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Wilderness Therapy Field Guide Jobs (NOW HIRING)

ThreePeaks Ascent

Night Shift

Enterprise, UT · On-site

Transform Lives Through Innovative Therapy ThreePeaks Ascent is a short-term residential treatment program located within the RCA field. Our unique approach combines the benefits of wilderness ...

ThreePeaks Ascent

Night Shift

Enterprise, UT · On-site

Transform Lives Through Innovative Therapy ThreePeaks Ascent is a short-term residential treatment program located within the RCA field. Our unique approach combines the benefits of wilderness ...

ThreePeaks Ascent

Night Shift

Enterprise, UT · On-site

Transform Lives Through Innovative Therapy ThreePeaks Ascent is a short-term residential treatment program located within the RCA field. Our unique approach combines the benefits of wilderness ...

ThreePeaks Ascent

Night Shift

Enterprise, UT

Transform Lives Through Innovative Therapy ThreePeaks Ascent is a short-term residential treatment program located within the RCA field. Our unique approach combines the benefits of wilderness ...

ThreePeaks Ascent

Night Shift

Enterprise, UT · On-site

Transform Lives Through Innovative Therapy ThreePeaks Ascent is a short-term residential treatment program located within the RCA field. Our unique approach combines the benefits of wilderness ...

Confluence Behavioral Health LLC

Clinical Therapist

VT · On-site

$59K - $79K/yr

The program combines wilderness adventure therapy with a residential experience, farm programming ... to guide young adults facing mental health challenges towards engaged, positive and fulfilling ...

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Wilderness Therapy Field Guide information

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How much do wilderness therapy field guide jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for wilderness therapy field guide in the United States is $17.27, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.98 and $21.15 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a wilderness therapy field guide?

A Wilderness Therapy Field Guide is a professional who leads and supports participants, often youth or young adults, through therapeutic outdoor programs. They facilitate group activities, ensure safety in remote environments, and help clients build personal and social skills through nature-based experiences. Field Guides work closely with therapists and other staff to create a supportive and structured environment for personal growth. Their role combines outdoor leadership, mentorship, and crisis management, making them critical to the success of wilderness therapy programs.

What are some common challenges wilderness therapy field guides face, and how can they prepare for them?

Wilderness Therapy Field Guides often encounter challenges such as managing group dynamics in remote settings, adapting to unpredictable weather, and supporting participants through emotional or behavioral struggles. Effective preparation includes developing strong communication skills, maintaining physical fitness, and learning outdoor survival techniques. Field Guides also benefit from ongoing training in crisis intervention and teamwork to navigate the emotional and logistical complexities of the role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a wilderness therapy field guide, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Wilderness Therapy Field Guide, you need a solid background in outdoor leadership, basic first aid/CPR certification, and an understanding of group facilitation with at-risk youth. Familiarity with wilderness navigation tools, satellite communication devices, and incident reporting systems is commonly required. Outstanding interpersonal skills, patience, resilience, and the ability to remain calm in challenging environments set exceptional guides apart. These skills ensure participant safety, effective therapeutic support, and successful group outcomes in remote wilderness settings.

What is the difference between Wilderness Therapy Field Guide vs Wilderness Therapy Technician?

AspectWilderness Therapy Field GuideWilderness Therapy Technician
CredentialsCPR/First Aid, outdoor leadership certifications, relevant experienceCPR/First Aid, outdoor certifications, entry-level experience
Work EnvironmentLeading groups in outdoor settings, guiding therapeutic activitiesSupporting guides, assisting with logistics and safety
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by wilderness therapy programs, outdoor therapy providersCommonly used in similar programs, often as entry-level staff
Search & Comparison IntentPeople seeking leadership roles in wilderness therapyIndividuals exploring entry-level positions in outdoor therapy

The Wilderness Therapy Field Guide typically holds leadership responsibilities, requiring certifications and experience in outdoor activities. In contrast, the Wilderness Therapy Technician usually supports guides and handles logistical tasks, often as an entry-level role. Both roles are integral to wilderness therapy programs but differ mainly in responsibility level and experience requirements.

More about Wilderness Therapy Field Guide jobs

What states have the most Wilderness Therapy Field Guide jobs?

States with the most job openings for Wilderness Therapy Field Guide jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Wilderness Therapy Field Guide jobs look for?

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Wilderness Therapy Field Guide jobs near you
Infographic showing various Wilderness Therapy Field Guide job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 87% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,919 per year, or $17.3 per hour.

Expedition Field Instructor (21 day contract)

Seeds Wilderness Therapy

Montrose, CO • On-site

Contractor

Posted 5 days ago

Job description

Seeds Wilderness Way (Seeds) is seeking short term field instructors for a 3 week (21 day) contract from Oct 4th-Oct 25th, 2026. Come "taste and see" how Seeds operates, our values, and organizational culture while serving families in crisis in Western Colorado. Individuals interested in working a full summer season in 2027 may enjoy this short experience, getting to know Seeds' full-time staff and our approach to hope, healing, and reconciliation. Also available: Oct 4th-Oct 13th -OR- Oct 16th-Oct 25th at half pay rate.


Come lead two 5-day backpacking trips for parents and teens on the Uncompahgre Plateau of the Western Slope. Receive training, build expeditionary and leadership skills, and experience the Seeds Way - an intersection of Faith in Jesus, the wilderness of Colorado, and life transformation for families.


Seeds works with families with troubled teens. We take teens on intensive 40-day backpacking experiences and family-focused 5-day retreats. The process includes our model: Retreat, Restore, Revive. Seeds is distinctly Christian and as such combines the best practices in wilderness and therapy with the teachings of Jesus and solid discipleship.

Field Instructors are the hands and feet of Seeds; they are the ones serving Christ to each teenager! Field Instructors are responsible for the individual care of each student in the wilderness. The Field Instructor is to love and serve the student, and help them find their potential in Christ. Each instructor will disciple 1-2 students, watching their therapeutic, emotional, spiritual, and physical health. Field Instructors will teach and role model both hard skills (backpacking, cooking, fire, safety) as well as soft skills (mental and emotional health, spirituality, understanding of the client's complaining 'issues'). Changes in cognitive, affective, and behavioral growth will be individually coached and reported to the Field Director, Assistant Field Director, or Senior Field Staff. The field staff report to the Field Director and Assistant Field Director, who will balance logistical and therapeutic intents.


Staff housing may be available.


Positions available and pay:

Oct 4th - Oct 25th full-time commitment, 3 days off: $2,300

Oct 4th - Oct 13th full-time commitment, no days off: $1,150

Oct 16th - Oct 25th full-time commitment, no days off: $1,150

Please indicate time frame availability on application.


Qualifications for all Field Instructors

  • Must be at least 21 years old, and 3 years older than the oldest student
  • Excellent communication, leadership, and problem solving skills. Willingness to receive and give feedback to your staff team.
  • Willingness to follow all Policies and Procedures as stated in staff manual
  • Clear background check by state and federal authorities
  • Must be sober from any substance abuse, or any dangerous/harmful activities to yourself or others. (If past addiction is present, documented sobriety for 3 years.)
  • Must be basic first aid and CPR certified
  • Able to carry a 75 pound pack over steep, rocky, and uneven ground
  • Able to provide the majority of your own gear for yourself (some limited gear may be available for borrow)
  • Provide 3 references (name, phone number, email address)
  • Must hold a valid Driver's License with a clean driving record.
  • Previous wilderness experience or experience working with troubled teens is beneficial, but not required


Past experience in at least one of the following:

1) hard skills for backcountry living and travel (outdoor leadership, risk management, first aid/WFR, navigation, etc.),

2) soft skills such as counseling and discipleship (previous mental health service, ministry, or mentorship experience, etc.), or

3) life transformation through following Jesus in your own story.

Apply