Lead Field Instructor

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.