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Wilderness Instructor Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

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

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

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 ...

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 ...

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Wilderness Instructor information

See Colorado salary details

$10

$22

$37

How much do wilderness instructor jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for wilderness instructor in Colorado is $22.30, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.68 and $25.29 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a wilderness instructor?

A Wilderness Instructor is responsible for leading and educating groups in outdoor environments, teaching survival skills, navigation, and environmental awareness. They facilitate safe wilderness experiences, often working with youth programs, adventure camps, or outdoor education organizations. Their duties include risk management, first aid, and fostering teamwork. Wilderness Instructors need strong outdoor skills, leadership abilities, and knowledge of safety protocols.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a wilderness instructor?

To thrive as a Wilderness Instructor, you need expertise in outdoor skills, risk management, group leadership, and a foundational knowledge of environmental science, often supported by certifications like Wilderness First Responder (WFR) or Leave No Trace. Familiarity with navigation tools (maps, compasses, GPS), safety equipment, and emergency communication systems is essential. Outstanding communication, adaptability, and problem-solving abilities help instructors effectively support and motivate diverse groups in unpredictable environments. These competencies ensure safety, foster learning, and create positive outdoor experiences for participants.

What are the common challenges faced by wilderness instructors?

Wilderness Instructors often face unpredictable weather, challenging terrain, and unexpected emergencies, all while maintaining group morale and safety. Adapting lesson plans or routes on-the-fly and managing group dynamics in remote settings can be demanding but highly rewarding. Strong problem-solving skills and physical endurance are essential to handle these situations effectively. These challenges are part of what makes the job dynamic and fulfilling, as they provide opportunities to develop leadership and resilience while making a positive impact on participants' outdoor experiences.

How to get a job as a wilderness instructor?

To become a wilderness instructor, candidates typically need relevant outdoor experience, such as guiding or teaching outdoor skills, and certifications like Wilderness First Aid or CPR. Many employers also require a background check and strong communication skills, with some positions favoring prior experience in outdoor education or adventure programs.

What are popular job titles related to Wilderness Instructor jobs in Colorado?

For Wilderness Instructor jobs in Colorado, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Wilderness Instructor jobs in Colorado look for?

The top searched job categories for Wilderness Instructor jobs in Colorado are:

What cities in Colorado are hiring for Wilderness Instructor jobs?

Cities in Colorado with the most Wilderness Instructor job openings:

Wilderness Instructor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Wilderness Instructor job openings in Colorado as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 69% Full Time, 27% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $46,374 per year, or $22.3 per hour.

Backcountry Wilderness Area Equine Program Instructor

Highlands Ranch Community Association

Highlands Ranch, CO

$16 - $24/hr

Part-time

Medical, Retirement

Posted 20 days ago

Job description

JOB TITLE: Backcountry Wilderness Area Equine Program Instructor FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
General Statement of Duties: Responsible for providing safe and engaging horseback riding lessons and equine education programs. This role includes ensuring the safety of guests, providing care for HRCA owned horses and barn yard animals, as well as communicating and scheduling riding lessons with students.
Supervision Received: Works under the supervision of the Backcountry Wilderness Area Equine Program Manager.
Supervision Exercised: None

JOB DESCRIPTION
Examples of Duties: The following examples of duties are intended to be illustrative only and are not intended to be all inclusive.
  • Plan and instruct horseback riding lessons and equine programs for children (ages 3-17) and adults.
  • Oversee the daily well-being of horses, including feeding, watering, basic care, and routine maintenance.
  • Maintain and organize tack and other equine equipment.
  • Keep staging and corral areas clean and organized.
  • Safely move horses to and from designated pastures, ensuring all fences and gates are properly secured.
  • Provide excellent customer service by educating participants about program rules and regulations.
  • Maintain client records and coordinate lesson schedules.
  • Collaborate with other instructors to ensure seamless equine programming.
  • Obtain signed liability waivers from all participants.
  • Monitor participant behavior to ensure discipline and safety.
  • Work collaboratively with Backcountry Wilderness Area staff to achieve program goals.
  • Respond effectively to emergencies and maintain a positive attitude in all situations.
  • Perform other related duties as assigned.

Physical and Environmental Standards:
  • Work is performed outdoors, often in adverse weather conditions, including heat, humidity, sun, rain, snow, wind, cold and extreme temperatures.
  • Must be able to traverse uneven terrain and stand for extended periods.
  • Ability to walk, sit, crouch, bend, kneel, stoop, reach, push, pull, and lift or carry objects up to 60 pounds unassisted.
  • Vision requirements include near and far acuity.
  • Manual dexterity is needed for typing, writing, using a calculator, and operating a phone.
  • Effective communication is essential, including the ability to talk and hear clearly via phone and face-to-face interactions.

QUALIFICATIONS
Required Knowledge, Skills amp; Abilities:
  • Minimum age of 18 years.
  • Thorough knowledge of horsemanship.
  • Preferred experience in teaching horseback riding.
  • Interest in working with children and adapting lessons for diverse learners.
  • Excellent customer service and conflict resolution skills.
  • Strong work ethic, motivation, and ability to work independently.
  • Current First Aid/CPR certification or ability to obtain certification prior to the first day of employment.

Must pass a pre-employment background check and drug screening.
Benefits: Benefits for part time employees include Paid Sick Leave, EAP (Employee Assistance Program), Tuition Reimbursement, Employee Discounts (30%) for Programs and Events, Referral Program, Recreation Center usage.
401k plus company match and Health Insurance, Telehealth and Flex Plans after one year if the minimum hours requirement is determined.
Education: Completion of High School preferred.
Experience: Minimum of 3 years of horse care and riding experience, with a preference for prior teaching experience in horseback riding.
Submittal Deadline: 8/27/2026
EOE

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