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Wilderness Director Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Wilderness/Logistics Assistant

Estes Park, CO · On-site

$19.75 - $25.75/hr

Assistant Wilderness Director Rate of Pay : Closing Date: 1/31/2026 Benefits : Standard; Part-Time, Non-Exempt employees are eligible for but not limited to the following: * Sick leave benefit - 1 ...

Night Auditor

Wisconsin Dells, WI · On-site

$13.75 - $18.50/hr

Wilderness Resort in Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin is America's Largest Waterpark Resort! The ... Issue room keys and direct guests to their rooms. * Review accounts and chargers with guests during ...

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Wilderness Director information

What is a wilderness director?

A Wilderness Director is a professional responsible for overseeing wilderness programs, often at camps, outdoor education centers, or adventure organizations. They manage staff, ensure participant safety, develop outdoor curricula, and coordinate logistics for trips into natural settings. Their role includes enforcing safety protocols, training guides, and sometimes communicating with parents or guardians. Wilderness Directors must have strong leadership skills, experience in outdoor activities, and relevant certifications such as wilderness first aid. Their work ensures that outdoor experiences are both enjoyable and safe for all participants.

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

To thrive as a Wilderness Director, you need expertise in outdoor education, risk management, trip planning, and a background in wilderness leadership or recreation, often supported by certifications like Wilderness First Responder (WFR) or Wilderness EMT. Familiarity with outdoor navigation tools (GPS, maps, compasses), incident reporting systems, and safety protocols is typically required. Strong leadership, decision-making, and communication skills are vital for managing staff, guiding participants, and responding effectively to emergencies. These skills and qualifications are crucial for ensuring participant safety, program quality, and effective team coordination in challenging outdoor environments.

What are some common challenges faced by a wilderness director, and how can they be addressed?

A Wilderness Director often manages complex logistics, ensures participant safety, and leads a diverse team in remote or unpredictable environments. Common challenges include adapting to sudden weather changes, handling medical emergencies, and maintaining group morale during extended outings. These can be addressed by thorough planning, regular staff training in wilderness first aid, clear communication protocols, and fostering a supportive team culture. Additionally, collaborating closely with guides, medical staff, and administrative teams ensures smoother operations and better risk management.

What is the difference between Wilderness Director vs Wilderness Guide?

AspectWilderness DirectorWilderness Guide
CredentialsFirst Aid/CPR, Wilderness First Responder, relevant certificationsFirst Aid/CPR, Wilderness First Responder, guiding certifications
Work EnvironmentProgram planning, staff supervision, safety management in outdoor settingsLeading groups, providing outdoor instruction, guiding activities
Employer & IndustryNonprofits, outdoor education, adventure companiesOutdoor adventure companies, tour operators, guiding services

The Wilderness Director oversees outdoor programs, manages staff, and ensures safety protocols, focusing on program development. The Wilderness Guide directly leads groups in outdoor activities, providing instruction and ensuring safety during excursions. Both roles require similar certifications and work in outdoor environments, but their responsibilities differ in scope and focus.

What cities are hiring for Wilderness Director jobs?

Cities with the most Wilderness Director job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Wilderness jobs?

The most popular types of Wilderness jobs are:

What are popular job titles related to Wilderness Director jobs?

For Wilderness Director jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Wilderness Director job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 69% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 6% Temporary, 4% Contract, and 2% Summer. Highlights an 96% In-person, and 4% Remote job distribution.

Assistant Wilderness Director

Estes Park, CO

The Salvation Army
Non-Profits • 5 - 10K employees

$450/wk

Full-time

Re-posted 22 days ago


Salvation Army rating

6.0

Company rating: 6.0 out of 10

Based on 364 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

602nd of 790 rated non-profit organizations


Job description

Job Title: Assistant Wilderness Director

FLSA Status: Temp - FT E
Reports to: Program Director

Supervises: Wilderness Cabin Leaders

Rate of Pay: $450/ weekly 

Closing Date: 1/31/2026

Benefits: Temporary; Full-Time, Exempt employees are eligible for but not limited to the following:

  • Sick leave benefit – 1 day per month, 12 sick days per year (accrual and availability begins at hire; sick time accrual is pro-rated for part-time hours.)

GENERAL DUTIES:

· Supervise all Wilderness Cabin Leader staff.

· Oversee whole summer camp program under the direction and supervision of the Wilderness Program Director and with the help of the Camp Director and Divisional Youth Secretaries.

· Responsible for the spiritual welfare of the campers and staff alongside the Wilderness Program Team and High Peak Camp Leadership.

· Attend and participate in evening programs and spiritual activities.

· Maintain a standard of cleanliness in personal grooming and in living quarters.

· Assist with the clean-up of the total camp at the end of each session and at the conclusion of the summer.

· Assist with evening cabin supervision.

· Attend and participate in Staff Orientation.

· Attend and participate in all camp wide activities, campfires, staff meetings and staff devotions.

· Assist with Camper check-in and check-out.

SPECIFIC DUTIES:

Safety and Supervision

· Assume the responsibility for the supervision and direction of all wilderness cabin leaders.

· Attend and participate in evening programs and spiritual activities.

· Enforce, and abide by, all camp policies and procedures

· Responsible for the health and well-being of self and campers.

· Maintain the utmost level of safety for staff and campers at all times

· Practice and enforce all camp safety regulations and emergency procedures.

  • Maintain group/staff control at specialized group activities so that other support staff can focus on safety.

· Ensure compliance with American Camping Association standards of safety and programmatic conduct at all times.

· Coordinate and implement all program components relative to the daily schedule in a timely fashion.

· Attend relevant in-service trainings.

Weekly Responsibilities

· Encourage and support the staff through prayer and one-on-one meetings.

· Assume responsibility for the direct supervision and direction of the Wilderness Cabin Leader(s).

· Assume indirect responsibility of all Adventure staff and Cabin Leaders.

· Collaborate with the Wilderness Program Staff under the direction of the Wilderness Director to plan specific weekly duties and schedule.

· Collaborate with the Wilderness Program Staff under the direction of the Wilderness Director to plan Elective Classes Schedule.

· Collaborate with the Wilderness Program Staff under the direction of the Wilderness Director to plan the Cabin Activity Schedule.

· Coordinate all other program components relative to the daily schedule.

· Collaborate with leadership team to ensure all staff have specific assignments well in advance.

· Coordinate Night Watch duties as they relate to the Program.

· Oversee registration day duties and trouble shoot issues as they arise.

· Work with the Wilderness Cabin Leader(s) in assignment of camper groups.

· Maintain American Camping Association standards for the camp site and program.

· Lead and assign table grace and give announcements in dining hall when necessary.

· Organize leadership for flag raising and lowering.

· Provide oversight and direction to the planning of all campfire programs including preparing, and/or delegating the preparation of, campfire devotionals.

  • These may include messy games, skits, and songs for campers.

· Prepare the Assistant Program Director brief at the end of the summer.

· Work in a variety of program areas to support cabins as needed.

  • This may include archery, zipline, sports, etc. and will be determined by need and experience/comfort.

· Attend all relevant in-services for areas trained.

· Perform all other duties and roles assigned.

  • Due to the particular nature of the camp program in session, you may be asked to assist in duties not directly related to this specific job description. This is necessary for the smooth operation of the camp. Staff members are expected to comply with all reasonable requests.

· Lastly and most important:

  • Remember to have fun!
  • Remember to ask for help because we are here for each other!
  • Remember that God is in control. God’s love will be more evident in your actions than your words!
  • Remember that God loves you, and we love you!

Qualification and Education Requirements:

· Positive attitude and ability to take a leadership role.

· 21+ years of age preferred.

· Current First Aid and CPR certification (may be obtained on site).

· Experience and previous knowledge of camp activities.

· Ability to use positive behavior management techniques with campers and an ability to adapt to difficult situations with a sense of maturity and safety.

· Maintain a high standard of personal and communal living and behaviors.

· Ability to live and thrive in an outdoor, wilderness education setting.

· Be supportive of The Salvation Army’s mission. Ability to reflect and model the high standards of our organization as one of the world’s most distinguished human services charitable organizations.

Physical Requirements:

Ability to walk, stand, bend, squat, climb, kneel, and twist on an intermittent or continuous basis. Ability to grasp, push, pull, and reach overhead. Ability to operate telephone. Ability to lift to 25 pounds. Ability to access and produce information from the computer. Ability to understand written information. Qualified individuals must be able to perform the essential duties of the position with or without accommodation. A request to modify or adjust these requirements may be made to your supervisor and HR. The Salvation Army would attempt to satisfy requests if the accommodation needed is reasonable and presents no undue hardship.


What Salvation Army employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

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About Salvation Army

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian Church. Its message is based on the Bible. Its ministry is motivated by the love of God. Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.

Industry

Non-profits, retail, amusement, gambling, and recreation and religious organizations

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Alexandria, VA, US