Wilderness School Seasonal Instructor; On-site

Position Overview

The State of Connecticut Department of Children and Families (DCF) Wilderness School is recruiting up to 28 seasonal Wilderness School Seasonal Instructors. Positions begin April 6 2026 and end November 12 2026. Candidates may work as Lead Expedition Instructor, Expedition Instructor, Base Camp Instructor, or Logistics/Climbing Instructor (Base Camp). Compensation ranges from $133.82 to $246.97 per diem (base camp to lead expedition), with incremental increases for returning seasonal instructors.

• Lead Expedition Instructor: Lead and supervise expeditions of up to ten students for 20‑Day, 8‑Day, or 5‑Day courses; provide skills instruction in backpacking, wilderness camping, map and compass, flat water, white water canoeing, rock climbing, rappelling, first aid, nutrition, personal hygiene, and ecology; facilitate interpersonal skill development; conduct orientation programs; attend staff training; complete course reporting.
• Expedition Instructor: Supervise and lead groups of up to ten students during expeditions; provide same skills instruction and counseling; conduct orientation; attend staff training; complete reporting.
• Base Camp Instructor: Supervise one‑day course participants; lead hiking, canoeing, and team‑building one‑day programs; assist in student supervision; attend staff training; perform base‑camp officer duties; may serve as expedition instructor as needed.
• Logistics/Climbing Instructor (Base Camp): Supervise and instruct rock climbing and high‑ropes activities; provide base‑camp support; transport students and supplies; conduct equipment maintenance; attend staff training; perform officer duties.

• Expedition experience required for Lead Instructors; preferred for Expedition and Base Camp Instructors.
• Group facilitation skills; youth work experience.

• Bachelor’s degree preferred; professional training and work experience as an experiential educator may be considered in lieu of a degree.
• Current Wilderness First Responder or equivalent (WAFA or WFA).
• Current American Heart Association (AHA) Healthcare Provider or American Red Cross (ARC) Professional Rescuer CPR.
• Current Wilderness School Medication Administration Training (provided).
• Current ARC Lifeguard certification and Waterfront training, or equivalent preferred.
• Current American Canoe Association (ACA) certification or equivalent preferred.
• Driver’s license preferred.
• For Logistics/Climbing specialists, American Mountain Guides Association (AMGA), Professional Climbing Instructor Association (PCIA) or equivalent rock climbing certification preferred.

The State of Connecticut is an equal‑opportunity affirmative action employer and strongly encourages applications from women, minorities, and persons with disabilities.