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Adventure Trip Leader Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Manager, Outdoor Adventure

Akron, OH ยท On-site

$60 - $80/hr

Job Summary Responsible for the leadership, administration, and strategic oversight of the Outdoor Adventure program, including climbing wall operations, trip programming, adventure programming ...

Responsible for the leadership, administration, and strategic oversight of the Outdoor Adventure program, including climbing wall operations, trip programming, adventure programming, equipment ...

Admissions Coordinator

Flat Rock, NC ยท On-site

$18.50 - $25.50/hr

... Adventure Treks has helped tens of thousands of teenagers build confidence, leadership, and ... Supporting registration, paperwork, and pre-trip logistics for our growing adult and family ...

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Adventure Trip Leader information

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$9

$19

$30

How much do adventure trip leader jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for adventure trip leader in the United States is $19.58, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.38 and $22.60 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an adventure trip leader?

Adventure Trip Leaders are professionals who plan, organize, and guide groups on outdoor adventure activities such as hiking, rafting, rock climbing, or backpacking. They are responsible for ensuring the safety, enjoyment, and well-being of participants throughout the trip. Adventure Trip Leaders often provide instruction, manage logistics, and share knowledge about the environment and local culture. They typically work for tour companies, outdoor education programs, or travel organizations, and must possess strong leadership, communication, and outdoor skills.

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

To thrive as an Adventure Trip Leader, you need strong outdoor skills, first aid certification, leadership experience, and knowledge of safety protocols relevant to the activities and environments involved. Familiarity with GPS devices, satellite phones, and risk management systems is typically required, along with certifications like Wilderness First Responder or equivalent. Outstanding communication, problem-solving, and group management abilities help foster teamwork and ensure positive group dynamics. These competencies are vital for ensuring participant safety, creating memorable experiences, and effectively handling emergencies in challenging outdoor settings.

What are the main challenges an adventure trip leader faces when managing group dynamics during expeditions?

Adventure Trip Leaders often encounter a variety of personalities and skill levels within their groups, which can present challenges in maintaining group cohesion and ensuring everyone feels included. Balancing the needs of more experienced adventurers with those who require extra support, while also prioritizing safety and enjoyment, is a key part of the role. Successful leaders use strong communication and conflict-resolution skills to foster a positive team environment, adapt plans as needed, and ensure that all participants have a rewarding experience.

What is the difference between Adventure Trip Leader vs Outdoor Guide?

AspectAdventure Trip LeaderOutdoor Guide
CertificationsFirst Aid, CPR, Wilderness SafetyFirst Aid, CPR, Wilderness Safety
Work EnvironmentGroup trips, adventure tours, outdoor activitiesTrail guiding, outdoor excursions, nature tours
Employer & IndustryTour companies, adventure travel agenciesNational parks, outdoor recreation companies
Search & Comparison IntentHigh overlap in certifications and work settingSimilar roles but more focused on guiding specific outdoor activities

Both Adventure Trip Leaders and Outdoor Guides require similar certifications and work in outdoor, adventure-focused environments. While Adventure Trip Leaders coordinate entire trips and manage groups, Outdoor Guides typically focus on guiding specific outdoor activities like hiking or rafting. The roles often overlap, but Adventure Trip Leaders usually have broader responsibilities in trip planning and group management.

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What job categories do people searching Adventure Trip Leader jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Adventure Trip Leader jobs are:

Infographic showing various Adventure Trip Leader job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,733 per year, or $19.6 per hour.

Seasonal - Summer Camp Counselor - Bryant Pond 4-H Learning Center

Maine's Public Universities

Bryant Pond, ME โ€ข On-site

$475 - $550/wk

Full-time

This job post hasย expired 1 day ago.ย Applications are no longer accepted.


Key responsibilities

  • Lead a group of up to 12 campers through daily activities, including outdoor lessons and community building.

  • Teach camper lessons related to outdoor activities such as canoeing, hiking, and outdoor survival.

  • Attend to the needs of campers to ensure they are healthy, happy, and well cared for.


Job description


Looking for a job that combines teaching, adventure, and the outdoors? Spend your season at Bryant Pond 4-H Learning Center, leading youth in environmental education, trips, campfires, and community building. You'll gain real-world experience, build leadership skills, and make lasting memories all while working in one of Maine's most beautiful outdoor classrooms.
Statement of the Job:
As a Camp Counselor, you will work with a co-counselor, leading a group of up to 12 campers through their daily activities. After receiving training, you will teach most camper lessons during the week (canoeing, hiking, and outdoor survival, are some examples). In addition to teaching, you are responsible for attending to the needs of the campers, ensuring that all campers are healthy, happy, and well taken care of. You will participate in a comprehensive week-long training to hone your practical and group management depending on your interests and the camp's needs, you may be asked to attend an additional week for training in a specific area (e.g., lifeguard, trip leader, etc.) Stipend is $475 - $550 per week for about 30 weeks, including paid training, paid in bi-weekly installments.
We are not able to consider applicants who require Visa sponsorship support.
Complete Job Description
Qualifications:
Required:
  • Level One Required:
    • You don't need to have any previous experience to apply for this job.
  • Level Two Required:
    • You have a minimum of two years of previous camp or related experience working with youth.
      AND/OR
    • You hold an additional certification that is value-added to keep our campers safe like:
      Lifeguard certification
      Wilderness First Aid certification
  • Level Three Required:
    You have a minimum of 3 years related experience working with teenagers and teaching in the outdoors or equivalent
    AND/OR
    You need to hold an additional certification that is value-added to keep our campers safe like:
    Lifeguard certification
    Wilderness First Aid and CPR certification

Preferred:
  • You demonstrate responsible and safe decision-making skills, ensuring a secure and enjoyable experience for all campers during outdoor programming.
  • You hold a First Aid and Basic Life Support certification or are eager to obtain one before the start date to ensure the safety and well-being of campers.
  • You have the ability to lead groups in various outdoor environments, comfortably carrying a small backpack filled with teaching supplies and a first aid kit to support your activities.
  • With or without accommodation, you can lead groups outdoors over various terrains with 35 lbs. or greater packs for extended days and the ability to assist in carrying canoes (85 lb.) with others
  • Specifically for Level Three:
    • You hold a higher additional certification that is specific to the outdoors like:
      • Wilderness Responder Certification
      • Small Craft Water Safety Certification
      • Maine Trip Leader Permit

About Bryant Pond 4-H Learning Center:
The 4-H Camp and Learning Centers provide environmentally focused programs for Maine youth and families in Bryant Pond. Our mission is to teach youth and adults to be effective and caring citizens of the earth through affordable environmental education and fun nature-based experiences. The camp is located in Bryant Pond, Maine is nestled on the shores of Lake Christopher with 160 acres of forest and mountain trails leading to remote campsites, streams, ponds, wetlands, and a mountain summit. A short drive from the camp you can be in the beautiful White Mountain National Forest and the Rangeley Lakes area. The local area provides many opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts including rock climbing, backpacking, hunting and fishing, canoeing, and a large winter ski and sport industry. Portland, Maine's largest city is only an hour's drive with live music, great food, and shopping.
Other Information:
To be considered for this position, you will need to "Apply" and either upload the documentation listed below:
1.) a cover letter which describes your experience, interests, and suitability for the position
2.) a resume/curriculum vitae
OR
Fill out your education and work history in the application where requested.
Candidates selected to proceed to the final stages of the search process will be requested to provide a list of names and contact information for three references.
Incomplete application materials cannot be considered. Materials received after the initial review date will be reviewed at the discretion of the University.
These materials are reviewed on a weekly basis. Materials must be submitted by 4:30 p.m. EST on June 1, 2026 to be considered for Summer 2026.
For questions about the search, please contact Reid Johnson.
The successful applicant is subject to appropriate background screening.
The University of Maine System (the System) is an equal opportunity institution committed to fostering a nondiscriminatory environment and complying with all applicable nondiscrimination laws. Consistent with State and Federal law, the System does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, transgender status, gender, gender identity or expression, ethnicity, national origin, citizenship status, familial status, ancestry, age, disability (physical or mental), genetic information, pregnancy, or veteran or military status in any aspect of its education, programs and activities, and employment. The System provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. If you believe you have experienced discrimination or harassment, you are encouraged to contact the System Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX Services at 5713 Chadbourne Hall, Room 412, Orono, ME 04469-5713, by calling 207.581.1226, or via TTY at 711 (Maine Relay System). For more information about Title IX or to file a complaint, please contact the UMS Title IX Coordinator at www.maine.edu/title-ix/.
Clery Act
The Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, or Clery Act, mandates that all Title IV institutions, such as the University, prepare, publish and distribute an Annual Security Report, (ASR) and provide notice of the availability of the ASR to all prospective employees. This report consists of two basic parts: disclosure of the University's crime statistics for the past three calendar years; and disclosures regarding the University's current campus security policies. You may view the University's Annual Security Report. If you wish to have a paper copy of the ASR or you need to have a copy of the ASR in an accessible format, the University will provide such a copy upon request. Please contact: UMaine Police Department, 81 Rangeley Rd., The University of Maine, Orono, ME 04469-5794, or call 207.581.4053.