Wilderness Field Instructor

Do you LOVE the outdoors and seek a job where you can connect with nature?

Are you passionate about helping others and making a difference every day?

Great schedule – 1 week on / 1 week off!   

You only work 26 weeks a year –

giving you time to travel, explore, and adventure like never before!

Plus earn $44,000 - $50,000 for Full Time plus

bonus, benefits, PTO, and other perks like discounts on outdoor equipment.

We are First Light Wilderness Therapy and we are on a mission to drive teen and young adult

anxiety, depression, and suicide from all time highs of today to all-time lows by 2028.

To do so we need great people on our team just like you.

Imagine a role where you contribute to helping a child and family heal!

We specialize in treating struggles associated with adoption, trauma, anxiety, and addiction.

We do this in the in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains, where nature provides peace and healing.

We are seeking Wilderness Field Instructors that are passionate to help struggling teens by doing life alongside them in the wilderness.   Our Field Instructors play a very important role serving as a positive role model for teens 12-17 years old and for assisting in the therapeutic process of healing. 

You will co-lead groups of up to 10 students to lead and support to ensure:

• Supervision
• Safety
• Curriculum / assignments
• Wilderness skills
• Risk management
• Working with therapists to carry out activities for healing

Some duties include:

• Leading group activities of camping and adventures
• Teaching students about wilderness skills, backpacking, kayaking, and other outdoor expeditions
• Participate in therapeutic activities
• Ensure safety of team
• Provide healthy conflict resolution and direction for group
• Daily documentation of student activities and status

To be successful you will: 

• Enjoy camping and leading adventures in the outdoors
• Be resourceful and have good judgement
• Have a talent of connecting well with teens
• Be a natural leader with excellent leadership, communication, and problem solving skills
• Be passionate about helping teens learn and heal
• Be able to maintain healthy boundaries to role model healthy communication

Requirements: 

• Must be 21 years or older 
• Bachelors degree in related field (preferred) with 1+ years experience working with youth 
• OR High School diploma / GED and 3+ years experience working with youth (or comparable experience)
• Must be able to work 8 days straight living in the wilderness with the teens (with 6 days off)
• Must possess and maintain current First Aid and CPR certification (WFR preferred) or be willing to become certified
• Must be able to lift and carry 50+ pounds for extended durations
• Must be able to pass a Background Criminal Investigation
• Must possess a valid Drivers License and clean driving record
• Must pass a post-employment offer physical

Are you ready for the adventure?   Start your life changing journey with us today!