Wilderness Therapy Jobs

Work in some of the most beautiful outdoor spots in America. Make a difference in the lives of others. Develop your own talents and skills. Hiking, camping, backpacking, beautiful scenery and dynamic interpersonal relationships all come with the job. Sound good great?

In this job channel, you'll explore opportunities as outdoor field instructors, wilderness therapy guides, field mentors, adventure therapy support staff, and residential outdoor youth counselors. You'll become a teacher. You'll become a healthy role model. You'll teach outdoor and survival skills. You'll play an essential role in mentoring and guiding youth and teens looking for healthier and higher trails through physically and demanding challenges.

Do what you love while providing insight, direction and hope to those who need it!

Providing challenge and change through remote wilderness adventures, Alaska Crossings offers 41-day wilderness behavioral health programs for Alaskan teenagers ages 12-18. Field Guides play an essential role in mentoring and guiding participants through physically and mentally demanding land and water-based expeditions. These adventures in Southeast Alaska provide the framework for the delivery of Alaska Crossings' PADDLER curriculum. Field guides elicit positive change through behavior modification, social and life skill development and mentorship to each participant. Guides work the entire 41 days, so experience and familiarity with backcountry travel is essential. The season begins by attending staff training in mid-March. Guides are expected to make an initial one-year commitment of 1-3 programs. Benefits include compensation of $130-$235/day, pro-deal purchases, medical clinic discounts and retirement after one year. Qualifications differ for each guide level; however, all applicants should ideally have experience working with youth (especially those with behavioral issues), and be skilled in alpine environments, canoeing, mountaineering, multi–day backcountry tripping, and WFR/CPR certified. Flexibility, adaptability and strong interpersonal and communication skills are essential. If you have what it takes to be the change, visit AlaskaCrossings.org for the next steps.

• Do you have what it takes to venture to rugged remote environments while mentoring and guiding 12 to 18 year-olds? Alaska Crossings field guides lead 41-day therapeutic wilderness expeditions in the Tongass National Forest in Alaska and on the Stikine River in British Columbia, Canada.

Explore Hawaii as a Wilderness Therapy Field Instructor!
Come work with at-risk youth on one of five organic farms on the Big Island of Hawaii. Pacific Quest facilitates an environment for teens and young adults to recognize a desire for change. In addition to working with a counseling and treatment team to achieve weekly outcomes for students, a typical day consists of working the land, role modeling, teaching and helping facilitate learning about sustainability, basic living skills, and emotional growth. Advanced students go on day outings once a week. The staff team consists of a Lead Instructor, a Health & Safety Instructor, a Support Instructor and/or an Apprentice. Each staff member will work eight-days on, six-days off from Thursday to Thursday. Compensation includes an hourly wage, WiFi access and room and board during the working period for the adolescent program (accommodations are not provided on your week off). Desired qualifications include a Bachelor’s degree, preferably in Psychology, Farming/Agroecology or Outdoor Education/Leadership, or a minimum of 3 years relevant experience. Specific experience with “at-risk” youth or within wilderness therapy a plus. If you can make a one-year commitment and have experience and enthusiasm for working with teens in an outdoor therapeutic setting, apply with Pacific Quest!

• Blending a wilderness therapy model on an organic farm, Pacific Quest facilitates an environment for students to recognize a want for change while learning about sustainability, basic living and problem solving skills, health and nutrition, emotional growth and Hawaiian culture.

Soltreks, Inc. is an owner-directed therapeutic wilderness program fostering personal growth and development for teenagers and young adults seeking to make changes in their life, relationships, and relationship to life. Soltreks is best known for its custom designed individual treks, family work and attention to each student's process within small groups. Support is provided with learning/attention challenges, loss/grief, depression, anxiety, family/relationship problems and low self-esteem. Programs include: One-on-One Treks, Specialty Treks, and a Summer Adventure Program. Wilderness Instructors will deliver technical and therapeutic programming, with activities that include backpacking, biking, rock climbing, ropes course, canoeing, sea kayaking and service learning facilitated in Minnesota during the spring/summer/fall and in Florida and New Mexico during the winter/early spring. Instructors will also teach a variety of outdoor living skills and facilitate emotional growth learning through effective communication, problem solving, and relationship building. Positions are contract based, varying between 21-54 days in length. Multiple contracts may be available throughout seasons. Competitive pay and outdoor industry perks provided. Applicants must have a bachelor's degree, be at least 21 years of age, WFR certified, and have documented field hours in wilderness therapy and technical skills of trek area. Additional job openings include logistical support staff, therapeutic recreation internships and seasonal therapists. To begin the application process, email your resume to Doug Sabo.

• Working with Soltreks will provide you with the opportunity to share your skills, experience and your self with teenagers and young adults who need structure, boundaries, guidance, and support. As the name suggests, Soltreks truly provides treks for the soul.

Are you willing to challenge yourself physically and emotionally? Flexible and adaptable to changing situations? Comfortable in a wilderness setting? Eager to guide students down a path of increased self awareness? As a character development wilderness program for troubled teens, Adirondack Leadership Expeditions (ALE) promotes personal growth through a focus on insight-oriented experiences. Seasonal and year-round Wilderness Field Instructors assist the Lead Instructor in carrying out therapeutic outcomes for each student while using primitive survival skills, 4-5 day backpacking expeditions and outdoor experiential education techniques as tools for emotional and spiritual growth for their group. Instructing for ALE is not only a wonderful opportunity to help change the lives of teenagers, but also a chance to challenge your self and grow. Field instructors work 8-day shifts, with 6 days off in between, spending 24 hours a day with the students while on shift. In addition to a competitive wage and outdoor gear pro deals, you'll have continuous opportunities for personal and professional growth. Browse their website for more information, including qualifications, responsibilities, and additional benefits of the position. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis; detailed information can be obtained by connecting with Hal Beck.

• While helping to change lives in a beautiful Adirondack mountain setting, Wilderness Field Instructors with Adirondack Leadership Expeditions also have a chance to professionally and personally learn and grow in new ways.

With three unique programs in North Carolina, SUWS of the Carolinas, Phoenix Outdoor, SUWS Seasons and Approach empower at-risk students to rediscover their strengths while preparing them to become more self-reliant, sustain meaningful relationships and possess a higher level of personal integrity.

Using the outdoors as an alternative to conventional treatment environments, Wilderness Field Instructors co-lead groups of adolescents in the backcountry, accounting for 24-hour safety and supervision. Duties include teaching primitive outdoor skills, facilitating therapeutic activities and treatment goals and empowering students to take responsibility for their actions and make healthy choices.

Positions are typically summer seasonal (8-day on, 6-day off rotation), with the option to become full-time. Applicants must be at least 21 and have comfort in the backcountry and working with adolescents. A college degree is a plus; WFR or WFA is recommended, but not required. To begin the application process, email your resume and two letters of recommendation to Pam Ritchi.

• Teach primitive outdoor skills in the Pisgah National Forest. Facilitate wilderness therapy activities. Empower students to make healthy choices and become more self-reliant. This and so much more working as a Wilderness Field Instructor for SUWS of the Carolinas, Phoenix Outdoor or SUWS Seasons or Approach.

Set amid the scenic Blue Ridge Mountains of western North Carolina, Trails Carolina a challenging therapeutic wilderness program designed to promote positive change, fostering feelings of accomplishment and self worth while developing new patterns of behavior for youth and adolescents ages 10-17. A dynamic combination of therapeutic strategies includes a complete equine program, academic classes and backcountry living. The integration of experiential activities offers opportunities for peak experiences, key psychological moments of self-actualization and breakthrough insight. Field Instructors are responsible for ensuring the safety of their group, providing positive role modeling, teaching backpacking/backcountry living and wilderness survival skills, and promoting a positive environment for growth to take place. An 8-day-on, 6-day-off work schedule is required. Pay starts at $137 per day, with performance based increases thereafter. After 90 days you will also have the option of full health insurance, which includes vision and dental. Applicants must be at least 21 years of age, able to pass a physical exam/drug screen at the time of employment and be CPR/first aid certified (preference given to those with Wilderness First Responder certification). If you are motivated, creative, passionate, and want to help change lives, email your resume to Kelly Pace.

• Equine therapy is a key component to the Trails way of working with adolescents. Horses are dynamic, powerful creatures, able to innately sense emotions and instinctively react to their environment. Youth are naturally drawn to these beautiful animals, quickly becoming engaged and invested in the therapeutic process.

Located in Southern Oregon within the shadow of Mt. Shasta, Dragonfly Transitions is home away from home for young adults who are struggling with the transition to healthy, productive independence. Transitions offers a customized program, supportive peer group, strong accountability and calming, manageable surroundings. Working with a dedicated treatment team, Mentors will serve as role models and support students in their quest for independent living skills, personal growth and emotional maturation. In addition to being responsible for the direct, primary care of young adults, Mentors will provide a safe and supportive environment; monitor and write treatment summaries and goals; plan, lead, and facilitate daily activities, monthly overnight trips, workshops and group meetings (there is room to use your strengths, interests and creativity in planning activities); and model healthy and appropriate interactions, conflict resolution, and life skills. Applicants must have a Bachelor's degree, a background working professionally with young adults struggling with diverse issues; a willingness to supervise, enforce boundaries, provide role modeling and leadership to students; and experience in outdoor skills such as hiking, rock climbing, paddling and skiing is preferred. Starting pay is based on experience; increases are possible based on performance at quarterly reviews. To begin the application process, email your resume to Rebecca Carlin.

• Are you bright, self-confident and motivated to be a mentor and role model for young adults in transition to healthy living? Dragonfly Transitions Mentors will enjoy working in a professional and fun atmosphere while being a positive influence in the lives of young adults.

The Aspiro Group has pioneered three dynamic and powerful therapeutic programs (Aspiro, Vantage Point and Kairos) for adolescents and young adults. Wilderness Adventure Therapy combines clinically sophisticated treatment with outdoor adventure activities to treat a wide variety of adolescent and young adult challenges.

Wilderness Adventure Therapy Field Guides will lead and safely teach groups of students in activities that include rock climbing/rappelling, biking, canoeing, rafting, backpacking, canyoneering and downhill skiing. Each skill taught can be compared to real life skills that will help students succeed. After each activity, Guides sit down with their group and process the activity; giving students an opportunity to see personal achievement and how they can improve. The largest number of Guide job openings is during the summer season beginning in May. A Guide Tryout Weekend is typically held in late March or early April for prospective applicants. About 75% of the students are male and Aspiro is legally required to staff its groups with appropriate gender ratios. As the busy summer season winds down, Aspiro begins creating a team that is invested in working consistently through the following fall, winter, spring and summer. The base pay starts at $120/day, although most Guides will make the equivalent of $135/day within 6 months. Benefits include an in-house WFR course, stipends for professional conferences, health insurance, hard-skills workshops, and other professional development opportunities. Aspiro seeks individuals of all levels of skill and experience. AspiroPrograms.com

• Aspiro recognizes that Guides are not primarily focused on financial rewards. The chance to make a difference, the impressive resume Guides build, the internal advancement opportunities available, and the personal growth experienced in such an intense, challenging environment are all factors that Aspiro Guides appreciate.

Ready to begin your journey with a unique wilderness therapy organization while shaping the lives of adolescents in the outdoors? With a field area located in Utah's spectacular Manti-La Sal National Forest and the San Rafael Swell region, Elements Wilderness Program is looking for dedicated, hard working, passionate, caring, and eager-to-be-challenged Field Mentors. With the help of the great outdoors and a licensed therapist, you will support, endure, join, and guide students through a safe, stable and healthy environment for each to find a safer, healthier and enriching life. You will live, eat, and work together as a group and also help process and guide the students to more appropriate decisions in their life. While in the field, you will teach outdoor living skills, use problem solving techniques to maneuver through environmental challenges and lead daily personal reflective activities. A commitment of six months to one year is preferred (8-day-on, 6-day-off shift); the pay rate begins at $127/day, with most mentors earning $145-$165/day. By joining Elements in its infancy stage, you will have the opportunity to help structure and mold both the program and organization while developing your professional skills in the outdoor field. ElementsWilderness.com

• Elements Wilderness Program Field Mentors blend the four key elements of community, nature, well-being and therapy into every wilderness experience for students seeking a better way of life.

Camping. Backpacking. Bow drill fires. Oh yeah, and teenagers. All in southern Utah's spectacular backcountry. With RedCliff Ascent you'll make your living helping troubled teens and conquering yourself while you do it. You'll get paid for being outside with a whole bunch of people who love the outdoors as much as you do. RedCliff is unlike anything you've ever experienced. It's work without walls, without limits. This job makes you better, stronger—more sure of who you are and what you want. It's an experience you'll never forget. If you're tough enough to take it, call 'em. Prospective Field Instructors must attend a 1-week training session in the field, which are scheduled just about every month. WildernessWork.com

• Few roles are more fulfilling in life than the role of mentor, and few jobs offer the wide range of opportunities which RedCliff offers to its field staff. Hiking, camping, backpacking, beautiful scenery and dynamic interpersonal relationships all come with the job. Add to this the chance to tone up the physique and improve your level of self confidence and personal character, and you have a job that is hard to beat.

Looking for an office with a view, a meaningful career in the outdoor industry, and being part of a community that cares? Share your outdoor passion and skills with Second Nature Entrada in the Red Rocks of Southern Utah! As a year-round licensed therapeutic wilderness program, Entrada uses the wilderness to assist adolescent and adult clients in their journey toward healthy behaviors and rewarding relationships. Working in a group with three to four other staff members, Field Instructors keep eight to ten clients safe while backpacking in the high desert of Southern Utah. In addition to implementing the Entrada program philosophy, other responsibilities include role modeling as well as teaching backpacking, communication, and wilderness survival skills. Instructors work a rotating schedule of eight days on and six days off, and a 1-year commitment is necessary. Pay starts at $127/day and progresses up to $195/day, plus bonuses. Benefits include full health and dental insurance, medical and professional training stipends and a variety of professional gear deals. Applicants must be at least 21 years of age; preference is given to those with a Bachelor's degree in a related field or an equivalent amount of relevant experience, with certification in Wilderness First Responder, EMT and/or WEMT. Prospective Field Instructors must attend a week-long orientation session in the field, which is generally scheduled every month. SNEntrada.com

• Wilderness Field Instructors for Second Nature Entrada become teachers and positive role models for adolescents and adults looking to build their confidence and self-esteem in the Red Rocks of Southern Utah. Energetic, fun and creative individuals who love the outdoors are encouraged to apply.

Are you flexible, patient and have a desire to help today's youth? As one of the industry's most sophisticated wilderness therapy programs, Second Nature Uintas provides insight, direction and hope to troubled teens and their families. With the aid of the wilderness, licensed therapists and experienced staff, adolescents from the ages of 13-17 embark on a journey to make healthy choices and rewarding relationships. Second Nature Field Instructors will develop clinical qualities unrivaled in therapeutic wilderness care. Creativity, affinity for outdoor living, sensitivity, compassion, flexibility and patience along with the desire to help young people lead healthy and productive lives are all prerequisites for the Field Instructor position. You will work eight days on, six days off; the eight-day shift is spent in the Uinta Mountains and high desert of Utah, hiking and camping with students and helping to keep them physically and emotionally safe. Pay is competitive, with benefits that include full health and dental insurance, performance bonuses, participation in a 401k plan and a variety of professional gear deals. Applicants must be at least 19 years old, have a high school diploma or equivalent, current CPR and first aid certification, and make a minimum commitment of one year. Prospective applicants must attend a week long training session in the field. Upcoming trainings are scheduled throughout the year and are posted at SNWP.com.

• Did you know? Most Second Nature Uintas staff live in Salt Lake City or Park City, which puts you within an hours drive of eight world class ski resorts. Skiing or snowboarding not your thing? The area also offers great hiking, climbing, and mountain biking along with a great live music scene. Imagine living in a world-class vacation destination that you call home!

Be a part of an incredible adventure with a wilderness therapy company in Utah's pristine red rock territory. With a stunning landscape of southern Utah providing a powerful backdrop for life-changing experiences, WinGate Wilderness Therapy is always looking for top quality individuals to work as field staff members. Commonly known as Wind Walkers to the students, you will use the principles from your in-depth training on the trail by modeling it, living it and teaching it to them. By using the wilderness and primitive living skills as metaphors, you will enable an environment that invites change out of each student as opposed to telling him or her that they need to change. You will also have the opportunity to walk a path that promotes growth in your own life. Preference will be given to those who have wilderness first responder certification and can commit to one year. Compensation starts at $105/day, with the opportunity to make up to $195/day (daily rates will gladly be matched if you are coming from another company with wilderness experience). Health and dental benefits are also provided after 90 days. If you're looking for a unique opportunity to build something great, check out WinGateWildernessTherapy.com.

• WinGate Wilderness Therapy uses the wilderness and primitive living skills as metaphors to enable change of heart in the students.

Blending the best of ancient cultural systems with a wilderness therapy program, Outback Therapeutic Expeditions provides a powerful setting for real change in troubled teens. The elements of a wilderness experience, individualized treatment, family counseling, and peer interaction combine to help students turn negative habits and behaviors into positive change. Wilderness Field Guides/Counselors empower adolescents by focusing on their self-esteem, team building and positive decision-making skills. They act as mentors in building relationships of trust as well as teachers of primitive and survival skills. Guides work an eight days-on/six-days-off schedule. Pay starts at $127/day and progresses up to $190/day. Health benefits kick in after 90 days. Applicants must be at least 21 years of age and CPR/first aid certified (WFR preferred); preference is given to those with at least six months of experience working with teens. If you are a person who can establish relationships fast, enjoy working with teenagers, loves adventure, is outgoing, active, and can work well in a team environment, check out OutbackTreatment.com. Watch the online video, and if you are interested in applying for the most rewarding job you will ever have, email your resume along with three work-related references and a cover letter to Heather Deveraux.

• Working for Outback Therapeutic Expeditions is not just a job, it's a journey. It is an experience that will challenge and reward you in countless ways as you touch the lives of students in your care. It is emotionally, physically and mentally challenging—and will probably become the most memorable and most fulfilling job you'll ever have.

New Vision Wilderness therapy programs combine backpacking expeditions, canoeing and more with psychotherapy in order to assess and intervene with 13-17 year old struggling teens. While allowing structured wilderness excursions to physically challenge clients, master's level clinicians intensively challenge patients in one-to-one and group therapy sessions—a unique mixture that promotes the personal growth of each client. Full-time and contract Wilderness Instructors are responsible for the day-to-day facilitation of programming, including risk management, implementation of program philosophy, student supervision, leadership and responsible decision-making, communication, and the overall care and welfare of up to 8 students. Full-time Instructors start at $25,000/year based on experience and must commit to at least one year. Contract Instructors work a flexible schedule based on programming needs and will earn a $115-$165 per diem rate. Benefits include health insurance, training and hiring stipends, paid vacation, pro deals, and, of course, paddling lakes and rivers, hiking and fishing all while healing children. Applicants must be at least 21 years old, have a bachelor's degree, minimum one-year experience working in the field with at-risk youth, and strong leadership, communication and problem solving skills; WFR certified preferred. For those with a Master's degree and/or 2-3 years of experience, Full-time Wilderness Therapist, Contract Wilderness Therapist and Assistant Field Director positions are available. Job opportunities are also offered in Oregon.

• Wilderness Instructors are the front line staff that are responsible for ensuring a safe and therapeutic milieu. You may work up to 21 days in the field in all New Vision Wilderness programs, including expeditions, family, school and 1:1 excursions.

For over two decades, NOLS Wilderness Medicine Institute has been the most recognized and respected teacher of wilderness medicine, training over 114,000 students from around the world. Days are filled with dynamic lessons and exciting, realistic scenarios to best model the kind of medical situations you might face, whether you're an outdoor educator, guide or camp counselor. Wilderness Medicine Instructors are needed to teach WFR, WFA and/or WEMT courses ranging in length from 2-30 days on a year-round basis throughout the U.S., with an emphasis on courses in AZ, GA, NC, SC, TN and VA. Teaching contracts may be arranged to fit other seasonal employment schedules; however, highest consideration will be given to applicants who are available during the busiest teaching months from mid-November through late June. Applicants must possess WEMT or higher certification and professional level CPR certification; significant patient care experience in urban and wilderness settings; several seasons of experience in extended backcountry leadership positions; and a teaching background in either formal or experiential settings. Compensation includes $115-$200/day, plus travel and living expenses during courses. The next WFR Instructor Training Course will be held from November 10-19, 2013 (there is a tuition charge to cover food, lodging and materials). For more info, contact Gates Richards through email or by calling (866) 831-9001. Apply by May 11th for early consideration.

• NOLS Wilderness Medicine Institute Instructors get their start as professional outdoor educators, urban EMS providers, remote researchers and military special operators—they know what it feels like to make tough decisions in remote places because they've been there.

The National Association of Therapeutic Schools and Programs (NATSAP) serves as a national resource for programs and professionals assisting young people beleaguered by emotional and behavioral difficulties. Members include therapeutic schools, residential treatment programs, wilderness programs, outdoor therapeutic programs, young adult programs, and home-based residential programs.

As one of the largest and most comprehensive network of therapeutic schools and programs for struggling or underachieving young people, Aspen Education Group services range from short-term intervention programs to residential treatment, and include a variety of therapeutic interventions including boarding schools, wilderness therapy, residential treatment, special needs summer camps, and weight loss programs.

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