How to Be Wilderness Survival Instructor - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Nov 21, 2023 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

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As the effects of global warming become more and more evident, the need for wilderness survival instructors has skyrocketed. With extreme weather events becoming more frequent and unpredictable, it is essential for individuals to be prepared for any situation they face in the wild. Wilderness survival instructors provide the knowledge, tools, and resources necessary to help people survive during unexpected changes in the environment.

By teaching skills such as shelter-building, fire-making, navigation, and edible plant identification, wilderness survival instructors help people stay safe in the outdoors. Furthermore, they provide guidance on how to properly dispose of waste and leave no trace, helping to protect the environment and preserve natural resources.

Steps How to Become

Obtain the appropriate certifications and qualifications. Depending on the region, wilderness survival instructors may need to obtain specialized qualification, such as a Wilderness First Responder (WFR) certification, or a wilderness first aid certification.
Gain experience in the field. Wilderness survival instructors should have extensive knowledge of outdoor survival skills and techniques. It is important for instructors to have a few years of practical experience in wilderness survival before teaching it to others.
Develop a teaching portfolio. Instructors should have a portfolio that showcases their experience and qualifications in order to attract potential employers or students.
Market your skills and services. Instructors can use various methods to market their skills and services, such as creating a website or social media pages, advertising in local newspapers, and attending job fairs.
Get the necessary insurance. To operate as a professional wilderness survival instructor, it is important to get the necessary insurance to protect yourself and your students.
Offer classes and workshops. Once you have all the necessary qualifications and experience, you can begin offering classes and workshops on wilderness survival techniques.

Surviving in the wilderness requires a great deal of knowledge and skill. To become a qualified Wilderness Survival Instructor, one must first obtain the necessary certifications, such as a Wilderness First Responder (WFR) certification. This certification teaches individuals how to respond to medical emergencies in remote locations, often with limited resources.

a wilderness survival instructor must be knowledgeable about outdoor safety, search and rescue techniques, and wilderness navigation. Finally, an instructor must be able to effectively communicate their knowledge to students and lead them through the learning process. With these skills, a wilderness survival instructor can provide students with the necessary knowledge and skills to survive in the wilderness.

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Job Description

Design and lead wilderness survival training courses for individuals and groups.
Teach basic and advanced wilderness survival skills, such as shelter building, fire making, finding edible plants, and navigating primitive terrain.
Provide instruction on the use of essential wilderness survival equipment, such as compasses and emergency first aid kits.
Plan and implement emergency protocol for wilderness excursions.
Develop instruction materials, such as field guides and handouts.
Monitor students progress and provide feedback on their performance.
Maintain safety standards in accordance with local, state, and federal regulations.
Demonstrate proper use of outdoor tools and equipment.
Conduct lectures, demonstrations, and hands-on activities to reinforce survival skills.
Research and stay up-to-date on changes in wilderness survival techniques and safety regulations.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of wilderness navigation techniques, including map reading, compass navigation and orienteering.
Expertise in outdoor living skills such as building shelters, fires, and purifying water.
Ability to identify edible plants and animals and know how to prepare and cook them.
Knowledge of basic first aid and emergency medical treatment.
Understanding of primitive tools and their uses for foraging, hunting, and gathering food.
Expertise in handling and storing food safely in extreme conditions.
Ability to recognize and avoid dangerous wildlife and hazardous terrain.
Understanding of the local climate and weather patterns.
Ability to lead and teach others in a wilderness setting.
Knowledge of environmental ethics and respect for nature.

Having the right survival skills is essential for anyone venturing into the wilderness. The most important skill to have is the ability to remain calm and think clearly in an emergency situation. Knowing how to find safe drinking water, build a shelter, and start a fire are all key components of wilderness survival.

These skills can help a person stay alive in the event of an unexpected injury or severe weather. having knowledge of navigation, food procurement, and first aid can be lifesaving. Practicing these skills beforehand is the best way to ensure success in an emergency situation.

With the right set of skills, anyone can survive in the wilderness and come out safely.

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Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have teaching wilderness survival skills?
Describe your approach to teaching wilderness survival skills.
How do you keep your students engaged and motivated during classes?
What challenges have you faced teaching in different environmental conditions?
How do you handle difficult or dangerous situations with students?
What safety protocols do you follow when teaching wilderness survival skills?
How do you adapt your teaching style to different levels of student experience?
What strategies do you use to ensure that students retain and apply what they have learned?
How do you ensure that all students understand the concepts and procedures you are teaching?
What strategies do you use to identify and address any potential hazards in the field?

Common Tools in Industry

Firestarter. A tool used to start a fire, typically with the help of flint and steel, a lighter, or a magnesium bar. (eg: Flint and Steel)
Knife. A sharp edged tool used for cutting, slicing and other tasks. (eg: Swiss Army Knife)
Water Filter. A device used to filter out contaminants from water, making it safe for drinking. (eg: LifeStraw)
Compass. A navigational tool used to find direction using the Earths magnetic field. (eg: Silva Expedition 4 Compass)
Shelter. A structure used to protect from the elements, typically consisting of some type of rain fly, groundsheet, and poles. (eg: MSR Hubba Hubba NX Tent)
First Aid Kit. A collection of supplies used to treat injuries and illnesses. (eg: Red Cross First Aid Kit)
Paracord. Strong, lightweight cordage used for a variety of tasks. (eg: UCO Paracord)
Flashlight. A portable light source powered by batteries. (eg: Streamlight Stylus Pro LED Penlight)
Daypack. A small, lightweight backpack used for carrying items during the day. (eg: Osprey Daylite Daypack)
Survival Manual. A book of instructions and information related to wilderness survival skills. (eg: US Army Field Manual FM 21-76)

Professional Organizations to Know

National Association for Search and Rescue (NASAR)
Association for Outdoor Recreation and Education (AORE)
American Survival Guide Association (ASGA)
International Association for Outdoor Recreation and Education (IAORE)
Wilderness Education Association (WEA)
International Society of Wilderness Medicine (ISWM)
Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics
Backcountry Hunters & Anglers
International Association of Emergency Managers (IAEM)
National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS)

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Common Important Terms

Survival Kit. A collection of essential items used to support a person in an emergency or survival situation.
Shelter. A structure or place that provides protection from the elements.
Fire-Making. The skill of creating a fire for warmth, light, and food preparation.
Foraging. The practice of gathering edible plants, fungi, and other materials from the wild.
Navigation. The ability to orient oneself in relation to one's environment.
Water Purification. The process of removing impurities from water, making it safe to drink.
Knot-Tying. The practice of tying various knots for a variety of purposes.
Wilderness First Aid. The knowledge and skills required to respond to medical problems in a remote setting.
Survival Psychology. The psychological skills and strategies that help people cope with extreme stress during survival situations.
Primitive Technology. The practice of using natural materials to craft tools and shelter.

Frequently Asked Questions

What qualifications do Wilderness Survival Instructors need?

Wilderness Survival Instructors typically require certifications in Wilderness First Aid, CPR, Leave No Trace, and outdoor leadership. They also typically have experience in backcountry navigation, outdoor living skills and experience teaching in a wilderness setting.

How long does it take to become a Wilderness Survival Instructor?

The length of time to become a Wilderness Survival Instructor varies depending on the certifications and experience required. Generally, it takes 1-2 years to complete the necessary trainings and gain the experience needed to become a certified instructor.

What type of environment do Wilderness Survival Instructors work in?

Wilderness Survival Instructors typically lead groups in wilderness settings, such as forests, mountains, deserts, and other remote environments.

What types of activities do Wilderness Survival Instructors lead?

Wilderness Survival Instructors often lead activities such as wilderness navigation, campcraft, first aid, and other outdoor living skills.

What is the average salary of a Wilderness Survival Instructor?

The average salary of a Wilderness Survival Instructor varies depending on the region and experience level of the instructor. Generally, salaries range from $25,000 - $50,000 per year.