Wilderness Field Instructor

CoolWorks.com - Jobs in Great Places; Wilmington (NC); On-site; USD 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Room/board for seasonal staff

Industry-leading pay

Travel reimbursements

Training

Uniform shirt

Industry discounts

Administrative support

Proximity to the beach

Job summary

The National Center for Outdoor & Adventure Education is looking for Field Instructors for the 2026 season to guide wilderness trips. This role involves managing participant safety while facilitating adventure education courses such as canoeing and hiking.

Candidates should have experience in outdoor education or wilderness programs, strong critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. Employee perks include room and board for seasonal staff, industry-leading pay, and travel reimbursements.

Qualifications

• Prior experience working with wilderness programs or outdoor education.
• 3+ years experience leading outdoor education programs is a plus.
• Willingness to obtain Wilderness First Responder certification.

Responsibilities

• Guide wilderness trips and manage the safety of trip participants.
• Facilitate multi-day adventure education courses.
• Complete documentation accurately and timely.

Skills

Strong Critical Thinking

Problem Solving skills

Risk management

Teamwork

Independent work

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in related field

Associate's degree in related field

Tools

Wilderness First Aid certification

Wilderness First Responder certification

ACA paddling certification

Job description

The National Center for Outdoor & Adventure Education (NCOAE) has immediate openings for Field Instructors, to guide individually contracted wilderness trips for the 2026 season (July-Oct).

Instructors manage the safety of trip participants while co-facilitating multi-day adventure education courses in the field, including canoeing, backpacking, hiking, camping, kayaking, whitewater rafting, and more! Instructors manage risks and assure effective courses while serving as an educator and role models.

Must be able to teach and facilitate NCOAE’s curriculum to teens and adults, complete documentation accurately and in a timely fashion and participate in pre-trip and post-trip briefs. Additional duties include facilitating a meaningful group experience and setting an emotionally and physically safe, fun and engaging tone for students to follow. NCOAE is proud to be an AEE (Association for Experiential Education) accredited organization.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Prior experience working with wilderness programs, outdoor education, residential summer camps, or related field
• Strong Critical Thinking and Problem Solving skills
• Ability to work independently and in a team
• Current Wilderness First Aid or Wilderness First Responder certification (preferred) or willingness to obtain prior to employment
• Competency in risk management skills
• Prior canoe instruction experience a plus
• Successful completion of NCOAE staff training

Preferred:

• 3+ years experience leading domestic and/or international outdoor education programs
• Current WFR or WEMT certification
• Current ACA paddling certification
• Master’s, Bachelor’s or Associate’s degree in adventure education, outdoor education, recreation, wilderness leadership or related degree

Employee Perks Include:

• Room/board for seasonal staff
• Industry-leading pay
• Travel reimbursements
• Training
• Uniform shirt
• Industry discounts on professional memberships, clothing, gear, and equipment
• A dedicated administrative team to support your in-field efforts
• Live just a few miles from the beach in between courses!