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Backpacking Instructor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

CHADWICK SCHOOL

Outdoor Education Instructor

CA · On-site

$20/hr

... 12th grade backpacking courses. Most courses are 5 days long, with 2-3 days of instructor ... preparation before students arrive. The 12th grade course is a culmination of the curriculum ...

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Backpacking Instructor information

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Backpacking Instructor, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Backpacking Instructor, you need expertise in outdoor skills, wilderness navigation, first aid, and group leadership, often supported by certifications like Wilderness First Responder (WFR) or Leave No Trace (LNT). Familiarity with GPS devices, mapping software, and outdoor gear is typically required. Strong communication, problem-solving, and risk management skills help instructors connect with participants and ensure safety. These competencies are essential for leading effective, enjoyable, and safe backpacking experiences in variable outdoor environments.

What are some common challenges faced by backpacking instructors, and how can they be managed effectively?

Backpacking instructors often encounter challenges such as unpredictable weather, varying skill levels among participants, and maintaining group morale during physically demanding trips. Effective management includes thorough pre-trip planning, clear communication of expectations, and fostering a supportive team environment. Instructors should also be prepared to adapt itineraries as needed and employ risk management strategies to ensure safety and a positive learning experience for all participants.

What are backpacking instructors?

Backpacking instructors are outdoor professionals who teach individuals or groups the skills and knowledge required for safe and enjoyable multi-day hiking trips in the wilderness. They instruct on essential topics such as trip planning, navigation, campsite selection, Leave No Trace principles, first aid, and outdoor safety. Backpacking instructors often work for outdoor education organizations, adventure programs, or guide services, and may lead both beginners and experienced hikers. Their main goal is to empower participants to confidently and responsibly explore the backcountry.

What is the difference between Backpacking Instructor vs Hiking Guide?

AspectBackpacking InstructorHiking Guide
CertificationsWilderness First Aid, Leave No Trace, CPRWilderness First Aid, CPR, sometimes guiding certifications
Work EnvironmentBackcountry, remote trails, outdoor education settingsPopular trails, national parks, outdoor tours
Employer & IndustryOutdoor education programs, adventure schoolsTour companies, national parks, outdoor recreation services

Backpacking Instructors focus on teaching outdoor skills, safety, and wilderness survival in remote settings, often in an educational context. Hiking Guides lead groups on trails, providing navigation, safety, and interpretive information. While both roles require outdoor certifications and involve guiding groups, Backpacking Instructors emphasize skill development and safety training, whereas Hiking Guides focus on leading tours and enhancing visitor experience.

More about Backpacking Instructor jobs
What job categories do people searching Backpacking Instructor jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Backpacking Instructor jobs are:
Backpacking Instructor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Backpacking Instructor job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 65% Full Time, 34% Part Time, and 1% Temporary. Highlights an 96% Physical, and 4% Remote job distribution.

2026 Field Instructor (Backpacking Ministry)

Seeds Wilderness Therapy

Montrose, CO

$322/day

Full-time

Posted 18 days ago

Job description

Seeds Wilderness Way (Seeds) works with families with troubled teens. We take teens on an intensive 40-day backpacking experience. The process includes our model: Retreat, Restore, Revive. Seeds is distinctly Christian and as such combines the best practices in wilderness and therapy with the teachings of Jesus and solid discipleship.


Field Instructors are the hands and feet of Seeds; they are the ones serving Christ to each teenager! Field Instructors are responsible for the individual care of each student in the wilderness. The Field Instructor is to love and serve the student, and help them find their potential in Christ. Each instructor will disciple 2-3 students, watching their therapeutic, emotional, spiritual, and physical health. Field Instructors will teach and role model both hard skills (backpacking, cooking, fire, safety) as well as soft skills (mental and emotional health, spirituality, understanding of the client's complaining 'issues'), as delegated by the Field Director or Therapist. Changes in cognitive, affective, and behavioral growth will be individually coached and reported to the Field Director. Field staff work with the Therapist to help formulate, implement, and measure therapeutic/spiritual directives. The field staff report to the Field Director, who will balance logistical and therapeutic intents. Field staff are also expected to participate in Seeds' Aftercare discipleship program by 1) mentoring 2-3 students once a week via zoom for three months after graduation (This can be done from your home, and not in Colorado.) and 2) by visiting the family in their home six months after graduation. Field staff will be invited to participate in other trips and experiences in the 3 year aftercare program as available.


Qualifications for all Field Instructors

  • Must be at least 21 years old, and 3 years older than the oldest student
  • Excellent communication, leadership, and problem solving skills. Willingness to receive and give feedback to your staff team.
  • Willingness to follow all Policies and Procedures as stated in staff manual
  • Able to complete shift work of 8 days on: 6 days off (8:6 rotation).
  • Clear background check by state and federal authorities
  • Must be sober from any substance abuse, or any dangerous/harmful activities to yourself or others. (If past addiction is present, documented sobriety for 3 years.)
  • Basic first aid and CPR
  • Able to carry a 75 pound pack over steep, rocky, and uneven ground
  • Provide 3 references (name, phone number, email address)
  • Must hold a valid Driver's License with a clean driving record.
  • Previous wilderness experience or experience working with troubled teens is beneficial, but not required

Location

MONTROSE, CO


Department

Field Staff


Employment Type

Seasonal (Full-time May - August), shoulder season work potentially also available.


Minimum Experience

Past experience in at least one of the following:

1) hard skills for backcountry living and travel (outdoor leadership, risk management, first aid/WFR, navigation, ect.),

2) soft skills such as counseling and discipleship (previous mental health service, ministry, or mentorship experience, etc.), or

3) life transformation through following Jesus in your own story.


Compensation

Starting rates 164 (Top Instructors can be promoted to $322) per field day

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