Wilderness School Seasonal Instructor (On-site

Introduction

Do you enjoy working outdoors and mentoring the youth to foster positive development? If so, we have an exciting opportunity for you! The State of Connecticut, Department of Children and Families (DCF) – Wilderness School is accepting applications for multiple seasonal Wilderness School Seasonal Instructor positions. The Wilderness School base camp is located in East Hartland, Connecticut, in the north‑central part of the state.

The anticipated start date for these positions will begin April 6, 2026 and end on or before November 12, 2026. Preferences will be given to candidates that have the requirements listed below. Position hours (shifts) will vary according to the duties of the position.

• Lead Expedition Instructor: $184.45 to $246.97
• Expedition Instructor: $171.10 to $233.10
• Base Camp Instructor: $133.82 to $185.85
• Logistics/Climbing Instructor (Base Camp): $133.82 to $185.85

Returning seasonal instructors may receive a 3% incremental increase for each season of service up to the maximum rate.

• Functions as the team leader for assigned expeditions.
• Responsible for the overall safety and risk management of all participants.
• Supervises and leads groups of up to ten students during the 20‑Day, 8‑Day or 5‑Day Expedition.
• Provides skill instruction in backpacking, wilderness camping, map and compass, flat water and white water canoeing, rock climbing and rappelling, first aid, nutrition, personal hygiene and ecology.
• Provides small group and individual counseling for adolescents of varying backgrounds.
• Facilitates interpersonal skill development for students.
• Supervises all course activities.
• Conducts orientation programs for students, families, and referring agencies.
• Attends summer staff training as required.
• Completes all course reporting in a timely manner.
• Leads 1‑Day courses for groups as available.
• Performs related duties as required.

• Responsible for the safety and risk management of all Expedition program participants.
• Supervises and leads groups of up to ten students during the 20‑Day, 8‑Day or 4‑Day Expedition.
• Provides skill instruction in backpacking, wilderness camping, map and compass, flat water and white water canoeing, rock climbing and rappelling, first aid, nutrition, personal hygiene and ecology.
• Provides small group and individual counseling for adolescents of varying backgrounds.
• Facilitates interpersonal skill development for students.
• Supervises all course activities.
• Conducts orientation programs for students, families, and referring agencies.
• Attends summer staff training as required.
• Completes all course reporting in a timely manner.
• Leads 1‑Day courses for groups as available.
• Performs related duties as required.

• Responsible for the safety and risk management of all one‑day course participants.
• Leads hiking, canoeing and team‑building one‑day programs, including orientation, outreach, DCF prevention and adolescent services as well as adult leadership and communication programs.
• Assists in the supervision of students engaged in field activities.
• Attends summer staff training as required.
• Conducts base camp officer of the day/back‑up duties as required.
• May be assigned as an Expedition Instructor as needed.
• Performs related duties as required.

• Supervises and instructs rock climbing and high‑ropes course activities.
• Provides base camp support to groups engaged in field activities.
• Transports students, staff, supplies and materials to and from local course areas.
• Conducts equipment issue, repair, maintenance, and inventory duties.
• Attends summer staff training as required.
• Performs base camp officer of the day/back‑up duties as required.
• Performs related duties as required.

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

A Bachelor's Degree is preferred. Professional level training and work experience as an Experiential Educator may be considered in lieu of a Bachelor's…