ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Wilderness Therapy Jobs (NOW HIRING)

ThreePeaks Ascent

Clinical Intern

Enterprise, UT · On-site

$14/hr

Familiarity with wilderness therapy or experiential education. Embrace this opportunity to learn, grow, and contribute to our mission of healing! Benefits * Pay commensurate with experience * Health ...

ThreePeaks Ascent

Clinical Intern

Enterprise, UT · On-site

$14/hr

Familiarity with wilderness therapy or experiential education. Embrace this opportunity to learn, grow, and contribute to our mission of healing! Benefits * Pay commensurate with experience * Health ...

ThreePeaks Ascent

Clinical Intern

Enterprise, UT · On-site

$14/hr

Familiarity with wilderness therapy or experiential education. Embrace this opportunity to learn, grow, and contribute to our mission of healing! Benefits * Pay commensurate with experience * Health ...

Becket Family of Services

Clinician

Campton, NH · On-site

$54K - $71K/yr

The VPI Program, located in Campton New Hampshire, utilizes an outdoor education and wilderness therapy approach seeking to replace maladaptive behavioral patterns with lifelong pro-social skills.

Becket Family of Services

Clinician

Campton, NH · On-site

$54K - $71K/yr

The VPI Program, located in Campton New Hampshire, utilizes an outdoor education and wilderness therapy approach seeking to replace maladaptive behavioral patterns with lifelong pro-social skills.

Youth Villages, Inc

Recreation Assistant

Memphis, TN · On-site

$50K - $51K/yr

Experience with experiential education, community recreation, wilderness therapy, rock climbing, yoga, personal fitness, art, or music (strongly preferred) * Experience working with at-risk youth ...

previous page

Showing results 41-60

All JobsHealthcare JobsWilderness Therapy Jobs

wilderness therapy information

See salary details

$16.5K

$47.7K

$82.5K

How much do wilderness therapy jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for wilderness therapy in the United States is $47,693.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $36,500.00 and $53,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is wilderness therapy?

Wilderness therapy is a therapeutic intervention that combines traditional therapy techniques with outdoor expeditions in natural settings. It is designed to help individuals, often adolescents or young adults, address behavioral, emotional, or mental health issues through structured activities, group work, and counseling in a wilderness environment. The goal is to foster personal growth, self-reliance, and healthy coping mechanisms by removing individuals from their usual surroundings and placing them in challenging but supportive outdoor experiences. Wilderness therapy programs are typically led by licensed therapists and experienced outdoor guides. These programs may vary in length and approach, but all focus on holistic healing through nature-based activities.

What is wilderness therapy?

Wilderness therapy is a type of treatment program for individuals with emotional or behavioral issues, including substance abuse. Wilderness therapy involves leading clients on a set of outdoor activities or wilderness adventures to help treat particular mental and behavioral health diseases or conditions. The theory of wilderness therapy is that by engaging in the physical and mental demands of outdoor exploration, participants can overcome or mediate underlying psychological and emotional problems by learning alternative coping strategies.

What are some of the unique challenges faced by professionals working in wilderness therapy programs?

Professionals in wilderness therapy often face challenges such as adapting to unpredictable outdoor conditions, maintaining client safety in remote settings, and balancing therapeutic goals with physical demands. The role requires strong problem-solving skills and the ability to remain calm during emergencies. Additionally, practitioners must foster trust and rapport with clients who may be resistant to traditional therapy, all while working closely with multidisciplinary teams to create individualized treatment plans.

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

To thrive as a Wilderness Therapist, you generally need a background in counseling, psychology, social work, or a related field, often supported by licensure and experience with youth or at-risk populations. Familiarity with outdoor safety protocols, wilderness first aid certification, and knowledge of experiential therapy models are typically required. Exceptional communication, empathy, adaptability, and strong leadership skills help foster trust and guide participants through challenging outdoor experiences. These skills and qualifications are crucial for ensuring client safety, therapeutic effectiveness, and positive growth in unpredictable wilderness settings.

What is the difference between Wilderness Therapy vs Outdoor Education Specialist?

AspectWilderness TherapyOutdoor Education Specialist
Required CredentialsCPR/First Aid, sometimes mental health certificationsWilderness First Aid, teaching or environmental certifications
Work EnvironmentTherapeutic settings in wilderness areas, working with at-risk youthEducational settings, outdoor programs, camps
Employer & IndustryTherapy centers, mental health organizationsSchools, camps, outdoor education companies

Wilderness Therapy and Outdoor Education Specialists both work outdoors and require certifications like First Aid. However, Wilderness Therapy focuses on therapeutic interventions for at-risk youth, often in clinical settings, while Outdoor Education Specialists primarily teach outdoor skills and environmental awareness in educational or recreational settings.

How to become a wilderness therapist?

To become a wilderness therapist, candidates typically need a bachelor's degree in psychology, social work, or a related field, along with experience working with youth or in outdoor settings. Certification in wilderness therapy or outdoor leadership, such as Wilderness First Responder (WFR) or Wilderness Advanced First Aid (WAFA), is often required, and strong interpersonal and outdoor skills are essential. Some positions may also require background checks and training in crisis intervention.

How to get a job in wilderness therapy?

To work in wilderness therapy, candidates typically need relevant experience in outdoor education, counseling, or healthcare, along with certifications such as CPR and first aid. Many positions require a background check, strong interpersonal skills, and the ability to work in remote, outdoor environments. Gaining experience through internships or volunteering can also improve job prospects.

What is the typical career path in wilderness therapy?

A career in wilderness therapy typically begins with entry-level roles such as wilderness therapy guide or field staff, focusing on outdoor supervision and client support. Advancement often involves gaining experience, obtaining certifications like Wilderness First Responder, and moving into supervisory, clinical, or program management positions over time.
More about wilderness therapy jobs

What cities are hiring for Wilderness Therapy jobs?

Cities with the most Wilderness Therapy job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Wilderness Therapy jobs?

The most popular types of Wilderness Therapy jobs are:

What states have the most Wilderness Therapy jobs?

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

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

The top searched job categories for Wilderness Therapy jobs are:

wilderness therapy jobs near you
Infographic showing various Wilderness Therapy job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $47,693 per year, or $22.9 per hour.

Field Operations & Logistics Manager

Seeds Wilderness Therapy

Montrose, CO • On-site

$60 - $100/hr

Other

Re-posted 11 days ago

Job description

Role Type: Full-Time | Reports to: Executive Director

This is a Seasonal Role.

Direct Reports:
  • Drivers
  • Weekend Backup Support
  • Church Volunteers
  • Potentially College Intern or assistants
  • Medical personnel (medication administration planning, training, and packing)
Role Summary

The Operations & Logistics Director is the architect of the Seeds Wilderness Way support system. This role bridges the gap between high-level strategic planning and the "nitty-gritty" of backcountry readiness. You are responsible for ensuring that every student, staff member, and vehicle is equipped, fueled, and safely coordinated to meet the mission of transformation in the wilderness.

1. Daily Dispatch & Fleet Coordination
  • Strategic Synchronization: Perform daily log reviews (post-4:30 PM or pre-8:00 AM) to assess field needs and remotely assign roles, routes, and vehicles by 8:00 AM.
  • Fleet & Resource Management: Supervise a team of up to 8 drivers. Ensure 4x4 vehicles and ATVs are maintained, inspected, and fueled for water drops and backcountry transport.
  • Technical Standards: Maintain mastery of UTM coordinates and backcountry communication tools (InReach/Satellite/Radio)
2. Supply Chain & Warehouse Integrity
  • Inventory Oversight: Direct the drivers or interns in the management of food systems, gear organization, and bulk buying.
    • Including responsibility for the actual ordering of gear and supplies to optimize operations.
    • Includes breaking down bulk food to daily/individual portions
    • Conduct full physical inventories twice per year
  • Mission-Ready Packing: Lead the prep and "pack out" for all trips, ensuring medications, gear, and nutritional menus (developed with the nutritionist) are sorted and ready for Monday or Thursday restock days.
    • This included restocking and organization of medical kits or med- blister packs.
  • Infrastructure Maintenance: Oversee the gear repair and laundry system(clean laundry into the field, dirty laundry from field to front country), ensuring all equipment is cleaned, functional, and stored with high organization.
3. Personnel Discipleship & Community Engagement
  • Mentorship & Leadership: Conduct twice-weekly 1-on-1 discipleship sessions with Interns and attend weekly L-10 meetings to solve operational hurdles.
  • Volunteer Vision: Provide "vision and tasking" for the volunteer management, integrating their contributions (baking, prayer, encouraging notes) into the weekly logistics flow.
  • Spiritual Formation: Occasionally lead staff devotions while fostering a biblical approach to conflict and team health. Disciple staff with spiritual maturity, love, and leadership.
4. Risk Management & Emergency Readiness
  • Incident Command: Serve as the primary emergency contact for Weekend Backup staff, and lead responder for field emergencies. Maintain readiness to implement IC (Incident Command System) protocols for "Red Light" situations.
  • Safety Compliance: Ensure all operations meet state requirements regarding, equipment, and safety (and nutrition).
  • Environmental Oversight: Monitor extreme weather conditions and provide contingency logistics/backup options for field teams to mitigate environmental threats.
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
  • Logistics Readiness:
    • intakes/graduations- All restocks, meds, and gear packed and staged one week out.
    • Weekly restock days- packed and ready by 9am on Monday and Thursdays.
  • Efficiency Metrics: Fuel-per-week/Fuel-per-student tracking and maintaining operations within the allocated annual budget.
  • System Fluidity: Zero delays in daily logistics, field equipment emergencies, or water drops, or radio comms.
#J-18808-Ljbffr

Apply