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Sere Instructor Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

T3i, Inc.

NSW SERE Instructor

Imperial Beach, CA

$70 - $90/hr

SERE Instructor Location: San Diego, CA Project: NSW SERE/PR Survival, Evasion, Resistance amp; Escape (SERE) Instructors will support Naval Special Warfare (NSW) Command's SERE/PR training programs.

T3i, Inc.

Navy SERE West Instructor

Imperial Beach, CA

$55K - $90K/yr

The Navy Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape (SERE) instructor(s) provide Code of Conduct (CoC) and SERE training to US Navy and US Marine Corps personnel assigned to aircrew and other high-risk ...

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Sere Instructor information

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$9

$20

$35

How much do sere instructor jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for sere instructor in California is $20.93, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.67 and $23.70 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a SERE instructor?

SERE instructors are specialized military personnel who teach Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape (SERE) techniques to service members. Their primary role is to prepare individuals to survive and return with honor if they are isolated, detained, or captured in hostile environments. SERE instructors train students in areas such as wilderness survival, navigation, resistance to interrogation, and escape methods. They work in challenging environments and are experts in both physical and psychological aspects of survival. This training is critical for pilots, special operations forces, and others at risk of capture.

What does a SERE instructor do?

A SERE instructor provides survival training for military service members who are facing deployment in hostile situations. SERE stands for survival, evasion, resistance, and escape, and in this role, you teach students to avoid being captured, escape if they should be captured, help others in captivity, resist coercion, and avoid inadvertently assisting the enemy. Your duties and responsibilities also entail teaching them how to survive in remote, dangerous terrains ranging from the desert to the open sea, by improvising shelter, finding food, and avoiding predators. You also participate in personnel recovery operations, contributing to planning, strategy, and execution.

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

To thrive as a SERE (Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape) Instructor, you need extensive military experience, survival skills, and often completion of specialized SERE training courses. Familiarity with training curriculum development, use of survival gear, and instruction in resistance techniques is crucial, along with certifications such as SERE-C or equivalent military designations. Leadership, resilience, strong communication, and the ability to mentor trainees under high-stress conditions set exceptional instructors apart. These skills are vital to effectively prepare personnel for real-world survival scenarios, ensuring their safety and mission success.

What are some common challenges SERE instructors face when training students, and how are these addressed within the team?

SERE Instructors often encounter challenges such as ensuring student safety during high-stress survival simulations, maintaining engagement through physically and mentally demanding exercises, and adapting instruction to diverse learning styles and backgrounds. These challenges are typically addressed through thorough team coordination, regular safety briefings, and ongoing professional development. Instructors collaborate closely with colleagues to debrief after training events, share best practices, and support each other's growth, ensuring a safe and effective learning environment for all participants.

What is the difference between Sere Instructor vs Survival Instructor?

AspectSere InstructorSurvival Instructor
CertificationsMilitary survival, SERE training certificationsWilderness survival, first aid, outdoor skills
Work EnvironmentMilitary, government facilities, training centersOutdoor, wilderness, private training companies
Industry UsageMilitary, government agenciesOutdoor education, adventure tourism

While both Sere Instructors and Survival Instructors teach survival skills, Sere Instructors focus on military-specific survival, evasion, resistance, and escape techniques within a controlled environment, often for military personnel. Survival Instructors typically teach general wilderness survival skills to civilians or outdoor enthusiasts. The key difference lies in the target audience and the context of training, with Sere Instructors primarily serving military needs and Survival Instructors focusing on outdoor survival education.

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Sere Instructor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Sere Instructor job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 24% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,525 per year, or $20.9 per hour.

NSW SERE Instructor

T3i, Inc.

Imperial Beach, CA

$70 - $90/hr

Full-time, Part-time, Contractor

Re-posted 8 days ago

Job description

Position: SERE Instructor
Location: San Diego, CA
Project: NSW SERE/PR
Job Description:
Survival, Evasion, Resistance amp; Escape (SERE) Instructors will support Naval Special Warfare (NSW) Command’s SERE/PR training programs. Instructors will train NSW personnel in all aspects of SERE.
Employment Standards:
  • Prior experience as a SERE Instructor at a SERE Level "C" Code of Conduct school
  • The prior experience as a SERE Instructor requirement can be waived for SEAL and SWCC candidates who have previously served as a high-risk Instructor
  • Graduated from an approved DoD SERE Level “C” Course
  • US Citizen with an active Secret Clearance or eligible for a Secret Clearance
  • Served in the military and honorably discharged
  • Demonstrated knowledge and application teaching SERE/PR classes in the classroom and the field
  • Possesses a familiarity with the organization and hierarchy of the U.S. Navy and NSW structure.
  • Possesses a knowledge of basic and advanced training techniques, and of computer technology applications as they apply to instructional delivery
  • High level of physical fitness (six-mile hike with 45 lbs and provide up to eight hours of instruction)
  • Valid State Drivers’ License
Equal Employment Policy:
It is T3i's policy to provide equal employment opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, genetic information or any other protected characteristic under applicable law. This policy relates to all phases of employment, including, but not limited to, recruiting, employment, placement, promotion, transfer, demotion, reduction of workforce and termination, rates of pay or other forms of compensation, selection for training, the use of all facilities, and participation in all company-sponsored employee activities. Provisions in applicable laws providing for bona fide occupational qualifications, business necessity or age limitations will be adhered to by the company where appropriate.
Required Background Check: Comprehensive Employment, Security Clearance
Type of Employment: Part-time
T3i Drug Free Workplace Statement: As a Federal Government Contractor, T3i is required to strictly adhere to federally mandated drug-free workplace standards. To ensure compliance with this requirement, T3i conducts pre-employment drug screening for all new hire personnel (full time, part time, and independent contractor) and annual random drug screening for all current T3i personnel. All drug screening includes testing for the following drugs, at a minimum: Marijuana (CBD, hemp oil, and other cannabidiol use may result in a positive result), cocaine, amphetamines, opiates, 6-monoacetylmorphine, and PCP. Personnel who cannot pass drug screening are not eligible for employment with T3i.
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About T3i

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing

Company size

51 - 200 Employees

Headquarters location

San Diego, CA, US

Year founded

2014

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