ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Outdoor Assistant Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

sportsmans

Assistant Store Manager

Hillsboro, OR · On-site

At Sportsman's Warehouse, we provide outstanding gear and exceptional service to inspire outdoor ... Assist with meeting sales goals by training, motivating, mentoring and providing feedback to sales ...

Little Root Children

Be Seen First

Assistant Preschool Teacher

Portland, OR · On-site

$23.16 - $25/hr

... Assistant Teacher to join our small, nature-based, play-centered program serving children ages 2-4. ... We place a strong emphasis on relationships, rhythm, outdoor play, and respectful guidance. Because ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsOutdoor JobsOutdoor Assistant JobsOutdoor Assistant Jobs in Portland, OR

Outdoor Assistant information

What is an outdoor assistant?

Outdoor Assistants are professionals who support outdoor programs, activities, or facilities, such as camps, parks, or adventure centers. Their responsibilities typically include setting up equipment, leading or assisting with group activities, maintaining outdoor spaces, and ensuring the safety and enjoyment of participants. They often work under the supervision of outdoor educators or managers and may also help with administrative tasks. Outdoor Assistants play a key role in creating positive experiences in outdoor settings for groups of all ages.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an outdoor assistant?

To thrive as an Outdoor Assistant, you need a solid understanding of outdoor safety, basic first aid, and experience with outdoor activities, often supported by relevant certifications like CPR or Wilderness First Aid. Familiarity with equipment such as camping gear, GPS devices, and trail mapping tools is valuable. Strong communication, teamwork, and adaptability help you engage with groups and manage unexpected challenges in diverse environments. These skills ensure safety, effective group management, and a positive experience for participants during outdoor programs.

What are some common challenges outdoor assistants face, and how can they prepare for them?

Outdoor Assistants often work in varying weather conditions and may encounter physically demanding tasks, such as lifting equipment or hiking long distances. Adapting to unpredictable environments and ensuring the safety of participants are key challenges. Preparation involves maintaining physical fitness, staying updated on outdoor safety protocols, and developing strong communication skills to effectively support team members and participants. Collaborating closely with supervisors and being proactive in problem-solving also helps manage unexpected situations.

What is the difference between Outdoor Assistant vs Landscape Technician?

AspectOutdoor AssistantLandscape Technician
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles may require basic certificationsHigh school diploma; certifications in landscaping or horticulture beneficial
Work EnvironmentOutdoor settings, gardens, parks, construction sitesOutdoor environments, gardens, commercial and residential landscapes
Employer & Industry UsageLandscaping companies, parks, golf coursesLandscaping firms, garden centers, municipal parks
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

While both Outdoor Assistants and Landscape Technicians work outdoors and support landscaping projects, Landscape Technicians typically have more specialized skills and certifications, perform more complex tasks, and may work more independently. Outdoor Assistants often handle basic tasks like planting, watering, and site cleanup under supervision. Understanding these differences helps job seekers find roles that match their skills and career goals.

What job should I do if I love the outdoors?

An outdoor assistant role involves working outside in natural environments, often assisting with maintenance, landscaping, or outdoor activities. These jobs typically require physical fitness, knowledge of outdoor tools, and sometimes certifications like first aid or environmental training. They are suitable for individuals who enjoy working outdoors and being active throughout the day.

What are the most commonly searched types of Outdoor jobs in Portland, OR?

The most popular types of Outdoor jobs in Portland, OR are:

What job categories do people searching Outdoor Assistant jobs in Portland, OR look for?

The top searched job categories for Outdoor Assistant jobs in Portland, OR are:

Outdoor Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Outdoor Assistant job openings in Portland, OR as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 23% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution.

Outdoor Program Instructor

Oregon Episcopal School

Portland, OR • On-site

Temporary

Re-posted 16 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Lead lessons and supervise activities both on campus and off campus, including outdoor trips and experiential education programs.

  • Account for the whereabouts of all participants throughout the experience and communicate reflections on the experience to the Experiential Education Director.

  • Support and lead students in outdoor settings, ensuring safety, engagement, and respect for the environment.

Job description

Description
Oregon Episcopal School seeks Outdoor Program Instructors for the 2026-27 school year. Interested candidates should list all current certifications on your resume or cover letter.
OUR MISSION: Oregon Episcopal School educates students to realize their power for good as engaged citizens of the world.
ABOUT US: Founded in 1869, Oregon Episcopal School today occupies a wooded 59-acre campus where 880 students in Pre-K through 12th Grade share an excellent faculty, an inquiry-based curriculum, and a strong sense of community. The Upper School also includes a small boarding program of international and domestic students who live and learn together, enhancing the vibrancy of the school community.
OES seeks and values employees who continually grow in their work practices. Teaching faculty engage in the Characteristics of Effective Teaching for their ongoing learning in service of students. All other employees engage in professional growth specific to their responsibilities. Together, faculty and staff create a vibrant and diverse community of lifelong learners.
As an Episcopal school, we are rooted in a rhythm of gathering and reflection that values and respects all beliefs and cultures. As such, we educate toward a larger purpose - toward inclusion and respect, service and justice, and commitment beyond ourselves.
JOB SUMMARY: The OES Outdoor Program Instructor position works part time at OES throughout the year to work on and off campus to support and lead trips and Experiential Education Programs for Lower, Middle, and Upper School at Oregon Episcopal School. The work on campus could include leading lessons outside in the woods and wetlands, leading and supervising rock wall programs, assisting with programs out on OES challenge course, and delivering preparation and training lessons for trips inside and outside. The work off campus could include supervising students in cabins or hotel rooms while on a class trip, in tents while on a grade level camping trip, or out in the wilderness while on a river or backpacking trip with Upper School students. The ability to account for the whereabouts of students at all times is essential. Working and collaborating with salaried teachers on these experiences is common. Building cohesion with students, and developing an appreciation of stepping out of individual comfort zones, taking care of others and understanding how to respect the environments in which we travel to and visit are cornerstone responsibilities.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES:
  • Report to campus at the agreed time, and contact Experiential Education Director or Assistant Exp. Ed. Director if there is any delay.
  • Carry out lessons, regular routines, and supervision duties according to the Experiential Education Director or Assistant Exp. Ed. Director, and school policies around, on and off campus programming.
  • Provide a written or verbal reflection at the end of the experience to communicate with the Experiential Education Director or Assistant Exp. Ed. Director about the positives, near misses, and negative outcomes of these experiences.
  • Account for the whereabouts of all participants throughout the entire experience.

Requirements
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
  • BA or equivalent in education or related field
  • Experience leading students in the outdoor locales in which the experience is to happen
  • Intercultural competency, ability to engage appropriately with a diverse community and to teach diverse groups of students effectively, demonstrated commitment to equity and inclusion
  • Digital literacy; intermediate MS Office suite, Google Docs/Drive, and other web-based applications, video conferencing, and other applications as appropriate to job duties, ability to adapt as digital tools evolve and change

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Experience with teaching students outdoor education or a related field
  • Experience leading students in the locales in which the experience is to happen
  • Wilderness First Responder Certification

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:
  • A passion for teaching, ability to maintain a warm, productive teaching environment
  • Interpersonal skills, ability to maintain collegial relations with students, parents, and colleagues
  • Some knowledge of educational technology, and openness to learning new applications
  • Familiarity with long and varied daily and overnight programs
  • Verbal and written communication skills, ability to manage confidential information in compliance with the law and best practice
  • Ability to consistently apply principles of equity, inclusion, and anti-racism in day-to-day work and in the broader workplace community.
  • Organizational skills, ability to work well on teams

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
  • Primarily outdoor and classroom environments; ability to communicate clearly with students, parents, and groups of individuals
  • Ability to move about the classroom and a variety of Pacific Northwest environments (Coast, Cascades, and High Desert), school, and the OES campus
  • Mobility sufficient to ensure the safety of young children
  • Ability to life and carry, with or without assistance, up to 20 pounds on an occasional basis

Apply