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Wilderness Field Instructor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Telluride Academy

Field Instructor

Telluride, CO · On-site

$20/hr

Field Instructor Reports To: Program Director FSLA Status : Seasonal, non-exempt Salary : DOE ... Current Wilderness First Aid (WFA) and CPR certification (or the ability to obtain prior to staff ...

Telluride Academy

Field Instructor

Telluride, CO · On-site

$20/hr

Field Instructor Reports To: Program Director FSLA Status: Seasonal, non-exempt Salary: DOE ... Current Wilderness First Aid (WFA) and CPR certification (or the ability to obtain prior to staff ...

Telluride Academy

Field Instructor

Telluride, CO · On-site

$20/hr

Field Instructor Reports To: Program Director FSLA Status: Seasonal, non-exempt Salary: DOE ... Current Wilderness First Aid (WFA) and CPR certification (or the ability to obtain prior to staff ...

Seeds Wilderness Therapy

Field Therapist

Montrose, CO · On-site

Field Therapist Seeds Wilderness Way (Seeds) works with families with troubled teens. We take teens ... Help with facilitating field instructor training sessions. * Assist with on-call schedule

Seeds Wilderness Therapy

Field Therapist

Montrose, CO · On-site

Field Therapist Seeds Wilderness Way (Seeds) works with families with troubled teens. We take teens ... Help with facilitating field instructor training sessions. * Assist with on-call schedule

Seeds Wilderness Therapy

Field Therapist

Montrose, CO · On-site

Field Therapist Seeds Wilderness Way (Seeds) works with families with troubled teens. We take teens ... Help with facilitating field instructor training sessions. * Assist with on-call schedule

Seeds Wilderness Therapy

Field Therapist

Montrose, CO · On-site

Field Therapist Seeds Wilderness Way (Seeds) works with families with troubled teens. We take teens ... Help with facilitating field instructor training sessions. * Assist with on-call schedule

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How much do wilderness field instructor jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for wilderness field instructor in the United States is $22.34, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.38 and $25.96 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a wilderness field instructor?

Wilderness Field Instructors are professionals who guide and mentor individuals or groups in outdoor, often remote, environments. They typically work for wilderness therapy programs, outdoor education organizations, or adventure programs, teaching survival skills, leadership, and environmental stewardship. Their role includes ensuring safety, facilitating group activities, and supporting participants' personal growth through challenging outdoor experiences. These instructors are trained in first aid, risk management, and group dynamics to provide a safe and supportive environment.

What is the difference between Wilderness Field Instructor vs Wilderness Guide?

AspectWilderness Field InstructorWilderness Guide
CertificationsCPR, First Aid, Leave No Trace, Wilderness First ResponderCPR, First Aid, Leave No Trace, Wilderness First Responder
Work EnvironmentEducational settings, youth programs, outdoor schoolsTourist groups, outdoor adventure companies, recreational trips
Employer & Industry UsageEducational institutions, non-profits, youth organizationsTour companies, adventure outfitters, outdoor recreation
Primary FocusTeaching outdoor skills, safety, environmental educationLeading outdoor activities, guiding clients, ensuring safety

While both Wilderness Field Instructors and Wilderness Guides work outdoors and require similar certifications, Wilderness Field Instructors focus on education, safety training, and youth engagement in structured programs. Wilderness Guides primarily lead recreational trips, focusing on guiding clients through outdoor adventures. Understanding these distinctions helps job seekers identify roles aligned with their skills and career goals.

What are some common challenges wilderness field instructors face when working with participants in remote environments?

Wilderness Field Instructors often encounter challenges such as managing group dynamics in stressful conditions, adapting plans due to unpredictable weather, and ensuring the physical and emotional safety of participants. They must balance teaching outdoor skills with fostering personal growth and teamwork, all while responding to each individual's needs. Being flexible, resourceful, and maintaining strong communication with co-instructors are key to overcoming these challenges and ensuring a positive field experience.

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

To thrive as a Wilderness Field Instructor, you need strong outdoor leadership, survival skills, first aid certification (such as Wilderness First Responder), and experience working with youth or groups in remote settings. Familiarity with GPS navigation, satellite communication devices, and risk management protocols is often required. Exceptional communication, resilience, and conflict resolution skills help instructors effectively lead, motivate, and support participants through challenging environments. These abilities ensure safety, foster personal growth, and create a positive, transformative experience in wilderness settings.
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What states have the most Wilderness Field Instructor jobs?

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Wilderness Field Instructor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Wilderness Field Instructor job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 86% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $46,475 per year, or $22.3 per hour.

2026 Field Instructor (Backpacking Ministry)

Seeds Wilderness Therapy

Montrose, CO • On-site

$164/day

Full-time

Re-posted 22 days ago

Job description

Seeds Wilderness Way (Seeds) works with families with troubled teens. We take teens on an intensive 40-day backpacking experience. The process includes our model: Retreat, Restore, Revive. Seeds is distinctly Christian and as such combines the best practices in wilderness and therapy with the teachings of Jesus and solid discipleship.


Field Instructors are the hands and feet of Seeds; they are the ones serving Christ to each teenager! Field Instructors are responsible for the individual care of each student in the wilderness. The Field Instructor is to love and serve the student, and help them find their potential in Christ. Each instructor will disciple 2-3 students, watching their therapeutic, emotional, spiritual, and physical health. Field Instructors will teach and role model both hard skills (backpacking, cooking, fire, safety) as well as soft skills (mental and emotional health, spirituality, understanding of the client's complaining 'issues'), as delegated by the Field Director or Therapist. Changes in cognitive, affective, and behavioral growth will be individually coached and reported to the Field Director. Field staff work with the Therapist to help formulate, implement, and measure therapeutic/spiritual directives. The field staff report to the Field Director, who will balance logistical and therapeutic intents. Field staff are also expected to participate in Seeds' Aftercare discipleship program by 1) mentoring 2-3 students once a week via zoom for three months after graduation (This can be done from your home, and not in Colorado.) and 2) by visiting the family in their home six months after graduation. Field staff will be invited to participate in other trips and experiences in the 3 year aftercare program as available.


Qualifications for all Field Instructors

  • Must be at least 21 years old, and 3 years older than the oldest student
  • Excellent communication, leadership, and problem solving skills. Willingness to receive and give feedback to your staff team.
  • Willingness to follow all Policies and Procedures as stated in staff manual
  • Able to complete shift work of 8 days on: 6 days off (8:6 rotation).
  • Clear background check by state and federal authorities
  • Must be sober from any substance abuse, or any dangerous/harmful activities to yourself or others. (If past addiction is present, documented sobriety for 3 years.)
  • Basic first aid and CPR
  • Able to carry a 75 pound pack over steep, rocky, and uneven ground
  • Provide 3 references (name, phone number, email address)
  • Must hold a valid Driver's License with a clean driving record.
  • Previous wilderness experience or experience working with troubled teens is beneficial, but not required

Location

MONTROSE, CO


Department

Field Staff


Employment Type

Seasonal (Full-time May - August), shoulder season work potentially also available.


Minimum Experience

Past experience in at least one of the following:

1) hard skills for backcountry living and travel (outdoor leadership, risk management, first aid/WFR, navigation, ect.),

2) soft skills such as counseling and discipleship (previous mental health service, ministry, or mentorship experience, etc.), or

3) life transformation through following Jesus in your own story.


Compensation

Starting rates 164 (Top Instructors can be promoted to $322) per field day

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