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Wilderness Field Instructor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Nantahala Outdoor Center

SOLO Instructor

Bryson City, NC · On-site

$17 - $21/hr

JOB SUMMARY SOLO Instructors conduct courses in the fields of wilderness medicine, CPR, first aid, wilderness survival, and emergency medicine. Primary responsibilities of instructors are to teach ...

Prevailance

Junior SERE / ECAC Instructor

TX · On-site

$51K - $67K/yr

Deliver field and technical SERE instruction under the supervision of senior instructors * Assist ... First Aid / CPR or Wilderness First Responder certification * Familiarity with USAF SERE program ...

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How much do wilderness field instructor jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 10, 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 are Wilderness Field Instructors?

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 cities are hiring for Wilderness Field Instructor jobs? Cities with the most Wilderness Field Instructor job openings:
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Wilderness Field Instructor jobs near you
SERE Field Training Instructor

SERE Field Training Instructor

Prevailance

Fairchild Air Force Base, WA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 2 days ago

Job description

Job Type
Full-time, Contract
Description
This position is contingent upon successful contract submission and award.
Prevailance is seeking a Field Training Instructor to support hands-on field and resistance training in austere environments as part of a Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape (SERE) training program at Fairchild AFB. This role focuses on tactical field instruction, logistics support, and execution of demanding training scenarios under the direction of certified SERE Instructors. It is ideal for experienced Level-C graduates who excel in field operations and instructional support roles. Travel may be required.
Responsibilities include, but not limited to:
  • Provide field instruction in military tactics, mobility, and maneuver
  • Instruct students on use of maps, compasses, GPS, and signaling/communication devices
  • Support field and operational logistics including personal protection, sustenance, sanitation, and hygiene
  • Conduct instruction in austere, mountainous, and physically demanding environments
  • Provide administrative and logistics support to certified SERE Instructors during training events
  • Support validation and upkeep of training materials, syllabi, and instructor guides
  • Assist with resistance training through laboratory role-play support and demonstration of captor exploitation techniques

Requirements
Qualifications:
  • Graduate of an approved DoD SERE Level C (High Risk) Course
  • Level C certificate required
  • 2+ years experience instructing at a Level-C SERE course or related SERE training experience
  • 4+ years of military service (any branch); minimum rank E-5
  • Honorable discharge (DD-214 required)
  • Ability to meet demanding physical requirements (rucking, prolonged standing, extended instruction hours)
  • Ability to pass SERE psychological screening and High-Risk training evaluations

Desired Qualifications:
  • First Aid / CPR or Wilderness First Responder certification
  • Familiarity with USAF SERE program structure and hierarchy

Education:
  • High School diploma or GED

Clearance:
  • Possesses and maintain a Secret Clearance

If you meet these qualifications and are ready to make an impact, we encourage you to apply today!
Prevailance, Inc. proudly supports veterans as a member of the V3 (Virginia Values Veterans) program and the Hire Vets initiative. Recognized as a Top Workplace in 2025, Prevailance fosters a supportive, mission-driven environment for its team members. We provide a comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees, designed to support health, wellness, and financial security. Our benefits include:
  • Medical Insurance
  • TriCare Supplemental
  • Dental Insurance
  • Vision Insurance
  • Life & Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) Coverage
  • 401(k) Plan with Company Matching Contributions
  • Paid Time Off (PTO)
  • 11 Paid Holidays
  • Education Reimbursement Program
  • Computing Device Reimbursement Program

Prevailance, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, age, pregnancy, genetic information, citizenship status, marital status or any other consideration prohibited by law or contract. Prevailance, Inc. participates in E-Verify and is VEVRAA Compliant.

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