Wilderness School Seasonal Instructor; On-site

Wilderness School Seasonal Instructor

Location East Hartland, CT

Job Type Seasonal/Summer

Salary:
See introduction below for details.

Do you enjoy working outdoors and mentoring the youth to foster positive development? If so, we have an exciting opportunity for you!

The State of Connecticut Department of Children and Families (DCF) – Wilderness School, is accepting applications for multiple seasonal Wilderness School Seasonal Instructor positions.

The State of Connecticut, Department of Children and Families (DCF), Wilderness School offers high impact wilderness programs intended to foster positive youth development. The Wilderness School is a prevention, intervention and transition program intended to assist our students to develop self‑esteem, internal locus of control and interpersonal skills. Designed as a journey experience, our program is based upon the philosophies of experiential learning and is considered therapeutic for the participant.

Studies have documented the Wilderness School impact upon the self‑esteem, increased locus of control (personal responsibility), and interpersonal skill enhancement of adolescents attending the program.

The Wilderness School base camp is located in East Hartland, Connecticut in the north‑central part of the state. For more information about the program and location please visit us at the DCF Wilderness School webpage.

DCF Wilderness School is currently recruiting for up to twenty‑eight (28) Wilderness School Seasonal Instructors. The anticipated start date for these positions will begin April 6, 2026 and end on/or before November 12, 2026. Preferences will be given to candidates that have the requirements listed in the position below. Position hours (shifts) will vary according to the duties of the position.

• Lead Expedition Instructor $184.45 to $246.97
• Expedition Instructor $171.10 to $233.10
• Base Camp Instructor $133.82 to $185.85
• Logistics/Climbing Instructor (Base Camp) $133.82 to 185.85

Recruitment for these positions will be ongoing with varying start/end dates.

Minimum and maximum per diem rates will be subject to the following criteria:
Returning Seasonal instructors may receive a 3% incremental increase for each season of service up to the maximum rate.

Caring, healing and teaching
-partnering with children, families and communities to build hope and create opportunities.

• Children and adolescents with serious emotional disorders can lead productive and satisfying lives.
• Children, youth and their families have the right and responsibility to participate in their treatment.
• No child will be refused treatment based on their ability to pay for services.
• Our services work best when integrated with community care.

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• Meet
  
  Minimum Qualifications:
  
  Ensure you meet the Minimum Qualifications listed on the job opening by the job closing date. You must specify your qualifications on your application. The minimum experience and training requirements listed must be met by the close date on the job opening, unless otherwise specified.
• Educational Credits:
  List your earned credits and degrees from accredited institutions accurately on your application. To receive educational credits towards qualification, the institution must be accredited. If the institution of higher learning is located outside of the U.S., you are responsible for providing documentation from a recognized USA accrediting service which specializes in determining foreign education equivalencies to the contact listed below.
• Resume Policy:
  Per Public Act 21-69, resumes are not accepted during the initial application process. As the recruitment process progresses, candidates may be required to submit additional documentation to support their qualification(s) for this position. This documentation may include: a cover letter, resume, transcripts, diplomas,…