Wilderness Instructor, Oregon

~ New Vision Wilderness (NVW) is an effective and exciting alternative for struggling teens, young adults, and their families, and is the premiere wilderness therapy intervention. ~

We are consistently challenging the national therapy frontier. NVW is the home of cutting-edge trauma-informed care & wilderness intervention.

Position Overview

NVW is currently seeking applicants for Full Time Staff, Part Time, and Seasonal Wilderness Instructors at our Bend, Oregon program. 

Wilderness Instructors are the front line staff and are responsible for ensuring a safe and therapeutic milieu in a wilderness context for our groups of 12-17 year old struggling teens. Wilderness Instructors are responsible for groups of up to nine students on backpacking, canoeing, and other outdoor expeditions and will work several days straight in the Oregon wilderness (typically an 8-day on/6-day off schedule).

Instructors are in charge of group structure, supervision, safety, curriculum facilitation, teaching wilderness skills, and will be working hand in hand with NVW therapists who treat our children. This position will work in all NVW programs (Adolescent Outdoor, Family, School, and 1:1) and therefore with families and/or young adults too.

Responsibilities

• Wilderness Field Instructors are responsible for 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 9 students in a wilderness context.
• Responsibilities include direct care and supervision, completion of daily paperwork, weekly planning of group activities, and logistical duties.
• Any other duties as defined by the Field Director.

Qualifications

• Wilderness Field Instructor must be at least 21 years old and possess a BS/BA degree in related field.
• Minimum of 1 year experience working in the adventure or outdoor field with at-risk youth, or comparable experience.
• Excellent leadership, communication and problem solving skills.
• Must possess and maintain current First Aid and CPR certification (WFR preferred).
• Ability to lift and carry 50+ pounds for extended durations.
• Must be able to pass a Background Criminal Investigation.
• Must hold a valid Driver's License with clean driving record. 
• Must pass a post-employment offer medical physical.

Compensation: Competitive salary commensurate with experience. Paid Time Off (PTO). 3 Health Plan Options. AFLAC Accident and Illness Plans. 401K. Pro-deal availability. Training Stipends. Opportunities for advancement. Pro-deal availability. NVW provides training and a friendly and challenging work environment.