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Wilderness Counselor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Boces 5

Residential Program Mentor

Wilson, WY · On-site

$24.50/hr

This position provides practical experience for persons in psychology/counseling, education, and ... Wilderness Rd. Contact City: Wilson Contact State: WY Contact Zip: 83014 Files:

Becket Family of Services

Clinician

Campton, NH · On-site

$54K - $71K/yr

The VPI Program, located in Campton New Hampshire, utilizes an outdoor education and wilderness ... Common responsibilities include providing counseling to students while providing strengths based ...

Becket Family of Services

Clinician

Campton, NH

$54K - $71K/yr

The VPI Program, located in Campton New Hampshire, utilizes an outdoor education and wilderness ... Common responsibilities include providing counseling to students while providing strengths based ...

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Wilderness Counselor information

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$25

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How much do wilderness counselor jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 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 is a wilderness counselor?

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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a wilderness counselor?

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 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.

How do you become a wilderness counselor?

To become a wilderness counselor, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, along with experience in outdoor activities and counseling skills. Many employers prefer applicants with certifications such as Wilderness First Aid or CPR, and relevant training in outdoor education or therapy. Gaining experience through internships or volunteering in outdoor programs can also improve job prospects.
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
Infographic showing various Wilderness Counselor job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $52,365 per year, or $25.2 per hour.

Residential Program Mentor

Boces 5

Wilson, WY • On-site

$24.50/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 6 days ago

Job description

Title:
Residential Program Mentor
Location:
C-V Ranch, Wilson, WY
Description:
Supervise students who have special needs and ensure their safety. In a residential setting, provide life coaching, teach social skills, build supportive relationships. Oversee household chores, recreation, and leisure plans. Must be able to remain calm during crisis. Training provided. Workweek is Sun-Wed or Wed-Sat. This position provides practical experience for persons in psychology/counseling, education, and youth services fields of study.
Benefits:
Benefits for full-time employees include paid sick leave, 14.94% employer/3.68% employee contribution to retirement, 95% employer paid health and dental. Paid Life Insurance and Employee Assistance Program. Optional AFLAC, vision, and additional life insurance. Meals offered while on shift. Employee housing offered.
Requirements:
Must be at least 21 years old and be able to pass background check, TB screen; have valid driver license and clean driving record. Experience in child care or working with youth preferred. C-V Ranch is a drug & alcohol free campus.
Salary:
Pay starts at $24.50 per hour and increases as competency with job skills increases
Contact Name:
BOCES 5
Contact Phone:
307-733-8210 x 111
Contact Fax:
307-733-8462
Contact Email:
employment@boces5.org
Contact Address:
3850 N. Wilderness Rd.
Contact City:
Wilson
Contact State:
WY
Contact Zip:
83014
Files:

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