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Wilderness Field Instructor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

T3i, Inc.

Paramedic

Spokane, WA

... field events ... Conduct medical screening, monitoring, and emergency response for students and instructors during ...

Prevailance, Inc.

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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Wilderness Field Instructor information

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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:
What states have the most Wilderness Field Instructor jobs? States with the most job openings for Wilderness Field Instructor jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Wilderness Field Instructor jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Wilderness Field Instructor jobs are:
Wilderness Field Instructor jobs near you
Part-Time Instructor Outdoor Leadership (POOL)

Part-Time Instructor Outdoor Leadership (POOL)

Central Oregon Community College

Bend, OR • On-site

Part-time

Posted 24 days ago

Job description

Position Details
Position Information
Position Title
Part-Time Instructor Outdoor Leadership (POOL)
Classification Title
Part time Instructor - F3
Hourly rate, Stipend, or Load Unit
$752 per load unit
Close Date
Open Until Filled
Yes
Open Until Filled Notes
Open for the 25/26 Academic Year
Position Type/Employee Class
Part-Time Instructor
Instructor Status
This is a part-time instructor position, non-represented and non-benefited.
Overtime Eligible
Exempt
FLSA Status
Learned Professional
Campus Location
Bend
Primary Purpose
Provide instruction in Health & Human Performance Outdoor Leadership courses including lecture and select learning lab components. Part-time instructors direct student learning, discussions and evaluate student performance in the classroom and during hands-on field sessions.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
  • Provide instruction in Outdoor Leadership courses. This includes lecturing and guiding in classroom activities, providing individual conference time to guide and evaluate student progress. Teaching assignments may include courses taught during the day and/or evening, and classes taught on or off campus.
  • Office Hours and Student Contact. All instructors are expected to be available to their students outside of class when students are scheduled on campus. There is a minimum of at least one office hour per week for each course taught.
  • Cooperate with other College personnel and Outdoor Leadership faculty to assist students progression of learning.
  • Act as a resource person for students.
  • Perform other essential duties and tasks specific to each location, as assigned.

Department Specific
Individuals must possess knowledge of experiential, adventure, and outdoor education philosophies; general technical and safety skills in the outdoors; and any specific technical skills necessary for specific courses. Outdoor Leadership instructors must be capable of spending extensive time in the backcountry, while providing support and measure of risk management for class groups.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Individuals must possess these knowledge, skills and abilities or be able to explain and demonstrate that the individual can perform the duties and responsibilities of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation, using some other combination of skills and abilities. The individual is expected to follow College work rules and policies.
  • Thorough knowledge in the field of Outdoor Education, Adventure Education, or Outdoor Recreation, including demonstrated competency of the following skills: safety, risk management, navigation, wilderness first aid, decision making, weather, instructional, facilitation, effective communication, organization, and professional ethics.
  • Knowledge of teaching and instruction of various audiences and group dynamics.
  • Visual ability, corrected, to enable instructor to observe, direct, and supervise students in classroom and field situations.
  • Familiarity with and ability to operate or oversee the operation of a variety of technical equipment, including rock gear, mountaineering equipment, Whisperlite stoves, whitewater rafts, etc (depending upon teaching assignment)
  • Ability to carry a pack greater than 50#, over uneven terrain, for more than 3 miles.
  • Ability to orally communicate effectively with others, using the English language, with or without the use of an interpreter.
  • Ability to communicate effectively in writing, using the English language, with or without the use of auxiliary aids or services.
  • Ability to review, understand and apply concepts presented in training programs, conferences, and/or professional literature.
  • Ability to work with Outdoor Leadership faculty and other COCC staffs at all levels.
  • Willingness to travel and/or teach at various hours and locations, as required.
  • Ability/skills to competently advise and/or serve students from a variety of background, respecting cultural and socio-economic differences.

Ergonomic Requirements
Ability to work in classroom and office environments using computers, white boards, projectors, and other basic office equipment. All individuals are required to be able to perform the essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation. The employee is required to meet physical and ergonomic requirements of the program area as this may vary from positions.
Minimum Requirements
  • Bachelor's degree in Outdoor Education, Adventure Education, Outdoor Leadership, Experiential Education or a closely related discipline; or a Bachelor's degree with the acquirement of a professional level certification from a recognized organization, such as the American Mountain Guides Association, the American Canoe Association, the Association for Challenge Course technology, or some other.
  • One year of successful College teaching experience in the subject area.

Special Required Qualifications:
  • Current valid driver's license or the ability to obtain within 30-days of employment and the ability to successfully complete COCC Driving Policy
  • Wilderness First Responder Certification

Equivalency Statement
The College recognizes the value of skills and knowledge gained outside of formal higher education and paid employment. Applicants who do not meet minimum qualifications but present other qualifications or experience equivalent to those required will be considered and are encouraged to apply. To qualify under equivalency, applicants must indicate how they qualify under equivalency by responding to the supplemental question presented during the application process.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Teaching experience in a community college

EEO Statement
The goal of Central Oregon Community College is to provide an atmosphere that encourages our faculty, staff and students to realize their full potential. In support of this goal, it is the policy of Central Oregon Community College that there will be no discrimination or harassment on the basis of age, disability, sex, marital status, national origin, ethnicity, color, race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, citizenship status, veteran or military status, pregnancy or any other classes protected under federal and state statutes in any education program, activities or employment. Persons with questions about this statement should contact Human Resources at 541.383.7216 or the Vice President for Student Affairs at 541.383.7211.
This policy covers nondiscrimination in both employment and access to educational opportunities. When brought to the attention of the appropriate parties, any such actions will be promptly and equitably responded to according to the process outlined in general procedures sections N-1, N-2, or N-3.
In support of COCC's EEO statement, bilingual fluency in English and Spanish is considered a plus, along with experience working in a diverse multicultural setting.

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