Bushcraft Instructor Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the era of outdoor exploration, the focus on bushcraft instructors has never been more pronounced.

As more people seek connection with nature, the demand for skilled individuals who can educate, inspire, and ensure safety in the wilderness grows.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s really expected from a bushcraft instructor?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the essence of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply fascinated by the art of bushcraft,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a customizable bushcraft instructor job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right into it.

Bushcraft Instructor Duties and Responsibilities

Bushcraft Instructors have a diverse range of tasks focused on teaching survival skills, nature awareness, and outdoor self-reliance.

They also plan and oversee various outdoor activities and carry out administrative duties related to program planning and safety management.

Bushcraft Instructors are primarily responsible for providing educational and adventurous outdoor experiences, with daily duties and responsibilities including:

• Teaching bushcraft skills such as fire lighting, shelter building, foraging, and wilderness first aid
• Planning and implementing outdoor programs and activities suitable for different age groups
• Ensuring the safety and well-being of all participants by adhering to safety guidelines and emergency procedures
• Maintaining and inspecting outdoor gear and equipment
• Organizing and leading nature walks and survival exercises
• Encouraging respect and understanding for the environment and wildlife
• Providing guidance and advice on outdoor survival techniques
• Evaluating the effectiveness of bushcraft programs and making necessary adjustments
• Keeping up to date with the latest bushcraft techniques and outdoor survival research
• Administering first aid and emergency procedures when necessary

 

Bushcraft Instructor Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking an experienced and enthusiastic Bushcraft Instructor to deliver comprehensive bushcraft training programs.

The successful candidate will be responsible for teaching survival skills, fostering an appreciation for the outdoors, and ensuring the safety of all participants.

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in outdoor education, a deep understanding of wilderness survival skills, and the ability to inspire others.

They should be comfortable leading groups in various outdoor settings and have the ability to adapt their teaching methods to suit different learning styles.

 

Responsibilities

• Plan and conduct bushcraft training sessions, teaching a variety of wilderness survival skills
• Ensure the safety of all participants during training sessions
• Prepare necessary equipment and materials for each session
• Conduct risk assessments before each session and take necessary precautions
• Provide guidance and support to participants, adapting teaching methods to suit different learning styles
• Teach respect for the environment and promote sustainable practices
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of wilderness survival techniques and outdoor education practices
• Provide first aid assistance when necessary

 

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Bushcraft Instructor or similar role
• Strong knowledge of wilderness survival techniques
• Excellent leadership and teaching skills
• First Aid and CPR certification
• Ability to handle emergency situations effectively
• Good physical condition and stamina
• Passionate about outdoor education and environmental conservation
• High school diploma or equivalent. A degree in outdoor education or a related field is a plus

 

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Outdoor gear and clothing allowance
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Bushcraft Instructor
• Work Environment: Majority of work will be conducted outdoors in varying weather conditions. Frequent weekend and evening work may be required.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Outdoor Education Manager.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $30,000 minimum to $45,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Bushcraft Instructor Do?

Bushcraft Instructors are trained professionals in wilderness survival skills and often work for outdoor adventure companies, survival schools, or as self-employed individuals.

Their primary role is to teach individuals or groups the techniques of bushcraft, which include fire-making, shelter building, foraging, and navigation.

They provide practical demonstrations and supervise hands-on practice to ensure learners can perform these skills independently.

Bushcraft Instructors also educate students about environmental sustainability and the importance of leaving no trace in the wilderness.

They explain how to responsibly use natural resources and minimize impact on the environment.

They work closely with students to plan and execute safe wilderness trips, teaching them how to prepare for the unexpected and make informed decisions in challenging environments.

In addition, Bushcraft Instructors may be involved in the maintenance and upkeep of bushcraft equipment and camp facilities.

They also ensure adherence to safety procedures and respond effectively to any emergencies that may occur during lessons or trips.

 

Bushcraft Instructor Qualifications and Skills

A competent Bushcraft Instructor should have the skills and qualifications that align with your job description, such as:

• Strong knowledge of survival skills and bushcraft techniques to teach students effectively about outdoor survival.
• Excellent instructional abilities to deliver lessons and demonstrations in a clear and engaging manner.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills to effectively interact with students of varying age groups and backgrounds.
• Physical fitness and endurance to withstand outdoor conditions and demonstrate survival techniques.
• Leadership skills to take charge and ensure safety during outdoor excursions.
• Patience and adaptability to cater to different learning speeds and styles, and to adjust plans according to changing outdoor conditions.
• First aid certification to address any medical emergencies during outdoor trips.
• Experience with camping, hiking and wilderness expeditions is a plus.
• A passion for nature and outdoor activities to inspire and motivate students.

 

Bushcraft Instructor Experience Requirements

Bushcraft Instructors are required to have substantial outdoor experience with a focus on survival skills.

A background in camping, hiking, or outdoor education is commonly required, and instructors often have several years of practical experience in the field.

Entry-level candidates may have 1 to 2 years of experience, often gained through participation in outdoor education programs, survival courses, or as an outdoor guide.

They may also have experience volunteering or working in roles such as Scout Leader, Park Ranger or Camp Counsellor.

Candidates with more than 3 years of experience usually have developed their practical skills and knowledge in wilderness survival, navigation, wildlife identification, and outdoor safety.

They may also have some experience in teaching or training others in these areas.

Those with more than 5 years of experience may have considerable leadership experience, perhaps leading outdoor expeditions or managing outdoor education programs.

They may be ready for a senior or managerial position within an outdoor education or wilderness survival school.

In addition to practical experience, Bushcraft Instructors often hold certifications in wilderness first aid, survival skills, and outdoor education.

These qualifications demonstrate a professional level of knowledge and skill in their field.

 

Bushcraft Instructor Education and Training Requirements

Bushcraft Instructors generally need to have a high school diploma or equivalent education.

It is also highly recommended for them to have some form of formal training in outdoor education or wilderness survival skills.

This can be obtained through accredited outdoor education institutions, wilderness survival schools, or bushcraft training programs.

A deep understanding of wilderness survival skills, first aid, and ecological knowledge is essential.

This includes proficiency in fire starting, shelter construction, navigation, wildlife tracking, water purification, and use of tools like knives and axes.

Certain certifications, such as the Level 3 Award in Education and Training or a similar qualification, can improve career prospects.

This certification verifies that the instructor is capable of planning and delivering inclusive teaching sessions, evaluating their own teaching performance, and understanding the principles and practices of assessment.

In addition to these qualifications, many employers require bushcraft instructors to hold a valid first aid certificate, and in some cases, even a wilderness first responder or outdoor first aid qualification.

Several countries also require bushcraft instructors to obtain a license to legally work in outdoor education.

The licensing criteria may vary, but often include a certain amount of guided teaching hours, a background check, and the successful completion of an examination.

Continuous professional development is important in this field, and many bushcraft instructors choose to attend regular training and upskilling courses to stay up to date with the latest techniques and safety protocols.

 

Bushcraft Instructor Salary Expectations

A Bushcraft Instructor earns an average salary of $45,000 (USD) per year.

The actual earnings may vary depending on the level of expertise, the location, the nature of the employer, and the extent of the instructor’s survival skills.

 

Bushcraft Instructor Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Bushcraft Instructor need?

A Bushcraft Instructor should have a deep understanding of wilderness survival techniques and outdoor skills such as foraging, fire-making, camping, navigation, and first aid.

They should be excellent communicators, able to clearly instruct and inspire individuals of different ages and abilities.

Physical stamina is essential as instructors often engage in rigorous outdoor activities.

Finally, they should have good problem-solving skills to adapt lessons to changing environmental conditions or unexpected situations.

 

Do Bushcraft Instructors need a specific degree?

While a degree is not strictly required, having a degree in fields like Outdoor Education, Environmental Studies, or related discipline can be beneficial.

However, the most important requirement for a Bushcraft Instructor is practical experience and in-depth knowledge of wilderness survival techniques.

Certifications in first aid, CPR, and wilderness survival can also enhance an instructor’s credentials.

 

What should you look for in a Bushcraft Instructor resume?

Experience is vital in a Bushcraft Instructor’s resume.

Look for previous roles as an instructor or guide in outdoor or wilderness settings.

Evidence of specific skills such as fire-making, shelter-building, foraging, and first aid is crucial.

Certifications in wilderness survival and first aid should also be listed.

Other relevant experiences could include involvement in scout groups, outdoor adventure clubs, or conservation projects.

 

What qualities make a good Bushcraft Instructor?

A good Bushcraft Instructor is passionate about the outdoors and enjoys sharing their knowledge with others.

They should be patient and adaptable, able to tailor their teaching methods to suit different learning styles.

Physical fitness and resilience are also important, as they will need to handle rigorous outdoor activities and adverse weather conditions.

A strong sense of responsibility and good judgment are essential for ensuring the safety of their groups in the wilderness.

 

Is it challenging to hire a Bushcraft Instructor?

The challenge of hiring a Bushcraft Instructor often lies in finding a candidate who combines practical outdoor skills with the ability to teach and inspire others.

Experience and certifications are key, but so too is a passion for the outdoors and a commitment to environmental stewardship.

Furthermore, as this role often involves working with young people, finding a candidate who can pass a background check is also a crucial factor in the hiring process.

 

Conclusion

And there we have it.

Today, we’ve unraveled the intricate reality of being a bushcraft instructor.

And you know what?

It’s not just about outdoor survival skills.

It’s about shaping the natural world, one wilderness lesson at a time.

With our handy bushcraft instructor job description template and real-world examples, you’re fully equipped to step forward.

But why halt your journey here?

Venture further with our job description generator. It’s your trail to precision-crafted job listings or honing your resume to the pinnacle of perfection.

Remember:

Every wilderness lesson is a part of the grand adventure.

Let’s create that adventure. Together.

How to Become a Bushcraft Instructor (Complete Guide)

The Joyful Job Hunt: Finding Careers That Are Pure Fun

Jobs Where Every Second Counts: The Ultimate Test of Survival

The Gentle Grind: Low-Stress Careers for a Happier You

The Offbeat Office: Exploring the World’s Most Unusual Jobs