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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 ...

Mass Audubon

Field Teacher, Adult Education

Lincoln, MA · On-site

$20 - $25/hr

Wilderness First Aid and ACA Watercraft certifications * Experience teaching specific programs such ... We recognize that the environmental movement and field of conservation have been affected by ...

Prevailance

Junior SERE / ECAC Instructor

TX · On-site

$80K - $130K/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 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.

SOLO Instructor

Nantahala Outdoor Center

Bryson City, NC • On-site

$17 - $21/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 8 days ago

Job description

For 53 years NOC has led the outdoor industry, taking more guests whitewater rafting and teaching more paddlers than any other outdoor recreation company. NOC also provides top-quality aerial and trail-based adventures, wilderness medicine as well as unmatched retail service, foodservice, lodging, and trip planning services. NOC career opportunities offer a rare combination of work in beautiful locations, a chance to grow skills and to share a passion for active outdoor recreation.

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 Wilderness First Aid (WFA), CPR, Wilderness First Responder (WFR), and Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) courses. Instructors are responsible for preparing and delivering lectures, leading, and moderating classroom discussions, running hands-on scenarios, and administering and grading examinations and practical assessments. The instructor is expected to provide positive student interactions/experiences and to take all precautions to keep guests and other instructors prepared and safe.


Responsibilities and Duties:
• Plan, prepare, and deliver instructional activities that facilitate active learning experiences.
• Develop lesson plans and establish/communicate clear objectives for all learning activities.
• Observe and evaluate student's performance and development and provide appropriate feedback on work.
• Prepare classroom for class activities and check equipment and paperwork prior to start of class.
• Instruct and monitor students in the use of learning materials and equipment.
• Complete end of course activities in a timely manner including, but not limited to, end of course paperwork and classroom/equipment clean-up.
• Assist in maintaining social media accounts and post relevant content
• Assist with inventory control and equipment maintenance
• Research and develop classroom resources for instructors
• Answer phones in a professional manner
• Train instructors as prescribed by the Manager and Assistant Manager
• Stay updated with developments in subject areas and make relevant changes to instructional plans and activities.


Position Qualifications

Outdoor and Medical Background
• Experience leading trips in back-country settings
• Worked for more than one season as a head guide/trip leader
• Medical provider: EMS, ski patrol, military, rescue squad or other channels

Teaching Experience:
• Experience teaching in a classroom and an outdoor environment
• Knowledge of concepts and experience teaching to adult learners
• Understanding of methods and principles of experiential education
• Medical teaching experience is preferred

Education:
• High School diploma or equivalent required - College degree preferred
• Current medical certification – EMT minimum requirement; EMT, RN, Paramedic, MD preferred
• Previous wilderness medicine training or equivalent required

Physical Requirements:
• Must be able to lift and carry 50 lbs
• Must be able to walk 3 miles over uneven terrain


The above noted job description is not intended to describe, in detail, the multitude of tasks that may be assigned but rather to provide a general sense of the responsibilities and expectations of this position. As the nature of business demands change, so too may the essential functions of this position.

Please note that as an employer with over 100 employees, NOC will be required to comply with any OSHA Vaccination and Testing Emergency Temporary Standard should that standard be enacted.

The Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC) is dedicated to the principles of equal employment opportunity in any and all terms, conditions or privileges of employment including hiring, promotions, termination, training and compensation. The NOC does not discriminate against applicants or employees on the basis of age, race, sex, color, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic condition or any other status protected by federal, state or local law, where applicable. Furthermore, the NOC is committed to a work environment free of discrimination and harassment through respecting and valuing the diversity among employees and all those with whom the NOC does business.