Expedition Field Instructor (21 day contract)

Seeds Wilderness Therapy; Montrose (CO); On-site; USD 13,000 - 26,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Staff housing may be available

Job summary

Seeds Wilderness Way in Western Colorado seeks Field Instructors for a 21-day contract (Oct 4–25, 2026). You’ll lead two 5-day backpacking trips for parents and teens, provide student care in the wilderness, and model skills and spirituality while reporting progress to leadership. Some staff housing may be available.

Qualifications include 21+ age, strong communication/leadership, background check, and First Aid/CPR certification; driving license required. Compensation varies by time frame.

Qualifications

• Excellent communication, leadership and problem solving skills.
• Willingness to receive and give feedback to staff.
• Clear background check and sobriety.
• Basic first aid and CPR certification.
• Valid Driver’s License with clean record.

Responsibilities

• Lead two 5-day backpacking trips for parents and teens.
• Provide care for students in the wilderness and report progress.
• Model hard and soft skills, safety, and spiritual growth.
• Balance logistical and therapeutic intents with field director guidance.

Skills

Communication

Leadership

Problem solving

Teamwork

Adaptability

Wilderness living

Education

First Aid & CPR Certification

Driver’s License

Tools

Backpacking gear knowledge

Navigation skills

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.