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Outdoor Activity Instructor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

JKV

Activity Instructor, FT

Lees Summit, MO · On-site

$15/hr

Contributes to overall success of activity program. Supportive of Village mission, vision and ... Work is performed in both indoor and outdoor settings. May be exposed to all types of weather.

JKV

Activity Instructor, PRN

Lees Summit, MO · On-site

$15/hr

Contributes to overall success of activity program. Supportive of Village mission, vision and ... Work is performed in both indoor and outdoor settings. May be exposed to all types of weather.

CHADWICK SCHOOL

Outdoor Education Instructor

CA · On-site

$20/hr

Outdoor Education Instructor Grades 7-12 Chadwick School, Palos Verdes Peninsula POSITION OVERVIEW ... The is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties and ...

AMIkids

Activities Instructor - AMIKids Aspen

Columbia, SC

$13.50 - $17.75/hr

If you have a passion for the outdoors, and experiences like hiking, kayaking, rope climbing, scuba ... Maintain activity plans, instructional materials, equipment, and safety standards, * Evaluate ...

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Outdoor Activity Instructor information

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How much do outdoor activity instructor jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for outdoor activity instructor in the United States is $15.99, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.42 and $17.31 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Outdoor Activity Instructor vs Adventure Guide?

AspectOutdoor Activity InstructorAdventure Guide
CertificationsFirst aid, CPR, activity-specific certificationsFirst aid, CPR, outdoor skills certifications
Work EnvironmentSchools, camps, recreation centersOutdoor expeditions, tours, adventure parks
Employer & IndustryRecreation, education, youth programsTourism, outdoor adventure companies

Both roles involve guiding participants in outdoor activities, requiring similar certifications like first aid and CPR. However, Outdoor Activity Instructors typically work in educational or recreational settings, focusing on teaching skills or safety, while Adventure Guides lead clients on outdoor expeditions or tours, emphasizing adventure and exploration. The choice depends on whether you prefer a structured teaching environment or leading outdoor adventures for tourists.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an outdoor activity instructor, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Outdoor Activity Instructor, you need expertise in outdoor sports, safety protocols, and first aid, often supported by certifications such as Wilderness First Aid or activity-specific qualifications (e.g., climbing or kayaking instructor certificates). Familiarity with safety equipment, navigation tools (like GPS and compasses), and risk assessment systems is essential. Strong soft skills include leadership, effective communication, and adaptability to changing outdoor conditions. These skills and qualities are crucial for ensuring participant safety, delivering engaging experiences, and managing dynamic outdoor environments.

How do outdoor activity instructors balance safety and adventure in their daily responsibilities?

Outdoor Activity Instructors are responsible for creating engaging, adventurous experiences while maintaining the highest safety standards. This involves conducting thorough risk assessments, providing clear safety briefings, and adapting activities based on participants' abilities and environmental conditions. Instructors must constantly monitor both the group and surroundings, intervening when necessary to prevent accidents. Balancing fun and safety requires strong communication skills, situational awareness, and continuous professional training.

What is an outdoor activity instructor?

Outdoor activity instructors are professionals who lead and supervise individuals or groups in a range of outdoor pursuits, such as hiking, climbing, kayaking, or camping. They are responsible for teaching skills, ensuring safety, organizing activities, and fostering a positive experience in nature. Instructors often work with schools, youth groups, or adventure companies, and they may also provide first aid and risk assessments. Their role combines teaching, leadership, and a passion for the outdoors.

What states have the most Outdoor Activity Instructor jobs?

States with the most job openings for Outdoor Activity Instructor jobs include:

Outdoor Activity Instructor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Outdoor Activity Instructor job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $33,254 per year, or $16 per hour.

Activity Instructor, FT

JKV

Lees Summit, MO • On-site

$15/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 19 days ago

Job description

Full-Time Day position on the MEMORY CARE UNIT in the Village Care Center
Occasional Evening or Weekend Shift possible
JOB SUMMARY
Responsible for assisting with planning and conducting a variety of activity programs to meet physical, social, mental and spiritual needs of residents. Contributes to overall success of activity program. Supportive of Village mission, vision and values. Completes training as required by policy.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
  • Directly delivers the execution of activities and events that are part of the activity programming for residents.
  • Assists in development of new programs/services to expand program and enhance participation.
  • Assures supplies and equipment are available for effective operation of programs.
  • Assists in transporting residents living in licensed areas to and from activity functions.
  • Leads group activities and one-to-one visits as indicated.
  • Monitor participation and performance and produces records as requested.
  • May utilize existing equipment and computer technology to show movies, search information for classes.
  • Interact with residents to promote and maintain a positive atmosphere of warmth and calmness.
  • Follows infection control practices.
  • Organizes and assists with special outings.
  • Assist with planning and decorating for small and large events, holiday gatherings and weekly activities
  • Adheres to all safety regulations and requirements.
  • Able to handle stress and get along with others within the workplace and with customers outside the department.
  • Maintain acceptable standards of workplace conduct.

The responsibilities described above represent the primary responsibilities of the job. Other responsibilities may be assigned by the supervisor as warranted by business needs. The incumbent is expected to perform all assigned tasks.
ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS
Education:
  • This position requires the level of education typically acquired by a course of study leading to a high school diploma or equivalent. College level study, preferred.

Licenses/Certification:
  • Specialty certification as personal trainer, exercise specialist, fitness instructor, health and fitness specialist or similar area, preferred.

Experience:
  • Previous experience working/volunteering with the elderly is preferred.

Licenses/Certifications: Must have appropriate Driver's License if assigned to driving responsibility (must obtain within 90 days of hire). (Class E or Class C-CDL)
Knowledge and Skills (required unless otherwise noted):
  • Ability to demonstrate appropriate exercises and activities to residents.
  • Ability to type with basic keyboarding skills.
  • Basic level skills using Microsoft Windows and Microsoft Word, Outlook, Excel and PowerPoint.
  • Strong interpersonal, teamwork, customer service and problem-solving skills.
  • Strong organizational skills; ability to handle multiple priorities.
  • Strong creativity skills.
  • Ability to work without direct supervision.
  • Able to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating instructions, handbooks and procedure manuals.
  • Able to write simple sentences, paragraphs and correspondence.
  • Able to effectively present information in one-on-one and small group situations to residents, family members, and other associates of the organization.
  • Able to add, subtract, multiply and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions and decimals.

SPECIAL WORKING CONDITIONS
  • The associate is subject to inside environmental conditions which provide protection from weather conditions but not necessarily from temperature changes.
  • Work is performed in both indoor and outdoor settings. May be exposed to all types of weather.
  • Occasional exposure to chemicals used in various activity/craft projects.
  • Expected to work on occasional weekends and holidays.
  • Maybe exposed to infectious diseases if working in a licensed area.
  • The associate is required to function around individuals with challenged mental capacities.
  • All associates may be called upon to assist other departments in a declared emergency situation.

Physical and Mental Demands
The physical demands described below are representative of those that must be met by an individual to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
  • Medium Work - Exerting up to 50 lbs of force occasionally, and/or up to 20 lbs of force frequently, and/or up to 10 lbs of force constantly to move objects.
  • The associate is required to have visual acuity with or without correction to determine the accuracy, neatness, and thoroughness of the work assigned or to make general observations of facilities or structures.
  • The associate will stoop by bending spine at the waist downward and forward; kneeling on the knee to come to a rest; climb stairs and ramps, using feet and legs and/or hands and arms; and crouching downward and forward by bending leg and spine.
  • The associate will reach hand(s) and arm(s) in any direction; push forward, downward or outward; and lift objects from a lower to a higher position or move objects horizontally from position to position.
  • The associate will walk to accomplish tasks, particularly for long distances or moving from one work site to another.
  • The associate will finger with whole hand or arm such as picking, pinching or typing; grasp by applying pressure to an object with the fingers and palm and feel attributes of objects, such as size, shape, temperature or texture by touching with skin, particularly that of fingertips.
  • The associate will talk to expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word accurately, loudly, and/or quickly; and hear sounds at normal speaking levels with or without correction, and having the ability to receive detailed information through oral communication.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED/GIVEN
Receives direction from the Activity Manager. May give direction to volunteers.
EOE/D/V
Nicotine-Free Workplace
Post-offer background check and health screening required.
Questions can be directed to careers@jkv.org
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.
For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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