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Full Time Outdoor Recreation Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Recreation Assistant

Danbury, CT · On-site

$20 - $25/hr

) Full-time Recreation Assistant Job Summary: Autumn Lake Healthcare at Glen Hill is seeking a ... and crafts, games, and outdoor activities • Adapt programs to meet the changing needs and ...

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Full Time Outdoor Recreation information

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$10

$17

$23

How much do full time outdoor recreation jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for full time outdoor recreation in the United States is $17.26, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.38 and $18.27 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a full time outdoor recreation specialist?

To excel as a Full Time Outdoor Recreation Specialist, you typically need a background in recreation management, outdoor education, or a related field, along with strong knowledge of environmental safety and activity planning. Familiarity with GPS navigation, first aid/CPR certification, and outdoor equipment is often required. Leadership, problem-solving, and effective communication are standout soft skills for engaging participants and ensuring group cohesion. These competencies are crucial for delivering safe, enjoyable, and well-organized outdoor experiences.

What are some common challenges faced in a full time outdoor recreation role and how can I prepare for them?

Full-time outdoor recreation professionals often face challenges such as unpredictable weather, physical demands, and ensuring participant safety during activities. Adapting to changing conditions and maintaining a high level of energy and enthusiasm, even during long or irregular hours, is essential. Strong communication and problem-solving skills help in managing group dynamics and responding to emergencies. Preparing by staying physically fit, obtaining relevant certifications (like CPR or wilderness first aid), and gaining experience in outdoor leadership can help you succeed in this dynamic role.

What is a full time outdoor recreation?

A Full Time Outdoor Recreation job involves working in roles that promote, organize, and lead outdoor activities and programs, such as hiking, camping, kayaking, or environmental education. These positions may be with parks, camps, adventure companies, or community organizations, and typically require a passion for the outdoors, strong leadership skills, and knowledge of safety protocols. Responsibilities can include planning trips, guiding groups, maintaining equipment, and educating participants about nature and conservation. Most roles are hands-on and active, often requiring physical fitness and the ability to work in various weather conditions.

What job should I do if I love the outdoors?

A full-time outdoor recreation job involves working in natural environments such as parks, forests, or wilderness areas, often requiring skills in outdoor activities, safety, and environmental conservation. Common roles include park ranger, outdoor guide, conservation technician, or outdoor educator, which may require certifications like CPR or first aid. These jobs typically involve physical activity and working outdoors in various weather conditions.

What is the difference between Full Time Outdoor Recreation vs Outdoor Education Instructor?

AspectFull Time Outdoor RecreationOutdoor Education Instructor
Required CredentialsCPR/First Aid, relevant certificationsCPR/First Aid, teaching certifications
Work EnvironmentOutdoor parks, recreation centers, adventure companiesSchools, camps, outdoor education centers
Employer & IndustryRecreation departments, adventure tourismEducational institutions, non-profits

Full Time Outdoor Recreation professionals focus on providing outdoor activities and experiences for the public, often working in parks or adventure companies. Outdoor Education Instructors primarily teach outdoor skills and environmental education in schools or camps. While both roles involve outdoor work and certifications like CPR, their settings and primary objectives differ, catering to recreation or educational goals respectively.

What jobs can you get with a full time outdoor recreation degree?

A full-time outdoor recreation degree prepares individuals for careers such as outdoor recreation specialist, park ranger, outdoor education instructor, adventure guide, or recreation coordinator. These roles often require knowledge of environmental management, safety protocols, and customer service, and may involve certifications like CPR or first aid. Employment can be found in parks, recreation centers, outdoor adventure companies, and conservation agencies.
What cities are hiring for Full Time Outdoor Recreation jobs? Cities with the most Full Time Outdoor Recreation job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Outdoor Recreation jobs? The most popular types of Outdoor Recreation jobs are:

$43K - $45K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

Re-posted 12 days ago


Job description

Job Title
Recreation Specialist
Department
Recreation
Direct Reports
Part-Time Employees and Volunteers
Reports To
Manager of Programs and Special Events
Benefits
Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO, IMRF
Classification
Full-Time
Schedule
Estimated 40 hours per week Ability to work a flexible schedule Monday - Friday; will include occasional evenings and weekends based on programming and association business needs
Salary/Hourly Wage
$43.482-45,482.00
FLSA
Exempt
Job Purpose
The Recreation Specialist uses recreation, leisure, and activity-based interventions to enhance the physical, emotional, cognitive, and social well-being of individuals with disabilities. This role assesses participant needs, develops and implements individualized and program plans, facilitates therapeutic recreational programs, and evaluates outcomes to support functional improvement, independence, and overall quality of life within recreational settings.
Position Qualifications
  • Graduate from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree in Therapeutic Recreation, Parks and Recreation or related field of study.
  • Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist Certification (CTRS) through National Council on Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC) or Certified Park and Recreation Professional (CPRP), or the ability to obtain certification within a timeframe determined by Association policy and/or the Executive Director.
  • First Aid/CPR/AED certification required or ability to obtain.
  • Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI) certification required or ability to obtain.
  • Ability to drive Association vehicles and obtain an Illinois Commercial Driver's License (CDL).
  • Maintain all required certifications.
  • Demonstrate thorough knowledge of the theory and philosophy of therapeutic and community recreation, with a strong commitment to individuals with disabilities. Possess the knowledge and ability to work effectively with individuals with disabilities.
  • Ability to assess, plan, develop, implement, and evaluate therapeutic recreation programs.
  • Highly motivated, outgoing, and confident self-starter with strong interpersonal and communication skills, both oral and written. Demonstrates leadership qualities, including maturity, flexibility, and professionalism.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities
  • Plan, develop and implement a variety of programs, including general, clubs, special events, Leisure Education, Winter, Spring and Summer camps, trips/overnights, Lightning Athletics, inclusive placements and cooperative programs, with creativity and enthusiasm.
  • Implement behavior management strategies as needed while supporting individual and social skill development, encouraging independence, promoting full participation by adapting activities, and ensuring participants' physical/emotional well-being.
  • Serve as a team leader for recreational programs, supervising and evaluating part-time employees and volunteers to promote group cohesiveness.
  • Solve complex problems, work efficiently under pressure, and meet deadlines for projects, assignments, and events.
  • Select and recommend supplies and equipment while overseeing inventory, cleaning, inspection, restocking, and ongoing maintenance within assigned areas of responsibility.
  • Assist in developing clear and concise communication for program staff, part-time employees, parents/ guardians, and community and district partners.
  • Provide on-call support for programs, addressing urgent participant needs and assisting with coverage, emergencies, or operational needs as required.
  • Effectively use phones, computers, tablets, software, and online tools to complete job duties, while preparing, receiving, understanding, and responding promptly to written communications via mail, text, or email.
  • Drive Association or personal vehicles for recreation programs, meetings, or Association business.
  • Assist with recruitment and outreach efforts by attending job fairs, school career programs, community events, and staff interviews.
  • Perform other duties as needed to support the Association's Vision, fulfill the Mission, and uphold NWSRA's Core Values.

Physical DemandsThe Recreation Specialist must, with or without reasonable accommodation, be able to perform the following functions:
  • Frequently stand, walk, sit, rotate, or feel; reach with arms and hands. The employee must be able to talk, hear, and see (both near and far).
  • Gather, load, transport, and set up equipment and supplies.
  • Ability to safely lift and transfer loads of up to 75 lbs. or apply up to 40 lbs. of force continuously to move objects.
  • Visual acuity required to operate Association vehicles.

Working Conditions
This job operates in a wide variety of environments. The noise level can range from quiet to loud. When working indoors, conditions can include different types of lighting, temperatures, and noise. When working outdoors you may be exposed to different types of weather conditions, heat, humidity, frigid, windy and wet conditions along with a variety of insects. You may encounter various exposures such as pool chemicals, cleaning chemicals, infectious diseases and a variety of elements when driving and programming for the Associations programs or Foundation events.
Equal Opportunity Employer
Equal Opportunity has been, and will continue to be, a fundamental principle at NWSRA, which bases employment upon personal capabilities and qualifications without discrimination because of an individual's actual or perceived race (including but not limited to traits associated with race, such as hair texture and protective hairstyles such as braids, locks, and twists), color, religion, sex, gender (including gender identity and expression), age, national origin, citizenship status, work authorization status, ancestry, marital status, veteran status, disability, association with a person with a disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, unfavorable discharge from military service or military status, civil union partnership, order of protection status, pregnancy, childbirth or a medical condition related to pregnancy or childbirth, or any other protected characteristic as established by law. Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation to participate in the hiring process may contact HR at HRteam@nwsra.org.