Professional Development. Relationship & Connection. Therapeutic Coaching. Outdoor Skills. Blue Ridge Instructors are role models for a healthier way of life.Located in the Blue Ridge mountains of North Georgia, Blue Ridge Therapeutic Wilderness is a leading nature-based therapy program that integrates a family systems approach, whole body health and wellness, and holistic, assessment driven, clinical treatment for adolescents (ages 12-17) with anxiety, depression and other mental health challenges. Field Instructors play an integral role in delivering a wilderness-based curriculum that provides students with a safe, supportive space to unplug from the distractions of daily life and engage in meaningful therapeutic work. |
| What You'll Be Doing | Blue Ridge is proud to have developed a tight-knit community of highly trained and compassionate wilderness professionals. View the field staff experience » Field Instructors
Your primary duty as a Field Instructor is to ensure the physical and emotional safety of the students. At Blue Ridge, the wilderness is not just the setting for therapy, but rather it is an active part of the process! That means you're continuously observing, teaching, and assessing all manner of skills: backpacking, bow-drilling, cooking and general outdoor living, in addition to therapeutic concepts and tools. Starting with new staff training, Blue Ridge will provide you the mentorship and support needed so that you can excel in this role. Blue Ridge encourages staff to bring their own unique personalities, knowledge, interests, and passions into this work. Staff are not cookie-cutter copies of one-another! You being yourself—simply role-modeling what it means to be a healthy adult—may be the most effective tool for creating change! You are the one each student trusts and looks up to. You are the one that helps them through their hardest moments. And you are the one they remember long after they've left Blue Ridge! Simply put: Field Instructors are role-models for a healthier way of life.
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| Where You'll Be Working |
Blue Ridge headquarters is in Clayton, Georgia, a small town that provides great access to the field area and is within a couple of hours of several metro regions. Most staff reside in Asheville (NC), Atlanta (GA), Greenville (SC), or Clayton itself! Staff often climb, paddle, or hike the trails around northern Georgia and western North Carolina during time off. All three cities have famed art, music, and food scenes to explore. The field area spans the southern Appalachian Mountains and borders the Chattahoochee-Oconee and Nantahala National Forests. The field area is forested with rolling hills rising to ~4,700 feet. There are several waterfalls, historical sites, and scenic overlooks within the field area, including Rabun Bald, the second-highest peak in Georgia!
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| Time Commitment |
Field instructors work an 8-day-on, 6-day-off (typically Wednesday – Monday) schedule. In a typical week, 3-5 instructors camp, live, and role-model healthy maturity in the field with a group of 4-12 students. Your six days off are yours to use as you please! Blue Ridge values a strong, committed staff culture where Instructors can rely on those they're working with week-in and week-out. To thank those who are committed to long-term professional development with Blue Ridge, annual bonuses are provided. Blue Ridge will also consider a limited number of seasonal staff as needs arise (e.g. current college students looking for summer work/paid internships). Please make a note in your application if you are applying for a shorter-term position.
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| Perks of the Job |
Field Instructors receive the following:
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| The Essentials |
At minimum applicants must be at least 21 years old, have a high school diploma or equivalent, and possess current CPR/first aid certification (WFA or WFR preferred). Preference given to those who have experience with youth, mental health, outdoor living, teaching, and/or group leadership. Beyond these basic requirements, Blue Ridge seeks those who: • Demonstrate a track record of service, leadership, and care for others (in various forms and settings). Prior to official hire, applicants must obtain a physical stating that they are cleared to do this type of work and pass a state/federal criminal background check and pre-employment drug screening.
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| Why Blue Ridge? |
Blue Ridge knows they are not the only wilderness therapy program staff may apply to. Their goal is to be upfront about what they value and how they operate and leave it up to you to decide if they're the right fit for you! You should consider Blue Ridge if you:
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Your First Move & Connections |
To apply, email your resume (include relevant personal experience if applicable), cover letter (speak to your qualifications and experience in outdoor education, therapeutic environments, working with teens and young adults, and/or any other specialized skills and training you possess that would benefit Blue Ridge students) to Jessi Harris OR you can upload this info into the Blue Ridge application form. Prior to hire, you’ll also need to provide 3 letters of reference, copies of certifications (CPR, First Aid, etc.), and a copy of your diploma or official transcript from your highest level of education achieved. Please note if you do not yet possess a certification but will be obtaining one soon. After application review, you may be invited for a phone interview and ultimately to participate in an upcoming week-long camping orientation trip for possible employment. While an invitation to training does not guarantee a job offer, please note that Blue Ridge is interested in fostering community, not competition. If you are invited, it is because they believe you have potential to do great work and there is a spot on the Blue Ridge team for you!
Jessi Harris
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The role of Field Instructor is tough to describe without experiencing it—it's a unique blend of wilderness living, primitive skills, and psychology. Candidates don't necessarily need advanced skills in outdoor education or psychology to be considered, but a love of the outdoors, an empowered attitude, an open mind, and an appreciation of personal growth are all prerequisites.
