Wilderness Therapy Field Instructor
Mentoring participants through outdoor adventure and therapeutic interventions in natural environments.
Overview
The role involves living in remote outdoor environments for extended shifts, often ranging from eight to fifteen consecutive days. Field instructors manage the physical and emotional safety of a small group, navigating challenges such as inclement weather, navigation, and group dynamics. Daily activities focus on primitive living skills, communal chores, and guided reflection, creating a structured environment where natural consequences drive learning and accountability. Individuals in this field must balance the logistical demands of a backcountry guide with the emotional intelligence of a mentor.
The work rhythm is defined by intense periods of 24-hour supervision followed by multi-day breaks. Success in this career requires high resilience, adaptability, and the ability to maintain professional boundaries in an informal setting. It attracts individuals who find satisfaction in long-term observational work and who can maintain composure during behavioral crises or environmental stressors. The primary objective is to bridge the gap between therapeutic theory and real-world application through constant, direct engagement with participants.
responsibilities
Responsibilities
- Facilitate daily group processing sessions to address interpersonal conflicts and personal goals.
- Supervise participants during backcountry travel, camp setup, and primitive fire-making activities.
- Monitor the physical health and safety of all group members in diverse weather conditions.
- Implement individualized treatment plans and behavioral interventions as directed by clinical staff.
- Document participant progress and significant incidents through detailed daily field notes.
- Coordinate logistics for food resupply, gear maintenance, and emergency medical evacuations when necessary.
- Teach mindfulness techniques and emotional regulation strategies to help participants manage distress.
Qualifications
- Completion of a bachelor's degree in psychology, outdoor education, or a related behavioral science field.
- Possess a current Wilderness First Responder (WFR) or Wilderness EMT certification.
- Demonstrated experience in backcountry navigation, survival skills, and group leadership.
- Ability to pass a comprehensive background check and maintain a clean driving record.
- Physical stamina to carry heavy packs over rugged terrain for multiple miles daily.
Nice to have
- Prior experience working with at-risk youth or in residential treatment facilities.
- Certification in specific therapeutic modalities such as Dialectical Behavior Therapy or motivational interviewing.
- Advanced proficiency in hard skills such as rock climbing, whitewater rafting, or equestrian management.
Work environment
- Work is conducted entirely outdoors in remote wilderness areas across all seasons.
- The schedule typically follows a 'shift-on, shift-off' rotation, such as eight days in the field followed by six days off.
- Team structures usually consist of two to four instructors supervising a group of six to twelve participants.
- Communication with headquarters is maintained via satellite phones or radio systems in areas without cellular service.
- Living conditions are primitive, involving tents or tarps and open-fire or camp-stove cooking.
Benefits & growth
- Compensation often includes a daily rate or annual salary plus a stipend for outdoor gear.
- Professional development is frequently provided through internal training on clinical theory and wilderness skills.
- Career progression typically leads to Senior Field Instructor, Field Director, or Clinical Therapist roles after further graduate education.
- Many programs offer pro-deal discounts on professional-grade outdoor equipment and apparel.
- Health insurance and retirement contributions are standard for full-time staff at established programs.
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