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Wilderness Counselor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Salvation Army

2026 Summer Camp - Wilderness Camp Director

WA · On-site

$18 - $24.75/hr

The Wilderness Camp Director will be responsible to the Corps Youth Officer and will have full authority to recommend hiring and firing of the camp staff, as well as serve as the general counsel for ...

Seeds Wilderness Therapy

Field Therapist

Montrose, CO · On-site

Experience in wilderness therapy or counseling helpful * Comfortable working in a wilderness environment * Willing to travel to and from the field area (up to 3 hour drive) * Loves to learn new ...

Greenwich YMCA

Specialty Camp Counselor

Greenwich, CT

$20 - $25/hr

Week 2: Wilderness Camp - Nature-themed program that teaches outdoor skills, teamwork, problem ... leadership and counseling skills. * Supervision, guidance and development of individual team ...

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How much do wilderness counselor jobs pay per hour?

As of May 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for wilderness counselor in the United States is $25.18, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.23 and $28.85 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Wilderness Counselor, you need strong outdoor survival skills, first aid certification, and experience working with youth or at-risk populations, often supported by a relevant degree or training in counseling or outdoor education. Familiarity with wilderness navigation tools, emergency communication devices, and risk management protocols is typically required. Outstanding interpersonal communication, patience, leadership, and crisis management abilities set exceptional counselors apart. These competencies ensure the safety and personal growth of participants while maintaining effective group dynamics in challenging outdoor environments.

What are some common challenges Wilderness Counselors face when working with youth in outdoor settings?

Wilderness Counselors often encounter challenges such as managing group dynamics, addressing homesickness or anxiety among participants, and adapting to unpredictable weather or environmental conditions. They must be skilled at fostering trust, encouraging personal growth, and ensuring safety in remote locations. Counselors also need to balance providing guidance with allowing participants to solve problems independently, which is crucial for building resilience and leadership skills in youth.

What are Wilderness Counselors?

Wilderness Counselors are professionals who guide and support individuals, often youth or those in treatment programs, through outdoor experiences designed to foster personal growth, therapy, and teamwork. They lead activities such as hiking, camping, and survival skills while providing emotional support and counseling. Wilderness Counselors play a crucial role in helping participants build confidence, resilience, and coping skills by connecting with nature and working through challenges in a safe, structured environment.

What is the difference between Wilderness Counselor vs Outdoor Education Instructor?

AspectWilderness CounselorOutdoor Education Instructor
Required CredentialsCPR/First Aid, sometimes Wilderness First Responder, relevant certificationsCPR/First Aid, teaching certifications, outdoor skills certifications
Work EnvironmentRemote outdoor settings, wilderness camps, outdoor therapy programsSchools, outdoor centers, camps, classrooms
Employer & IndustryRecreation, therapy, youth programs, outdoor adventure companiesEducational institutions, outdoor education organizations
Primary FocusProviding therapeutic support, guiding youth through outdoor activitiesTeaching outdoor skills, environmental education, experiential learning

Wilderness Counselors and Outdoor Education Instructors both work outdoors and require CPR/First Aid certifications. However, Wilderness Counselors focus on therapeutic support and guiding youth in wilderness settings, while Outdoor Education Instructors emphasize teaching outdoor skills and environmental education in more structured settings.

More about Wilderness Counselor jobs
What states have the most Wilderness Counselor jobs? States with the most job openings for Wilderness Counselor jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Wilderness Counselor jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Wilderness Counselor jobs are:
Wilderness Counselor jobs near you

Wilderness Leader

Tawonga Jewish Community Corp

Groveland, CA • On-site

$5.95K/yr

Full-time

Posted 10 days ago

Job description

Wilderness Leader


Salary & Dates: $5950, more DOE. Dates for this position are May 21 – August 8.


Job Description: Every program in the Wilderness Department is designed both to create stronger, well-bonded groups and to foster a respect, appreciation and stewardship of nature. Wilderness Leaders rotate through four different job responsibilities, listed below. Every Wilderness Leader will work as a Backpacking Trip Leader at some point during the summer, along with 1-3 of the other rotations.


Job Responsibilities

  • Backpacking Trip Leader

  • Solo lead groups of 12 campers and 2 counselors on 1-2 night backpacking trips in the Yosemite area and surrounding wilderness areas. You are the primary leader on these trips.

  • Before each trip, acquire camper medical info, meds, and diet/allergy info. Stock and carry a first aid kit.

  • Understand departure and pick-up times, routes, and safe driving tactics.

  • Maintain safety throughout trips.

  • Provide fun, experiential and educational outdoor programming.

  • Challenge Course Leader

    • Lead each bunk through a full day of team building, low and high elements on the Camp Tawonga Challenge Course.

    • Set up and take down the course daily and maintain equipment to ensure safety.

    • Meet with counselors to review the goals of the day, their role, and belay skills.

    • Facilitate sharing, listening, safe risk-taking, reflection and fun.

    • Check in with your co-facilitator(s) each day.

  • Quest Leaders

    • Co-lead a group of teenagers on one, two, or three week van trips through California or the Pacific Northwest. All Quests include a backpacking trip, and some combination of hiking, kayaking, rafting, climbing, surfing, and other outdoor activities!

    • Drive passenger vans, keep track of finances, write in daily journal, manage group dynamics and individual needs, communicate with camp, offer creative programming, provide medical care, and represent Tawonga’s interests, image, and character with campers, families, outfitters, and the general public.

    • As a Quest Leader, you are a counselor, program specialist, cook, health technician, and more!

  • Teva/Naturalist or Farmhand

  • Create new nature based programming and lead programming around the property.

  • Weave new and traditional Jewish ways of enjoying, respecting, and caring for the natural world into your activities.

  • Care for Tawonga’s farm animals and organic garden.

Example Summer Rotation Schedules:


Taste of Camp (1 week)

Session 2

(3 weeks)

Session 3

(3 weeks)

Session 4

(2 weeks)

Example Wild Leader 1

Day Hikes, Prepare for Quest

Surf N’ Turf Quest Leader, Backpacking Trip Leader

Backpacking Trip Leader

Farmhand

Example Wild Leader 2

Challenge Course Training

Backpacking Trip Leader

Challenge Course Facilitator

Backpacking Trip Leader

Example Wild Leader 3

Day Hikes

Naturalist/Teva Specialist, Prepare for Quest

H2O Quest Leader

Backpacking Trip Leader


Qualifications

  • Must be 21 or older.

  • Must have current certifications:

    • Lifeguard Certification (LGT)*

    • Wilderness First Responder Certification (WFR)*

    • ServSafe Certification*

    • A safe driving record

  • Experience with children and prior experience backpacking are essential.

  • Experience with rock climbing and belaying, natural history, environmental education, and Judaic knowledge are helpful.

  • Be able to lift 50 lbs

* If you do not possess these certifications, Tawonga may reimburse the costs of obtaining them.


Day in the Life (Final Morning of a Backpacking Trip)

6:00AM – Wake up early to mountains and rivers in the backcountry; pack personal backpack and get water boiling.

6:45AM – Wake up bunk and help them get packed up.

7:30AM – Yummy backcountry breakfast as the sun hits your breakfast spot.

9:00AM – Stretch and get hiking! Hike through the Yosemite wilderness.

12:00PM – Lunch at the trailhead, meet your driver and load those packs!

2:30PM – Back at camp, unload and take a break.

4:00PM – Greet your next bunk and help them get prepared for backpacking.

6:00PM – Dinner at Camp, prep for your backpack trip and get a good night's rest!