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Wilderness Instructor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

CAL-WOOD EDUCATION CENTER

Field Instructor

Jamestown, CO · On-site

$672.69 - $822.69/wk

Instructors provide dynamic, hands-on science education in the field so that all students can ... Wilderness First Aid (WFA) or Wilderness First Responder (WFR) certification is a plus Benefits

Seeds Wilderness Therapy

Field Therapist

Montrose, CO · On-site

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

Seeds Wilderness Therapy

Field Therapist

Montrose, CO · On-site

Based on experience Field Therapist Seeds Wilderness Way (Seeds) works with families with troubled ... 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

CAL-WOOD EDUCATION CENTER

Field Instructor

Jamestown, CO · On-site

$672.69 - $822.69/wk

Instructors provide dynamic, hands-on science education in the field so that all students can ... Wilderness First Aid (WFA) or Wilderness First Responder (WFR) certification is a plus Benefits

CAL-WOOD EDUCATION CENTER

Field Instructor

Jamestown, CO · On-site

$672.69 - $822.69/wk

Instructors provide dynamic, hands-on science education in the field so that all students can ... Wilderness First Aid (WFA) or Wilderness First Responder (WFR) certification is a plus Benefits

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

CHADWICK SCHOOL

Outdoor Education Instructor

CA · On-site

$20/hr

Appropriate course area backcountry wilderness experience, both personal and professional * Experience with students ranging from grade 7-12 * Instructors must have and maintain a clean driving ...

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

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

$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

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How much do wilderness instructor jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for wilderness instructor in the United States is $21.20, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.87 and $24.04 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.

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 Wilderness Advanced First Aid. Employers often look for strong communication skills, safety awareness, and the ability to work in remote environments, with some positions requiring a background check and physical fitness assessment.

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.

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.

How much do wilderness instructor survival instructors make?

Wilderness instructor survival instructors typically earn between $15 and $25 per hour, with annual salaries ranging from approximately $30,000 to $50,000 depending on experience, certifications, and location. Pay may increase with specialized skills, certifications like Wilderness First Responder, and the type of programs they lead.
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Wilderness Instructor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Wilderness Instructor job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 63% Full Time, 33% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $44,102 per year, or $21.2 per hour.

Field Instructor

CAL-WOOD EDUCATION CENTER

Jamestown, CO • On-site

$672.69 - $822.69/wk

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 22 days ago

Job description

Benefits:
  • 401(k) matching
  • Dental insurance
  • Health insurance
  • Vision insurance

Cal-Wood Mission & Philosophy
Cal-Wood Education Center is on a mission to facilitate positive nature experiences for all—especially those who haven't yet spent time in the mountains. Since 1982, Cal-Wood has provided residential environmental and outdoor education programs to hundreds of thousands of Coloradans at our 1,200-acre outdoor classroom located west of Boulder, Colorado. Through school programs, summer camps, and family camps, we provide access for kids and adults from underrepresented communities to have life-changing experiences outdoors.
We believe that no matter where you live or what language you speak, you deserve to feel safe and welcome outside. We strive to grow our programs so that more people from all walks of life can find a meaningful connection with nature.
Cal-Wood has received several national and local awards for our high-quality programs and service to linguistically diverse audiences. Our field instructors receive training in sheltered instruction and inclusive teaching practices to help them effectively engage all students—from Commerce City to Aurora to Boulder and beyond. Instructors provide dynamic, hands-on science education in the field so that all students can explore, learn, and see themselves as scientists.
Position Overview
Cal-Wood seeks a Field Instructor whose primary duty is teaching environmental science curriculum to K–12 students in an outdoor setting. Field Instructors work in our beautiful 1,200-acre outdoor classroom alongside a motivated team passionate about natural science, education, and conservation.
Instructors are responsible for providing educational experiences for learning groups of 10–15 students by leading outdoor learning activities and teaching environmental science lessons. Programs range from one-day visits to three-day overnight trips for local students of all ages. Instructors are charged with teaching instructional modules in outdoor skills and environmental science, including applied lessons in ecology, wildlife biology, and outdoor field studies. Utilizing Cal-Wood's curriculum and materials, Instructors independently develop lesson plans, select instructional methods, adapt curriculum to meet student needs, and evaluate student performance. 
This position begins August 10, 2026 and runs through May 28, 2027, with the possibility of extending employment for additional seasons.
This position is a seasonal, full-time role.
Salary, Exempt.
Schedule
  • Monday through Friday, with some evening and weekend shifts as needed
  • Average 40-hour work week
  • Programs may require early mornings, evenings, and overnight presence for facilitation (note: Instructors do not sleep in cabins with students)

Responsibilities
75% Teaching:
  • Lead a learning group of 10–15 students during each school’s visit; typical programs run 2–3 days
  • Spend 4–8 hours per day, 3–5 days per week, leading programs outdoors in all seasons in the mountains of Colorado
  • Develop, teach, and evaluate environmental education programs aligned with local curriculum standards
  • Incorporate science, math, history, creative writing, art, and team-building into programs as requested by schools
  • Teach English, Spanish, and multilingual groups with sheltered teaching methods.
25% Support
  • Lead large-group games, songs, skits, storytelling, and campfires to foster a fun, inclusive environment
  • Facilitate 1–2 meals (breakfasts and/or dinners) and 1–2 evening programs (typically a night hike or campfire) each week
  • Assist with maintenance of program staff commons areas, organize educational materials, gear room, and staff office

Qualities & Qualifications
  • Bilingual (preferred)
  • Individuals from underrepresented groups are encouraged to apply
  • High level of personal motivation, flexibility, and responsibility, with a positive attitude
  • Bachelor’s degree in science, natural resources management, education, environmental education, or a related field
  • Two or more years of teaching experience.
  • Ability to work and live closely with a small, passionate instructional team (approximately 10–15 staff members)
  • Comfortable living in a remote mountain town approximately 35 minutes from Boulder, CO (optional housing available)
  • Ability to pass background checks and motor vehicle report
  • Ability to hike 3–6 miles daily, lift up to 50 lbs for short periods (sometimes multiple times per day), and work outdoors in all weather conditions
  • Ability to learn and implement sheltered teaching methods through on-the-job training.
  • Current First Aid/CPR certification or willingness to obtain certification required; Wilderness First Aid (WFA) or Wilderness First Responder (WFR) certification is a plus
Benefits
  • Health
  • Vision
  • Dental
  • Simple IRA with 3% employer match
  • Life AD&D insurance
  • Optional employee housing (free rent and utilities)