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Adventure Leader Jobs (NOW HIRING)

MOUNTAIN CAPITAL PARTNERS

Youth Adventure Days Program Leader We're looking for enthusiastic, responsible, and fun-loving individuals to help lead our Youth Adventure Days Program -- a mini summer camp packed with adventure ...

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How much do adventure leader jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for adventure leader in the United States is $25.73, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.38 and $24.04 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an adventure leader?

Adventure Leaders are professionals who guide individuals or groups through outdoor activities and experiences, such as hiking, rafting, climbing, or eco-tours. They are responsible for planning trips, ensuring safety, providing instruction, and creating a positive and engaging environment for participants. Adventure Leaders often work for tour companies, outdoor education organizations, or travel agencies, and must possess strong leadership, communication, and outdoor skills. Their main goal is to deliver safe, enjoyable, and memorable adventures while fostering a love for the outdoors.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an adventure leader?

To thrive as an Adventure Leader, you need expertise in outdoor safety, group management, and first aid, often supported by certifications like Wilderness First Responder (WFR) or outdoor leadership training. Familiarity with GPS navigation tools, emergency communication devices, and risk assessment protocols is typically required. Strong leadership, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills help you inspire confidence and ensure group cohesion during challenging activities. These skills are crucial for ensuring participant safety, delivering memorable experiences, and effectively responding to unexpected situations in remote environments.

What are some common challenges adventure leaders face while managing group dynamics during outdoor expeditions?

Adventure Leaders often work with groups of varying experience levels, personalities, and physical abilities, which can present challenges in maintaining group cohesion and morale. They must balance ensuring everyone's safety with fostering a positive and inclusive environment, while adapting plans when unexpected issues like weather changes or participant fatigue arise. Effective communication, conflict resolution skills, and the ability to remain calm under pressure are essential for successfully guiding diverse groups through memorable and safe outdoor experiences.

What is the difference between Adventure Leader vs Activity Coordinator?

AspectAdventure LeaderActivity Coordinator
Required CredentialsFirst aid, outdoor activity certificationsEvent planning, safety certifications
Work EnvironmentOutdoor, adventure settingsIndoor/outdoor event spaces
Employer & IndustryOutdoor recreation, adventure tourismResorts, event companies

Adventure Leaders focus on guiding outdoor activities like hiking, rafting, and climbing, requiring outdoor skills and certifications. Activity Coordinators plan and organize events, often indoors or in controlled environments, with a focus on logistics and customer experience. While both roles involve organizing activities, Adventure Leaders are more hands-on with outdoor adventure skills, whereas Activity Coordinators handle event planning and coordination.

What states have the most Adventure Leader jobs?

States with the most job openings for Adventure Leader jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Adventure Leader jobs?

For Adventure Leader jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Adventure Leader jobs near you
Infographic showing various Adventure Leader job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $53,524 per year, or $25.7 per hour.

Outdoor Adventure Leader/Groups Staff (CYN)

Clinton, OH • On-site

Akron Area YMCA
Non-Profits • 1 - 5K employees
Learn more about Akron Area YMCAexternal

Temporary

Posted yesterday

New

Job description

Description
POSITION SUMMARY:
This position supports the work of the Y, a leading nonprofit committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. This position assists in all facets of programming services including program delivery, program development/planning, conference coordination/liaison, and assisting in general administration. The position includes work as an instructor, being a public relations ambassador with guests and groups, and assisting in maintenance of the instructional areas and equipment.
OUR CULTURE:
Our mission and core values are brought to life by our culture. In the Y, we strive to live our cause of strengthening communities with purpose and intentionality every day. We are welcoming: we are open to all. We are a place where you can belong and become. We are genuine: we value you and embrace your individuality. We are hopeful: we believe in you and your potential to become a catalyst in the world. We are nurturing: we support you in your journey to develop your full potential. We are determined: above all else, we are on a relentless quest to make our community stronger beginning with you.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
  1. Embody an "on-stage" mentality by actively and consistently participating in or facilitating program with campers at the highest level.
  2. Promotes positive interactions with participants, peers, and supervisors by showing understanding for the needs and feelings of others, confronting conflict constructively, keeping a positive attitude, and providing for the needs of others.
  3. Attends all assigned trainings.
  4. Proficiently lead/teaching program curriculum and concepts.
  5. Wears staff uniform and wears name tag when working.
  6. Provide a safe experience for all participants. Never leave participants unattended.
  7. Assist in the development of new and experimental programs.
  8. Aid in maintaining the grounds and seeing that facility equipment is used properly and returned promptly in good condition. Maintain a good working relationship with the administrative and maintenance staff.
  9. Be sure that participants wear proper attire suitable for the existing weather.
  10. Be punctual. Be attentive to the schedule.
  11. Assist in mealtime procedures and programming.
  12. Assist in the development of written program materials that will help guests to enjoy their stay and enhance their experience at YMCA Camp Y-Noah.
  13. Promote all aspects and programs of YMCA.
  14. Abide by all Camp Y-Noah and Akron YMCA Policies and procedures, as well as boundaries set forth by the American Camping Associations (ACA) or other camp governing bodies.
  15. Completes all reports and documentation timely including but not limited to: incident reports, accident reports, camper behavior reports, child abuse reports, and other business office forms.
  16. All other duties as assigned.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS | ABUSE PREVENTION:
Upholding the YMCA's commitment to the safety and well-being of youth in our programs is a core responsibility of all staff regardless of position.
  1. Attend required abuse risk management training.
  2. Adhere to policies related to boundaries with consumers.
  3. Adhere to procedures related to managing and supervising high-risk activities.
  4. Report suspicious or inappropriate behaviors and policy violations.
  5. Follow mandated abuse reporting requirements.

RESIDENCY REQUIREMENT
This position may be required to maintain residence on site and may be expected to reside on camp premises during programs. Camp will provide living quarters within the scope of our housing policy. The On-Site Staff Housing Agreement will be signed at the time of hire and always adhered to. A copy of this agreement is available upon request.
LEADERSHIP COMPETENCIES:
  • Communication & Influence: Interprets messages and body language effectively. Listens with intent to understand others by using appropriate communication methods, including open-ended questions.
  • Emotional Maturity: Acts in alignment with personal and organizational values in all situations. Remains calm and objective when under pressure or when challenged by others. Accepts responsibility for behavior. Leads with empathy, anticipating how actions and words impact others. Operates with openness and a willingness to receive ongoing feedback from all levels of the organization.
  • Inclusion: Embraces all dimensions of diversity (i.e., ability, age, culture, ethnicity, faith, gender, gender identity, income, national origin, race, religion, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, etc.) by treating all people with dignity, compassion, and respect.
  • Critical Thinking & Decision Making: Recognizes own biases and suspends judgmental thinking. Responds to challenges with possible solutions in a timely manner.

QUALIFICATIONS:
  • 18 years of age and High School graduate (preferred)
  • At least one year of college or equivalent life/work-experience (preferred).
  • BCI/FBI background check results prior to first day of work; results must be compliant with ODJFS Prohibitive Convictions per 5101:2-12 and 5101:2-13 of the Ohio Administrative Code.
  • Must be able to receive and apply critical feedback in a fast-paced environment.
  • Have First Aid and CPR certification or attain within 30 days.

WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
  • This is an active position which consistently requires extended periods of physical activity and workdays exceeding 8 hours. This position will run, jump, and play for extended periods of time without break.
  • Sitting and standing (including on the floor/ground) for long periods as well as stooping, squatting, lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, and climbing
  • Indoor and frequent outdoor work, including all outdoor weather conditions.
  • Must be able to lift objects that weigh up to 50 pounds
  • Ability to speak concisely and effectively communicate in indoor and outdoor settings.
  • The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate; but can occasionally be loud.
  • $80 per day.

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