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Senior Wilderness First Responder Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Wilderness First Responder (WFR). o The YMCA recognizes and accepts WFRcertifications from a variety of institutions if they meet certainrequirements. A full course must be at least 70 hours with a ...

$12.25 - $16/hr

Wilderness First Responder Certification * At least 21 years of age, a citizen of the United States, a clean driving record, and a willingness and ability to drive participants and staff in vehicles ...

SOLO Instructor

Bryson City, NC · On-site

$17 - $21/hr

Primary responsibilities of instructors are to teach Wilderness First Aid (WFA), CPR, Wilderness First Responder (WFR), and Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) courses. Instructors are responsible for ...

Wilderness First Responder certification considered, however must enroll and successfully complete EMT licensure within 2 months of employment * EMT's must become licensed in ID upon employment * BLS ...

Wilderness First Responder certification considered, however must enroll and successfully complete EMT licensure within 2 months of employment * EMT's must become licensed in ID upon employment * BLS ...

First Aid / CPR or Wilderness First Responder certification preferred * Familiarity with USAF SERE program structure and hierarchy Education: * High School diploma or GED

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Senior Wilderness First Responder information

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$25K

$80.3K

$163.5K

How much do senior wilderness first responder jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior wilderness first responder in the United States is $80,287.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $41,500.00 and $103,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Senior Wilderness First Responder, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Senior Wilderness First Responder, you need advanced medical assessment skills, strong decision-making abilities, and a current Wilderness First Responder (WFR) certification. Familiarity with tools like portable medical kits, GPS devices, and communication systems such as radios or satellite phones is common. Leadership, resilience, and effective communication are essential soft skills for managing emergencies in remote environments. These competencies ensure rapid, appropriate care and coordination during critical incidents where resources and help are limited.

What is the difference between Senior Wilderness First Responder vs Wilderness First Responder?

AspectSenior Wilderness First ResponderWilderness First Responder
CertificationsAdvanced WFR certification, additional trainingBasic WFR certification
Work EnvironmentExtended rescue scenarios, leadership rolesInitial response, basic rescue situations
Employer & IndustryOutdoor education, guiding companies, rescue teamsOutdoor recreation, adventure programs, guiding

The Senior Wilderness First Responder typically holds advanced certifications and takes on leadership roles in rescue and emergency situations. They are often employed in more complex or prolonged rescue scenarios. Wilderness First Responders focus on initial emergency response and basic rescue skills. Both roles are vital in outdoor settings, but the senior level involves more advanced training and responsibilities.

What are some of the typical challenges Senior Wilderness First Responders face when leading a response in remote areas?

Senior Wilderness First Responders often encounter challenges such as limited access to medical supplies, unpredictable weather, and the need to make critical decisions with minimal outside support. They must also manage team dynamics, delegate tasks efficiently, and ensure clear communication among responders and with external agencies. Adapting to rapidly changing situations and maintaining composure under pressure are essential skills, as is the ability to improvise solutions with the resources available in the field.

What are Senior Wilderness First Responders?

Senior Wilderness First Responders are highly trained individuals who provide advanced medical care and emergency response in remote or wilderness settings where access to traditional medical facilities is limited. They possess in-depth knowledge of wilderness medicine, survival skills, and leadership in emergency situations. Senior Wilderness First Responders often oversee teams, manage complex medical incidents, and make critical decisions to stabilize patients until further help arrives. Their training includes handling trauma, environmental emergencies, and long-term patient care in challenging environments.
More about Senior Wilderness First Responder jobs
What cities are hiring for Senior Wilderness First Responder jobs? Cities with the most Senior Wilderness First Responder job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Wilderness First Responder jobs? The most popular types of Wilderness First Responder jobs are:
What states have the most Senior Wilderness First Responder jobs? States with the most job openings for Senior Wilderness First Responder jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Senior Wilderness First Responder jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Senior Wilderness First Responder jobs are:
Infographic showing various Senior Wilderness First Responder job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 21% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $80,287 per year, or $38.6 per hour.
Wilderness Medicine Instructor (SOLO Program)

Wilderness Medicine Instructor (SOLO Program)

Nantahala Outdoor Center

Bryson City, NC • On-site

$17 - $21/hr

Full-time

Posted 13 days ago


Job description

For 53 years NOC has led the outdoor industry, taking more guests whitewater rafting and teaching more paddlers than any other outdoor recreation company. NOC also provides top-quality aerial and trail-based adventures, wilderness medicine as well as unmatched retail service, foodservice, lodging, and trip planning services. NOC career opportunities offer a rare combination of work in beautiful locations, a chance to grow skills and to share a passion for active outdoor recreation.

JOB SUMMARY

SOLO Instructors conduct courses in the fields of wilderness medicine, CPR, first aid, wilderness survival, and emergency medicine. Primary responsibilities of instructors are to teach Wilderness First Aid (WFA), CPR, Wilderness First Responder (WFR), and Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) courses. Instructors are responsible for preparing and delivering lectures, leading, and moderating classroom discussions, running hands-on scenarios, and administering and grading examinations and practical assessments. The instructor is expected to provide positive student interactions/experiences and to take all precautions to keep guests and other instructors prepared and safe.


Responsibilities and Duties:
• Plan, prepare, and deliver instructional activities that facilitate active learning experiences.
• Develop lesson plans and establish/communicate clear objectives for all learning activities.
• Observe and evaluate student's performance and development and provide appropriate feedback on work.
• Prepare classroom for class activities and check equipment and paperwork prior to start of class.
• Instruct and monitor students in the use of learning materials and equipment.
• Complete end of course activities in a timely manner including, but not limited to, end of course paperwork and classroom/equipment clean-up.
• Assist in maintaining social media accounts and post relevant content
• Assist with inventory control and equipment maintenance
• Research and develop classroom resources for instructors
• Answer phones in a professional manner
• Train instructors as prescribed by the Manager and Assistant Manager
• Stay updated with developments in subject areas and make relevant changes to instructional plans and activities.


Position Qualifications

Outdoor and Medical Background
• Experience leading trips in back-country settings
• Worked for more than one season as a head guide/trip leader
• Medical provider: EMS, ski patrol, military, rescue squad or other channels

Teaching Experience:
• Experience teaching in a classroom and an outdoor environment
• Knowledge of concepts and experience teaching to adult learners
• Understanding of methods and principles of experiential education
• Medical teaching experience is preferred

Education:
• High School diploma or equivalent required - College degree preferred
• Current medical certification – EMT minimum requirement; EMT, RN, Paramedic, MD preferred
• Previous wilderness medicine training or equivalent required

Physical Requirements:
• Must be able to lift and carry 50 lbs
• Must be able to walk 3 miles over uneven terrain


The above noted job description is not intended to describe, in detail, the multitude of tasks that may be assigned but rather to provide a general sense of the responsibilities and expectations of this position. As the nature of business demands change, so too may the essential functions of this position.

Please note that as an employer with over 100 employees, NOC will be required to comply with any OSHA Vaccination and Testing Emergency Temporary Standard should that standard be enacted.

The Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC) is dedicated to the principles of equal employment opportunity in any and all terms, conditions or privileges of employment including hiring, promotions, termination, training and compensation. The NOC does not discriminate against applicants or employees on the basis of age, race, sex, color, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic condition or any other status protected by federal, state or local law, where applicable. Furthermore, the NOC is committed to a work environment free of discrimination and harassment through respecting and valuing the diversity among employees and all those with whom the NOC does business.