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Wilderness Instructor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Prevailance

Junior SERE / ECAC Instructor

TX · On-site

$80K - $130K/yr

Prevailance is seeking a Junior SERE / ECAC Instructor to deliver advanced Survival, Evasion ... First Aid / CPR or Wilderness First Responder certification * Familiarity with USAF SERE program ...

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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.

Advanced Law Enforcement Tactics Instructor - Homeland Security

Team Carney

Oklahoma City, OK • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 19 days ago

Job description

This Advanced Law Enforcement Tactics Instructor position supports the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Customs and Border Protection (CBP) in the area of Support Services. The mission-critical program provides comprehensive training, safety, standards, curriculum development, and technical modernization services to ensure national border security agents can operate safely and effectively. 

When federal agents are in high-risk, real-world situations, they rely on muscle memory and tactical instincts. By delivering hands-on instruction in active threats, firearms, and wilderness/water survival, you directly save lives on the front line. 

  • Location: Oklahoma City, OK

  • Status: Full-Time / Contingent Upon Contract Award 

Who You Are 

You are a highly decorated tactical professional dedicated to passing on life-saving skills. You combine real-world tactical operations experience with the patience, safety-first mindset, and poise of an elite instructor. You lead by example, fostering a supportive but realistic classroom and field environment to prepare agents for high-stakes, real-world encounters. 

What You'll Do (Key Responsibilities) 

  • Instruct Tactical Courses: Deliver hands-on, expert instruction in advanced tactical operations, active threat response, firearms proficiency, and survival. 

  • Emergency Medicine: Lead classroom and scenario-based training in emergency medicine (EMT protocols, trauma response, CPR). 

  • Develop Curriculum: Partner with government Subject Matter Experts to update, refine, and design training aids, lesson plans, study guides, and exams. 

  • Manage Scenario-Based Training (SBT): Coordinate live-fire range operations, wilderness/water survival drills, and direct tactical role-players safely. 

What You Bring (Qualifications) 

  • Experience: Required 2-4 years of professional experience in advanced tactical law enforcement or military instruction. 

  • Expertise: Verified proficiency and certifications in firearms instruction, tactical medicine/EMT-B, and land/water survival operations. 

  • Physical Fitness: Ability to demonstrate and participate in physically demanding wilderness and maritime tactical maneuvers. 

  • Clearance: Ability to obtain and maintain a federal background suitability check. 

Why You'll Love Working with Team Carney (Benefits & Perks) 

When you join our team, you enjoy a robust suite of benefits tailored to support your "whole self": 

  • Comprehensive Health: Competitive medical, dental, and vision options (BCBS CareFirst), plus HSA and FSA. 

  • Financial Protection: 401(k) with corporate match, and fully paid life and disability insurance. 

  • Work-Life Harmony: Generous PTO, 11 paid federal holidays, and 6 weeks of fully paid parental leave. 

  • Professional & Personal Growth: Up to $5,000 annually in tuition assistance or student loan repayment, plus $200/year "Get Out and Learn" and "Get Out and Run" micro-benefits. 
Salary Range: $85,000-$100,000 per year
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