Outdoor Leadership & Survival Instructor

Career Guide
Outdoor Leadership & Survival Instructors teach backcountry travel, safety, and survival skills while leading groups in field settings. They plan courses, manage risk, run scenarios, and coach leadership, teamwork, and decision-making during expeditions or day programs.

Key Responsibilities

  • Design field curricula and lesson plans
  • Teach navigation, shelter, fire, water, and campcraft
  • Lead backcountry trips and manage group safety
  • Conduct risk assessments and emergency response drills
  • Handle logistics: gear, routes, permits, and contingency plans
  • Evaluate participant skills and provide feedback
  • Maintain equipment and oversee field hygiene and food safety
  • Model and teach Leave No Trace practices

Career Progression

Can Lead To
Lead Instructor / Course Director
Program Manager, Outdoor Education
Risk Management Coordinator (Outdoor Programs)
Transition Opportunities
Backcountry Guide
Wilderness Therapy Field Instructor
Park Ranger
Search and Rescue Technician
Emergency Management Specialist
Environmental Educator

Common Skill Gaps

Often Missing Skills
Wilderness medicine at WFR levelMap-and-compass navigation without GPSStructured risk management and incident protocolsCurriculum design for outdoor skills courses
Development SuggestionsComplete a WFR + CPR course and run regular practice scenarios. Assist on trips with a local outdoor school or club to log supervised field days and refine lesson plans.

Salary & Demand

Median Salary Range
Entry Level$32,000–$40,000
Mid Level$41,000–$55,000
Senior Level$56,000–$75,000
Growth Trend
stable

Companies Hiring

Major Employers
NOLS (National Outdoor Leadership School)Outward Bound USAREI Co-op Experiences
Industry Sectors
EducationOutdoor Recreation & GuidingNon-Profit & Social ImpactGovernment (Parks & Recreation)

Recommended Next Steps

1
Earn WFR + CPR/AED and complete a Leave No Trace Trainer or Master Educator course.
2
Gain experience as an assistant instructor with a local outdoor school, camp, or outing club; log days leading core lessons (nav, shelter, fire).
3
Build a portfolio: trip plans, risk assessments, gear lists, and short videos of teaching key skills; collect references from course leads and apply for seasonal roles at NOLS/Outward Bound.