Full-Time Wilderness Field Instructor

Pine River Institute; Canada; On-site; CAD 48,000 - 59,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Dental benefits

Long-term disability benefits

Bonus program

Job summary

Pine River Institute in Canada is seeking a Full-Time Wilderness Instructor to support our youth wilderness program starting October 2026. The salaried role includes a bonus program and comprehensive health, dental, and LTD benefits.

Responsibilities include planning logistics, teaching wilderness skills, coordinating trips by canoe and hike, and ensuring student safety and therapeutic goals within the program. Rotation is 9 days in the field, 3 days off, 3 days at base camp, 6 days off.

Qualifications

• WFR with experience managing backcountry medical issues.
• Bronze Cross Certification with NLS preferred.
• B.A., B.Sc., or college diploma in related field.

Responsibilities

• Planning, preparing and understanding logistics and equipment needs while in the woods.
• Teaching basic wilderness/survival skills.
• Leading and coordinating daily travel and outdoor activities/initiatives, canoeing, hiking etc.
• Ensuring therapeutic goals of the program in general and the individual therapeutic plan for the students are realized.
• Ensuring student safety and well-being.
• Organizing, leading and participating in student’s daily activities.
• Participation in and facilitation of group meetings and discussions.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Initiative

Education

B.A., B.Sc., or college diploma in related field

Job description

As an employer, PRI endeavours to create an environment where staff can reach their full potential through ongoing learning. Our workplace strives to embrace individual differences, to recognize, appreciate, and respond to uniqueness, to encourage every member of our team to bring their whole self to work.

Position: Full-Time Wilderness Instructor

Vacancy: Existing role

Start Date: October 2026

Reports to: Wilderness Program Director/ Wilderness Therapist

Salary: $53,497.60 annually

We are looking for individuals with the qualifications and related experience in Wilderness field work. This individual will demonstrate patience, integrity, commitment, and an ability to maintain clear boundaries, and a sense of humour.

We offer competitive compensation, and the opportunity to be part of an exciting and innovative program. Salaried position with bonus program, and Health, Dental & LTD Benefits.

Required qualifications

• WFR with experience managing backcountry medical issues
• Minimum Bronze Cross Certification with NLS preferred
• B.A., B.Sc., or college diploma in related field
• Experience working with at-risk youth and young adults in a wilderness setting
• Clear certification of Vulnerable Sector Criminal Check
• Eligibility to work in Canada

Primary responsibilities

• Planning, preparing and understanding logistics and equipment needs while in the woods
• Teaching basic wilderness/survival skills
• Leading and coordinating daily travel and outdoor activities/initiatives, canoeing, hiking etc
• Ensuring therapeutic goals of the program in general and the individual therapeutic plan for the students are realized
• Ensuring student safety and well-being
• Organizing, leading and participating in student’s daily activities
• Participation in and facilitation of group meetings and discussions

Key competencies required to be successful in this role

• Leadership, Communication, and Initiative
• Problem Solving, Critical Thinking, and Teamwork

Experience preferred

• 2-5 years in outdoor education/ wilderness guiding role

The schedule is run on a rotation of 9 days in the field, 3 days off, 3 days at base camp, and 6 days off shift. The role is challenging and rewarding for the right candidate. If you are passionate about the outdoors, and want to make a difference, we want to hear from you!

We thank all candidates who apply. Please note that only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

In accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), Pine River Institute strives to ensure that all recruiting processes are non-discriminatory and barrier-free. If you require an accommodation, please advise in advance of attending an interview.