the way.

As far as a schedule, you’d be expected to “hike your own hike,” with the CHO and “Home Office” working out details for events as the season progresses.

Chief Hiking Officer Benefits

As with any job, there are not only responsibilities, but also benefits. The benefits of being CHO include daily exercise, no time clock, and never being stuck in a cubicle. If you’re hired, gear and transportation to the trailhead will be provided. During days off in town there will be access to your new employer’s product. I have to imagine that there will be plenty of DBBC swag to be had as well. All this and did I mention a salary? That’s right. There’s a $20,000 stipend included as well.

I’ll say it for you: “Holy crap! How do I apply??”

First, some bad news. Due to legal guidelines, they have to limit applications to residents of the specific states where their beer is sold. So, if you live in Delaware, Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, North Carolina, New Jersey, New York, Ohio (Yea!), Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, or West Virginia, you are in luck.

To start, go to the DBBC website and fill out a simple application along with sending in a 60-second video explaining why you’d be the best beer-drinking hiker they could hire. For the top applicants, there are more steps to determine the best candidate, including a background check. Here’s the fine print.

Applications will be accepted until July 31, 2020. Remember, being prompt always looks good to a prospective employer. Don’t bother stating, “I was born to do this job!” as I’m using that line and will be sending in my video this week.

Affiliate Disclosure

This website contains affiliate links, which means The Trek may receive a percentage of any product or service you purchase using the links in the articles or advertisements. The buyer pays the same price as they would otherwise, and your purchase helps to support The Trek's ongoing goal to serve you quality backpacking advice and information. Thanks for your support!

To learn more, please visit the About This Site page.

Comments 1

  • Drunken Hiker : Jun 29th

    This has to be the dumbest thing I’ve ever read. Let’s make the AT into a party scene. You know what is going to happen? Really stupid idea.

    Reply

What Do You Think?