2026 Field Instructor - Backpacking Ministry

Seeds Wilderness Way (Seeds) works with families with troubled teens. We take teens on an intensive 40-day backpacking experience. The process includes our model: Retreat, Restore, Revive. Seeds is distinctly Christian and as such combines the best practices in wilderness and therapy with the teachings of Jesus and solid discipleship.

Field Instructors are the hands and feet of Seeds; they are the ones serving Christ to each teenager!  Field Instructors are responsible for the individual care of each student in the wilderness.  The Field Instructor is to love and serve the student, and help them find their potential in Christ.  Each instructor will disciple 2-3 students, watching their therapeutic, emotional, spiritual, and physical health.  Field Instructors will teach and role model both hard skills (backpacking, cooking, fire, safety) as well as soft skills (mental and emotional health, spirituality, understanding of the client’s complaining ‘issues’), as delegated by the Field Director or Therapist.  Changes in cognitive, affective, and behavioral growth will be individually coached and reported to the Field Director.  Field staff work with the Therapist to help formulate, implement, and measure therapeutic/spiritual directives.  The field staff report to the Field Director, who will balance logistical and therapeutic intents.  Field staff are also expected to participate in Seeds’ Aftercare discipleship program by 1) mentoring 2-3 students once a week via zoom for three months after graduation (This can be done from your home, and not in Colorado.) and 2) by visiting the family in their home six months after graduation.  Field staff will be invited to participate in other trips and experiences in the 3 year aftercare program as available.  

Qualifications for all Field Instructors

• Must be at least 21 years old, and 3 years older than the oldest student
• Excellent communication, leadership, and problem solving skills.  Willingness to receive and give feedback to your staff team.  
• Willingness to follow all Policies and Procedures as stated in staff manual
• Able to complete shift work of 8 days on: 6 days off (8:6 rotation).  
• Clear background check by state and federal authorities
• Must be sober from any substance abuse, or any dangerous/harmful activities to yourself or others. (If past addiction is present, documented sobriety for 3 years.)
• Basic first aid and CPR
• Able to carry a 75 pound pack over steep, rocky, and uneven ground
• Provide 3 references (name, phone number, email address)
• Must hold a valid Driver’s License with a clean driving record.
• Previous wilderness experience or experience working with troubled teens is beneficial, but not required

Location

MONTROSE, CO

Department

Field Staff

Employment Type

Seasonal (Full-time May - August), shoulder season work potentially also available. 

Minimum Experience

Past experience in at least one of the following:

1) hard skills for backcountry living and travel (outdoor leadership, risk management, first aid/WFR, navigation, ect.), 

2) soft skills such as counseling and discipleship (previous mental health service, ministry, or mentorship experience, etc.), or

 3) life transformation through following Jesus in your own story. 

Compensation

Starting rates 164 (Top Instructors can be promoted to $322) per field day