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Wilderness Instructor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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

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

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

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

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

Field Instructor

Jamestown, CO ยท 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

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

Field Instructor

Jamestown, CO ยท 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

Field Instructor

Jamestown, CO ยท 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

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Wilderness Instructor information

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How much do wilderness instructor jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 15, 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 job?

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 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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Wilderness Instructor position, and why are they important?

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.

More about Wilderness Instructor jobs
What cities are hiring for Wilderness Instructor jobs? Cities with the most Wilderness Instructor job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Wilderness Instructor jobs? The most popular types of Wilderness Instructor jobs are:
What states have the most Wilderness Instructor jobs? States with the most job openings for Wilderness Instructor jobs include:
Infographic showing various Wilderness Instructor job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 57% Full Time, 38% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $44,102 per year, or $21.2 per hour.

Field Therapist

Seeds Wilderness Therapy

Montrose, CO โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 12 days ago


Job description

Field Therapist


Seeds Wilderness Way(Seeds) works with families with troubled teens. We take teens on an intensive 40 day experience. The process includes what we refer to as Retreat, Restore, Revive-- where as we invite our students to retreat to the mountains with Jesus, find heart restoration with Jesus, and go home to revive friends and neighbors with the gospel. Seeds combines the best practices in therapy with the teachings of Jesus and solid discipleship.


In this role, the Field Therapist interacts directly with students 14-18 years old and their families, as well as assist in communicating with continuing programs and therapists. With this approach, Seeds is striving to support healthy relationship building, increase self-efficacy, strengthen self-determination, as well as provide life-long tools for students and families.


This is a seasonal gig, with significant time in the summer months. Thursdays and Fridays therapists are in the field with students doing 1 on 1 therapy, group therapy, or running initiatives for experiential learning. Mondays through Wednesdays are reserved for sessions with parents and notes. (There would likely be room to squeeze in some private practice therapy sessions as well.)


Extra work may be available in off seasons for other programming (i.e. youth pastor or parent seminars), curriculum, recruiting/marketing, and conference engagements, etc.


The Field Therapist interacts directly with the Clinical Director, Executive Director and the Director of Operations, and the job will encompass a variety of duties.


The duties and expectations include:


  • Primary therapist to students, caseload based on assigned group
  • Run group sessions
  • Meet with each student twice per week
  • Participate in staff training
  • Help with facilitating field instructor training sessions.
  • Assist with on-call schedule
  • Facilitate updates and collaboration to support team members. This could include (but is not limited to): Parents, caregivers, legal guardians, educational consultants, prescribers, transition personnel, medical practitioners, previous therapists, clinical director, clinical staff, guides, executive director, insurance case managers, or other need to know clinical staff.
  • Documentation including progress notes, clinical summaries, discharge summaries, assessments, treatment planning, diagnosing, phone log summaries, on-call clinical recommendations, and email communications to need to know support staff.
  • Continued professional development specific to wilderness therapy outcomes and necessary continuing education credits for licensure.
  • Collaborate and provide clear and precise direction regarding the treatment of the adolescents to the team - ie. field therapists, field directors/instructors, and logistics.
  • Facilitation of graduation ceremonies.
  • Alumni support
  • Attendance at conferences and other marketing events
  • Attendance of weekly staff meetings and weekly supervision/collaboration.
  • Collaboration with admissions and clinical staff on group dynamics and cohesion.
  • Writing assignments for students should include Hope letter, Letter of responsibility, Forgiveness letter, etc.
  • Adhere to state regulations regarding mandated reporting
  • Developing and implementing student and parent curriculums.


Qualifications

  • Minimum of Master's degree in Social Work, Clinical or Counseling Psychology, Family Therapy, or related field
  • Colorado License or eligible and working towards CO licensure
  • 2+ years of clinical experience working with adolescents in a wilderness, residential or outpatient setting
  • Confident in relationship building capabilities with students, families, referring professionals, and team members
  • Ability to maintain clinical records in a timely manner, and in compliance with state and company regulations and requirements
  • Ability to demonstrate understanding of sound ethical practice
  • Ability to respond to a range of clients' needs using differential diagnoses and treatment approaches
  • Ability to utilize safe de-escalation skills in a volatile situation
  • Ability to provide appropriate crisis intervention services and reach out for additional support in critical situations
  • Current CPR/First Aid Certification
  • Must possess a valid Colorado Drivers License or willing to obtain within 60 days of being hired
  • Fluent English - both oral and written
  • Supports the company values
  • General knowledge of google G-suite software - e.g. doc, sheets, slides, calendar, etc
  • Knowledge of BestNotes preferred, but not required
  • Ability to work autonomously as well as part of a team
  • Experience in wilderness therapy or counseling helpful
  • Comfortable working in a wilderness environment
  • Willing to travel to and from the field area (up to 3 hour drive)
  • Loves to learn new things
  • Ability to hike on uneven terrain, while carrying a pack or other equipment weighing up to 50 lbs.