Lead Field Instructor

We believe connecting to their beauty satisfies a basic human need that is important to our hearts as well as our heritage. And we believe in the transformative effect they have on people.  

We first started introducing students to this beauty through immersive field studies in 1979, and over the years have continually refined and improved our programs to provide both rich learning experiences and deep connections to the environment.

For forty-four years, Wildlands Studies has offered exciting and challenging opportunities. Our field studies programs put students in the field. Hike across mountain meadows, ford streams and camp in the forest. Swim in warm ocean waters and examine coral reefs and sea life. Experience nature in the wild.

POSITION OVERVIEW AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Renowned for its accredited researched-based undergraduate field programs, Wildlands Studies seeks candidates holding a MSc or PhD to be the Lead Instructor for new field programs. Students consistently report that their Wildlands Studies experience added depth and meaning to their on-campus classes and “changed their lives”. Wildlands Studies instructors enhance their own credentials with unique opportunities to teach in the field while engaging students in active research.

The Lead Instructor will direct students on an academically rigorous, wilderness-based two and six-week field study programs to explore habitats and cultures of specific U.S.A. and international locales, with the aim to offer the course repeatedly each year. Students earn 5-15 quarter credits for one or three field classes covering Environmental Studies, Field Research Practices, and Environment and Culture. The Lead Instructor is responsible for on-going seminars, lectures, instruction, guided field work and field methods, and assessment of all student work, as well as group dynamics and the overall well-being of participants.

Each year Wildlands Studies offers sixteen to twenty field programs per year studying wildlife and wildland environmental topics emphasizing hands-on learning and onsite explorations of pressing environmental issues. Programs take place in North America, Asia, Central and South America, South Africa and other locales. This year students study wolf populations, elephant re-entry, mountain wildlife ecology, ecosystem dynamics, conservation biology, forest resource management, and cultural sustainability. Instructors are responsible for developing and teaching the program curriculum and syllabus, coordinating logistics, and providing a safe and engaging program on-site.

Wildlands Studies is currently accepting new program proposals for the 2026-2027 and 2027-2028 academic years. We are also looking for a few select substitute lead instructors for the 2025-2026 academic year. We advertise for new proposals and locations in environmental journals and specific environmental education websites. We ask that all new proposals follow our formal Program Proposal Guidelines, found below as a PDF, and complete our online application. Proposals are reviewed when received. Our program calendar is planned twelve to eighteen months in advance and instructors must be able to commit to a program up to eighteen months out with the aim to have the program offered repeatedly.

Renowned for its accredited research-based undergraduate field programs, Wildlands Studies seeks candidates holding an MSc or PhD to be the Lead Instructor for new academic field programs. Students consistently report that their Wildlands Studies experience added depth and meaning to their on-campus classes and “changed their lives”. Wildlands Studies instructors enhance their own credentials with unique opportunities to teach in the field while engaging students in active research.

The Lead Instructor will direct students on an academically rigorous, wilderness-based six-week field study to explore habitats and cultures of specific USA-based and international locales. We are specifically seeking new international locations that will attract students and cover a wide variety of topics and terrain within our mission. We specifically welcome proposals for Chile, Iceland, Nepal, and Australia to replace current instructors, and new locales in the Pacific realm, Southeast Asia, Japan, Norway/Mountain regions, and South America. Students earn 5-15 quarter credits for three field classes covering Environmental Studies, Field Research Practices, and Environment and Culture. Lead Instructor is responsible for ongoing seminars, lectures, instruction, guided field work and field methods, and assessment of all student work, as well as group dynamics and the overall well-being of participants. Review our Lead Instructor description on our website. Compensation is competitive.

Requirements

Knowledge and experience of field study location required. Applicants must have Masters degree in hand; PhD Candidates and/or completed PhD preferred. A qualified Lead Instructor will have experience leading field study programs and teaching at the undergraduate level, specifically upper division environmental studies classes; a good sense of humor, flexibility, patience, and understanding; be a physically fit experienced outdoorsperson capable of leading students on day hikes and multi-day overnight backpacking trips; a capable and skilled group facilitator able to spend 24 hours per day, 7 days per week with up to 16 students aged 18-23 for the duration of the program managing associated interpersonal dynamics; an accomplished logistical planner capable of managing the overarching and day-to-day logistics, program finances and communications; certified in First Aid and CPR (preferably WFR) and able to competently and confidently manage medical emergencies and other medical situations should they arise. We require our program staff to be able to easily transport students in vehicles. Individuals must have a clean driving record, manual transmission experience, knowledge and competence driving in international locations and, if needed, the ability to drive a right-hand drive vehicle on the left side of the road. Reference checks, fingerprinting and background checks are required before any offer is finalized.

Program Dates

We are currently accepting applications for substitute instructors for our 2025-2026 academic year, and new proposals for our 2026-2027 academic year (Summer 2026, Fall 2026, Winter 2027, Spring 2027).  Locations that include a wildlife study or marine focus always preferred.  Review www.wildlandsstudies.com for details. 

Application Process

Review website and current course offerings to ensure understanding of program requirements. Complete an online application and upload a CV, cover letter detailing experience with course topics/field study experience and brief initial course proposal. We are working very quickly to identify suitable candidates and move forward with new programs.