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Adventure Leader Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Adventure Leader information

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$10

$25

$72

How much do adventure leader jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 13, 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 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 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 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.
More about Adventure Leader jobs
What states have the most Adventure Leader jobs? States with the most job openings for Adventure Leader jobs include:
Infographic showing various Adventure Leader job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 4% 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.

Student Worker - Recreation & Wellness Outdoor Adventure Leader (Work-Study or Non-Work Study)

Mount St. Mary's University

Emmitsburg, MD โ€ข On-site

Part-time

Posted 15 days ago


Job description

Position Title:
Student Worker - Recreation & Wellness Outdoor Adventure Leader (Work-Study or Non-Work Study)
Job Description:
The Outdoor Adventure Leaders are outdoor enthusiasts who are committed to sharing their knowledge of outdoor and adventure activities with others from the University community. Outdoor Adventure Leaders collaborate with the Director of Recreation & Wellness and are responsible for assisting and leading various Outdoor Adventure programs and events. The leaders must be able to work with diverse populations and demonstrate cultural competence while representing the Department of Recreation & Wellness. Being an Outdoor Adventure Leader is a rewarding position where you will meet great people, learn and develop technical and relational skills, and explore unique places.
Management/Office Responsibilities:
  • Schedule and plan trips, events, experiences, and excursions
  • Perform pre- and post-trip logistics and administrative tasks.
  • Maintain, clean, and organize all program equipment and storage areas.
  • Assist in maintaining appropriate records and documentation for all programs and events.
  • Promote and advertise all Outdoor Adventures and Recreation & Wellness events.
  • Provide positive public relations, program promotion, and policy education.
  • Adhere to all Recreation & Wellness policies and procedures.
  • Provide program ideas based on current outdoor trends and practices.
  • Assist with planning, promoting, and working at the annual Banff Film Festival fundraising event.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Trip/Program Responsibilities:
  • Schedule and lead pre-trip/event meetings with staff and participants.
  • Maintain safety for all trips as the number one priority.
  • Review all risk management and emergency response protocols.
  • Respond to and follow all risk management/emergency procedures.
  • Pre-event communications, preparation, gear, and equipment checks and logistics.
  • Facilitate appropriate, welcoming, and engaging dialog.

Requirements:
  • Must be enrolled as a Mount student and at least 18 years old.
  • Experience and/or interested in a variety of outdoor activities.
  • Demonstrate excellent communication skills and sound judgment.
  • Collaborate well with peers and colleagues to establish a team environment.
  • Attend all training workshops and assigned programs.
  • Strong leadership and group facilitation skills.
  • Technical knowledge of outdoor equipment.
  • Hold or be willing to get the following certifications.

1. American Red Cross CPR/AED Certification
2. Wilderness First Aid Certification
3. University Van Driving Certification
Salary and Hours
  • Students are paid the current minimum wage for Maryland.
  • Students will work a total of eight (8) hours per week.

Full Time/Part Time:
Part time