Second Nature Uintas is a licensed treatment program that uses the wilderness setting as a clinically focused intervention to teach students accountability, communication skills and healthy emotional and behavioral habits. Due to the abundance of real challenges in the wilderness and its clear metaphor, Second Nature's program safely mirrors the family and social lifestyle with structure, boundaries, feedback, relationships and challenges. In these surroundings, a student is more capable of examining and changing his or her internal processes.

What You'll Be Doing

Field Instructors work in a group of six to ten students with three to five staff; a licensed therapist is responsible for the treatment plan of each student in the group. The primary responsibility for each Field Instructor is to ensure the physical safety and needs of the students. Just as important is the Field Instructor's responsibility of keeping the group environment emotionally safe and enabling the students to discuss sensitive and personal issues. Field Instructors will also help to implement a therapeutic plan for each student, by helping students complete assignments, teaching and role-modeling assertive communication tools, implementing initiative activities, running group therapy sessions and talking one-on-one with students.

All of the therapeutic components of the program take place in the backcountry of northeastern Utah. The wilderness provides immediate natural consequences for the students' choices. It also provides the ideal backdrop for Field Instructors to teach primitive skills, backpacking techniques and low impact camping principles.

Location

Second Nature Uintas is located in northeastern Utah, approximately two hours from Salt Lake City on Highway 40. Field Instructors backpack with students in the Uinta Mountains during the summer months and in the high desert near Nine Mile Canyon in the winter months. Elevations start at 4,500 feet and push upwards to 11,000 feet. Summer temperatures range from the mid-60s to upper 90s; while winter temps range from the 50s to well below freezing.

Time Commitment

Field Instructors are required to make an initial one-year commitment. The workweek runs from Tuesday to Tuesday, with an eight-day on, six-day off schedule.

All prospective Field Instructors are required to attend a training session. The training is a seven-day period spent in the field, backpacking and learning with other trainees. Trainees will learn to maintain student safety, provide positive role modeling, facilitate assertive communication skills and implement other program principles. Participating in the training does not guarantee you a job. However, if you have been selected to participate, you already have met some of the requirements and Second Nature Uintas has high hopes for you to be hired. At the end of the training session, you will know your employment status.

Perks & Rewards

Second Nature Uintas has a level system for Field Instructor pay. Each level has increased responsibility and increased pay. Field Instructors begin by earning $127/day and can earn up to $195/day. Performance bonuses are given out after the first six months of employment and every few months thereafter.

Medical and dental insurance is offered to all Field Instructors. After one year of employment, Field Instructors may participate in the company's 401k program. Field Instructors are offered professional gear discounts with certain companies to purchase necessary gear for the field. Second Nature Uintas also requires employees to participate in certain training courses for level advancement, such as the Wilderness First Responder (WFR). Second Nature Uintas pays for these certifications.

The Essentials

Applicants are required to be a minimum of 19 years old, have a high school diploma or equivalent and have current CPR and first aid certifications. Second Nature Uintas will process a Federal Background Criminal Investigation for all potential employees, and upon hire date, all new employees are required to undergo a pre-employment drug test. Second Nature Uintas also asks that Field Instructors make at least a one-year commitment.

It is helpful, but not necessary, to have backpacking experience. Experience working with youth, counseling or teaching is helpful as well. Second Nature Uintas also offers in-house training from which Field Instructors can learn communication skills, crisis interventions and many more useful tools.

Instructors who are married or dating may work together at Second Nature Uintas. The couple will spend at least their first three rotations in separate groups in order to facilitate the development for their personal style outside of the relationship. After this time period they can make a request to the Field Directors to work together.

Your First Move

Mail, email or fax your completed application, a resume, three letters of recommendation and copies of your current first aid and CPR certifications. The recruiter will review your information and contact you to let you know if you qualify to participate in a phone interview. If all goes well during the interview, you will be invited to participate in one of the field training sessions. Sending in all of the application materials several weeks or months in advance will give you a better chance of participating in the training session that best fits your schedule.

• Download the Second Nature Uintas application »

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