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Outdoor Adventure Guide Jobs in Oregon (NOW HIRING)

Cotopaxi

Retail Sales Associate

Portland, OR · On-site

Whether you're kitting someone out for their first outdoor adventure or outfitting a regular with our newest gear, you thrive off of creating fireside moments. As a Retail Guide, they/she/he will ...

Cotopaxi

Retail Sales Associate

Portland, OR · On-site

$18.50/hr

Whether you're kitting someone out for their first outdoor adventure or outfitting a regular with our newest gear, you thrive off of creating fireside moments. As a Retail Guide, they/she/he will ...

Lux Travel Nurse

Travel Physical Therapist

Siletz, OR · On-site

$3.2K/wk

... outdoor adventure. Whether you enjoy fishing, kayaking, beachcombing, or simply taking in ... to guide you. With over half a century of combined expertise, we've walked in your shoes. Now, w ...

Next Adventure

Associate

Portland, OR · On-site

$16 - $19/hr

Next Adventure surrounds itself with employees who are passionate about the outdoors and want to ... guide customers through one of the best shopping experiences around. We're not just selling gear.

Next Adventure Inc

Associate

Portland, OR

$16 - $19/hr

Next Adventure surrounds itself with employees who are passionate about the outdoors and want to ... guide customers through one of the best shopping experiences around. We're not just selling gear.

Next Adventure Inc

Associate

Portland, OR · On-site

$16 - $19/hr

Next Adventure surrounds itself with employees who are passionate about the outdoors and want to ... guide customers through one of the best shopping experiences around. We're not just selling gear.

Next Adventure

Technician

Portland, OR · On-site

$16 - $19/hr

Next Adventure surrounds itself with employees who are passionate about the outdoors and want to ... always willing to help guide customers through one of the best rental experiences. * All ...

Next Adventure Inc

Technician

Portland, OR · On-site

$16 - $19/hr

Next Adventure surrounds itself with employees who are passionate about the outdoors and want to ... always willing to help guide customers through one of the best rental experiences. * All ...

Next Adventure Inc

Technician

Portland, OR

$16 - $19/hr

Next Adventure surrounds itself with employees who are passionate about the outdoors and want to ... always willing to help guide customers through one of the best rental experiences. * All ...

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsOutdoor Adventure Guide JobsOutdoor Adventure Guide Jobs in Oregon

Outdoor Adventure Guide information

See Oregon salary details

$10

$17

$23

How much do outdoor adventure guide jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for outdoor adventure guide in Oregon is $17.08, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.99 and $16.01 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

AspectOutdoor Adventure GuideOutdoor Instructor
CertificationsFirst Aid, CPR, outdoor activity certificationsFirst Aid, CPR, activity-specific certifications
Work EnvironmentOutdoor settings, adventure parks, wildernessOutdoor classes, training centers, camps
Employer & IndustryTour companies, adventure parks, outdoor recreationSchools, camps, outdoor education programs

Both roles involve outdoor settings and safety certifications, but Outdoor Adventure Guides focus on leading recreational activities for clients, while Outdoor Instructors typically teach skills or safety in a structured environment. The roles often overlap but differ mainly in scope and setting.

What are some common challenges outdoor adventure guides face during trips, and how can they prepare for them?

Outdoor Adventure Guides often encounter unpredictable weather, varying group skill levels, and unexpected route changes. Preparing for these challenges involves thorough pre-trip planning, regular safety training, and clear communication with participants. Guides also benefit from strong problem-solving skills and the ability to adapt quickly to changing conditions, ensuring both guest safety and an enjoyable experience. Teamwork and ongoing learning are key to successfully managing these dynamic environments.

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

To thrive as an Outdoor Adventure Guide, you need expertise in outdoor activities, navigation, safety protocols, and often certifications like Wilderness First Aid or CPR. Familiarity with GPS devices, map-reading, and equipment such as climbing or kayaking gear is typically required. Outstanding communication, leadership, and adaptability help guides manage groups and respond effectively to changing conditions. These skills are crucial to ensure client safety, provide memorable experiences, and handle emergencies confidently in outdoor environments.

What is an outdoor adventure guide?

Outdoor Adventure Guides are professionals who lead individuals or groups on outdoor recreational activities such as hiking, rafting, climbing, or camping. They are responsible for ensuring the safety, enjoyment, and education of participants during these adventures. Guides often provide instruction on outdoor skills, share information about the local environment, and manage any risks that may arise. Their expertise helps participants have memorable and safe experiences in natural settings.
What are popular job titles related to Outdoor Adventure Guide jobs in Oregon? For Outdoor Adventure Guide jobs in Oregon, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Outdoor Adventure Guide jobs in Oregon look for? The top searched job categories for Outdoor Adventure Guide jobs in Oregon are:
What cities in Oregon are hiring for Outdoor Adventure Guide jobs? Cities in Oregon with the most Outdoor Adventure Guide job openings:
Outdoor Adventure Guide jobs near you
Infographic showing various Outdoor Adventure Guide job openings in Oregon as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,535 per year, or $17.1 per hour.

Outdoor Adventure Program (OAP) Climbing Instructor

Eastern Oregon University

La Grande, OR • On-site

$16.06 - $21.20/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 22 days ago

Job description

Posting Details
Position Information
Position Title
Outdoor Adventure Program (OAP) Climbing Instructor
Full or Part Time
Part Time
FTE
.49 FTE
Position Type
Regular
Posting Number
20110508C&A
Position Summary Information
Job Description Summary
The climbing instructor assists the Outdoor Adventure Program (OAP) Director in accomplishing programmatic goals and objectives in accordance with the University's established core themes and set forth in the University's strategic plan. The staff member works to promote alignment of the OAP mission with the University's mission to ensure student learning with high-quality programs that foster lifelong success. The staff member assists the OAP Director in ensuring campus recreation programming meets or exceeds the established goals and objectives of the Division of Student Affairs' annual plan and key performance indicators (KPI's).
The Outdoor Adventure Program mission is committed to the process of creating and facilitating exceptional recreation and educational experiences to foster both student and community physical, mental, and emotional development. To that end, the OAP provides outdoor equipment rentals, instructional courses, clinics in a wide range of outdoor activities, guided trips, an indoor climbing facility, and an extensive resource library to all EOU students and community members. The program is dedicated to community outreach, engaging school groups from rural, disadvantaged areas, as well as international cohorts. The OAP strives to inspire future generations of outdoor stewards by providing low-cost, extensive, and inclusive recreational opportunities.
The climbing instructor for the duration of work shift will be exposed to, and be expected to perform, duties inherent to an indoor climbing wall facility. Such work requires the ability to demonstrate advanced climbing techniques. This typically involves the stamina to exercise vigorously, as well as continuous walking, climbing, jumping, and bending. Work involves being suspended to heights of 35 feet. This position requires repetitive foot, arm, shoulder, hand, and back movements while performing instruction. The climbing instructor must adhere to all safety procedures and protocols set forth by the university and designated industry best practices.
This position will work variable hours and there is no guarantee of hours.
Responsibilities
  • Route set and change out climbing holds.
  • Create a variety of boulder and wall problems for climbers of different experience levels.
  • Be comfortable working on ladders with tools at heights of up to 35'.
  • Support and be involved with competitions and events.
  • Conduct belay certification and climbing clinics
  • Solid working knowledge of climbing equipment and their proper and safe use: belay devices, harnesses, knots etc.
  • Introduce risk management best practices to clients at the start of their session.
  • Clinics focus on developing solid and safe belay skills and developing sound lead sport climbing skills in both small and large group settings.
  • Belay for large group events (Church groups, school classes, birthday parties, etc).
  • Ensure visitor compliance with risk management protocols and safety procedures.
  • Maintain climbing wall equipment and gear.
  • Maintain climbing walls, including t-nut replacement, re-painting, and general repairs.
  • Assist with wall stripping, washing, and sorting holds when necessary.
  • Manage payments and memberships.
  • Able to operate a Point-of-Sale (POS) payment system.
  • Handle cash transactions in-person, over the phone, and through online payment system.

Minimum Qualifications
  • Three (3) years of extensive experience in all relevant facets of rock climbing (indoor, outdoor, bouldering, sport, traditional).
  • Must be able to easily climb indoor routes of at least 5.10 grade rating.
  • Solid working knowledge of climbing equipment: belay devices, harnesses, knots, etc.
  • CPR/First Aid certifications must be achieved before start of employment or have current certifications.
  • Demonstrate a high level of rock climbing knowledge and skill proficiency. This includes being able to lead sport climb 5.10 grade routes and has, at minimum, two years of indoor and outdoor climbing experience including bouldering, sport, and traditional.
  • Demonstrate ability to conduct belay certification exams for clients according to a checklist of protocols established by the OAP to ensure all systems and techniques are safe, redundant, and adhered to.
  • Demonstrate a working knowledge of Google products (Sheets, Drive, etc) and Microsoft Office suite including Word and Excel.
  • Must have experience working with hand-held power tools (Impact driver, angle grinder, etc).

  • Must satisfactorily complete EOU criminal and credential background check. Having a criminal history is not an automatic bar to employment.
  • In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire. Eastern Oregon University will not sponsor applicants for employment visas.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Degree from a college or university accredited by a U.S. Department of Education and/or the Council of Higher Education Accreditation or an internationally recognized accrediting organization.
  • Ability to breakdown, teach, and critique climbing techniques to climbers of all abilities.
  • Climbing Wall Instructor (CWI) Certification.
  • Have experience route-setting in an indoor climbing gym.

Special Instructions to Applicants
Applicant must provide:
1) Letter of application (which should include why this position is attractive to the applicant, how it meets the applicant's professional goals, and what attracts the applicant to EOU);
2) Resume/Curriculum vitae;
3) Submit names, emails, and phone numbers for at least three references in the reference section of the application.
Candidates are encouraged to review the values and principles of Eastern Oregon University.
Only complete files of qualified applicants will be reviewed.
Eastern Oregon University - Oregon's Rural University! - is a respected public, higher education institution of academic excellence. Brilliant faculty and staff thrive and together fulfill their career ambitions to serve students from all walks of life.
EOU is a beautiful, quaint campus nestled in a remarkably scenic, high elevation valley populated by wonderful, community-minded citizens that have balanced work-life flexibility. Take a virtual tour of Eastern Oregon University.
Eastern Oregon University is an EEO Employer and welcomes applications from women, members of historically underrepresented minority groups, US Veterans, and persons with disabilities. EOU is committed to providing equal opportunity in its recruitment, admissions, educational programs, activities and employment without illegal discrimination on the basis of age, color, disability, national origin, race, marital status, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression or any status as protected by state or federal law.
Salary
$16.06 - $21.20 hourly DOE
Posting Detail Information
Open Date
08/07/2025
Close Date
Open Until Filled
Yes
First Day of Application Review
Quick Link to Posting
https://eou.peopleadmin.com/postings/2585

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