The High Mountain Institute is seeking a one-year Wilderness Programs Fellow. The ideal job candidate would be interested in developing skills in the areas of wilderness leadership, outdoor program logistics, and adventure education. Responsibilities include leading extended wilderness expeditions and supporting HMI’s Gap, summer, and custom program offerings.

About the High Mountain Institute: HMI seeks to connect our students to the natural world and teach them essential leadership and communication skills through participation in a rigorous academic program, extended wilderness trips, and a community of shared responsibility. For more information, please visit www.hminet.org. 

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Co-lead outdoor expeditions, including backpacking, rock climbing, and/or other outdoor activities, up to 14 weeks/year (specific activity assignments based on individual competencies)
• Provide logistical support to various HMI programs, including preparation and transitions, equipment organization and maintenance, paperwork and documentation, transportation, and communications (may require extended travel in the Rocky Mountain West and/or Chilean Patagonia)
• Assist in managing the HMI Gear Room
• Serve on HMI’s emergency response team up to 16 weeks per year

SUGGESTED QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Strong interpersonal skills, including effective communication with multiple constituent groups
• Passion for the outdoors
• Prior outdoor leadership experience
• Experience working with high school- and college-aged students 
• Excellent organizational and planning skills, including multitasking and delegating
• Computer Skills (Google Suite) 
• Willingness to work a flexible schedule 
• Current WFR

HOW TO APPLY: Please submit a cover letter and resume via email to wildernessfellow@hminet.org and fill out the HMI Prospective Employment Form online. Your application will not be complete without all three of these items. We will begin our initial review of applications on May 21, 2025 and will continue reviewing applications until the position is filled. Finalists will be invited to HMI for a formal interview. Correspondence via e-mail is preferred.

The High Mountain Institute is an equal opportunity employer that strives for diversity by honoring the differences of each member of the community. We seek to build a community (of trustees, faculty, staff, and students) that represents ethnic, socioeconomic, and geographic diversity and that brings a diversity of experience, background, talent, and perspective.

Management reserves the right to change or add to this job description at any time.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: 

Must maintain a valid drivers’ license 

Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds 

Must be able to stand for long periods of time and perform frequent squatting and reaching

Must be able to backpack for 10-18 days at a time

About High Mountain Institute

About the High Mountain Institute: Founded in 1995, HMI is a nonprofit independent school with a focus on outdoor, experiential, and place-based education. HMI serves approximately 175 students per year across its high school, summer, and gap programming. About 30% of students receive financial aid and a similar percentage identify as people of color. All HMI students participate in extended wilderness expeditions lasting from 10-21 days. HMI is not a rehabilitative or wilderness therapy program. HMI students are high-achieving, healthy students seeking challenge, a strong community, and a deeper connection to nature. HMI has nearly 30 year-round staff, about half of whom live on campus. Learn more at: www.hminet.org.

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