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Outdoor Assistant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Venture Outdoors

Outdoor Educator

Pittsburgh, PA · On-site

$18/hr

They will lead or assist in all programming and activities for Venture Outdoors, ensuring successful, professional, and excellent experience for all youth participants. This staff member acts as a ...

YMCA

Outdoor Education Assistant Director

Waialua, HI · On-site

$450/wk

The Outdoor Education Assistant Director works closely with the Senior Program Director in creating staff schedules for Outdoor Education groups and ensuring appropriate coverage of all activities.

United States Space Force

$21/hr

This position will be assigned to the Buckley Outdoor Recreation Center. This is a Regular ... Performs duties as driver and/or assistant driver in conjunction with field trips, tours, or other ...

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What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Outdoor Assistant, and why are they important?

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 are Outdoor Assistants?

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 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 cities are hiring for Outdoor Assistant jobs? Cities with the most Outdoor Assistant job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Outdoor jobs? The most popular types of Outdoor jobs are:
What states have the most Outdoor Assistant jobs? States with the most job openings for Outdoor Assistant jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Outdoor Assistant jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Outdoor Assistant jobs are:
Outdoor Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Outdoor Assistant job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 91% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution.
Assistant Director - Outdoor Recreation

Assistant Director - Outdoor Recreation

University of Arizona

Tucson, AZ • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, PTO

This job post has expired 2 days ago. Applications are no longer accepted.

University Of Arizona rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 65 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

369th of 532 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Assistant Director - Outdoor Recreation
Posting Number
req25814
Department
Campus Recreation
Department Website Link
https://rec.arizona.edu/
Location
Tucson Campus
Address
Tucson, AZ USA
Position Highlights
The Assistant Director for Outdoor Recreation is responsible for the design, direction, management and evaluation of a comprehensive outdoor recreation program, including outdoor trips, instructional programs, rental center, bike rental program, and bouldering wall. Responsibilities include personnel management, financial management, guest relations, facility management, planning and design of inclusive programs and services and safety and risk management. The Assistant Director provides tactical and operational leadership designed to achieve the Campus Recreation vision. The position requires representation of the Department of Campus Recreation in a fair, consistent, cooperative and positive manner in accordance with Department and University policy. The position reports to the Associate Director for Programs and Well-Being Initiatives.
Outstanding U of A benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance plans; life insurance and disability programs; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; U of A/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; retirement plans; access to U of A recreation and cultural activities; and more!
The University of Arizona has been recognized for our innovative work-life programs. For more information about working at the University of Arizona and relocations services, please click here.
Duties & Responsibilities
  • Provide tactical and operational leadership for the outdoor recreation and education programs designed to achieve the Campus Recreation vision. Program includes outdoor trips, instructional programs, rental center, and bike rental program and repair station, and bouldering wall.
  • Responsible for the effective management and oversight of program offerings and facility spaces that achieves exceptional quality, stewardship and accountability.
  • Plan semester / annual program mix and slate of offerings designed to achieve the vision for outdoor recreation programs while meeting U of A community needs. Work through subordinate staff to ensure curriculum design is consistent with best practices and industry standards.
  • Collaborate with department staff to ensure facility spaces are maintained as needed to meet industry standards for programmatic use.
  • Create the annual budget submission for review and approval. Manage the program according to approved budget, carrying out best practices in financial stewardship.
  • Staff supervision including hiring, training, scheduling, feedback, evaluations, payroll and disciplinary processes for full-time, ancillary, student and volunteer staff. Indirect supervision of independent contractors. The development and engagement of student staff is an emphasis.
  • Develop for review and approval any pertinent program area policies, procedures, processes and training / operations manuals.
  • Develop or update necessary emergency procedures, safety practices and risk management processes in conjunction with administration and the department risk management work team. Represent Outdoor Recreation as a member of the departmental risk management work team.
  • Develop marketing strategies, publicity strategies and pricing structures. Collaborate with department marketing staff and/or outside agencies as appropriate to implement strategies. Conduct outreach efforts in order to increase awareness and visibility of the program.
  • Ensure the highest possible level of customer service in order to provide exceptional experiences through outdoor recreation programming.
  • Develop, in collaboration with department staff, appropriate program assessment tools to assess market needs and interests, participant satisfaction and overall program feedback. Report on results, including strategies for process improvement.
  • Execute equipment and supply purchasing within budgetary parameters according to U of A policies.
  • Inventory and maintain all equipment and supplies to ensure quality, safety and security.
  • Provide ongoing, semester and annual updates on pertinent measures of success, including participation, assessment data, and financial status and area happenings.
  • Develop and maintain relationships with Campus Recreation, the University of Arizona and Tucson community as necessary to achieve program success, collaborations and partnerships.
  • Development and maintain positive relationships with current and potential participants and alumni in order to maximize program success.
  • Ensure proficiency in Campus Recreation and University of Arizona policies, procedures and processes.
  • Engage in Campus Recreation, University of Arizona and pertinent industry training and development opportunities.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
  • Experience with collaborative programming and the ability to form positive relationships.

This job posting reflects the general nature and level of work expected of the selected candidate(s). It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. The institution reserves the right to amend or update this description as organizational priorities and institutional needs evolve.
Minimum Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree or equivalent advanced learning attained through professional level experience required.
  • Minimum of 5 years of related work experience, including 2 years of managerial experience, or equivalent combination of education and work experience.
  • A valid driver's license and ability to drive according to the University Fleet Safety Policy.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Industry certifications in any of these areas: Swift Water Rescue, Rock Climbing, Caving, Paddling, Whitewater Rafting, Leave No Trace(LNT), Bike Mechanic, includes AMGA, ACCT, PICA.
  • Current Wilderness First Responder (WFR) certification.
  • Master's degree in recreation, outdoor recreation, land management, higher education, health promotions or related field.
  • Three years of full-time, relevant professional program oversight for outdoor recreation programs, experiential education / challenge programming and outdoor leadership.
  • Two to three years of staff supervision.
  • Demonstrated experiences at the collegiate level in the development, administration, and evaluation of outdoor recreation and adventure programs.
  • Demonstrated experience with program development, marketing, financial management, safety and risk management.
  • Current CPR-PR, AED, First Aid and Blood-borne Pathogen certification.

FLSA
Exempt
Full Time/Part Time
Full Time
Number of Hours Worked per Week
40
Job FTE
1.0
Work Calendar
Fiscal
Job Category
Student Services
Benefits Eligible
Yes - Full Benefits
Rate of Pay
$59,404 - $74,254
Compensation Type
salary at 1.0 full-time equivalency (FTE)
Grade
8
Compensation Guidance
The Rate of Pay Field represents the University of Arizona's good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting. The University considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate's work experience, education/training, key skills, and internal equity.
The Grade Range represent a full range of career compensation growth over time. The university offers compensation growth opportunities within its career architecture. To learn more about compensation, please review our Applicant Compensation Guide and our Total Rewards Calculator.
Career Stream and Level
M2
Job Family
Campus Recreation
Job Function
Student Services
Type of criminal background check required:
Fingerprint criminal background check (security sensitive due to title or department)
Number of Vacancies
1
Target Hire Date
7/20/2026
Expected End Date
Contact Information for Candidates
HR-CampusRec@arizona.edu
Open Date
4/28/2026
Open Until Filled
Yes
Documents Needed to Apply
Resume and Cover Letter
Special Instructions to Applicant
Notice of Availability of the Annual Security and Fire Safety Report
In compliance with the Jeanne Clery Campus Safety Act (Clery Act), each year the University of Arizona releases an Annual Security Report (ASR) for each of the University's campuses.Thesereports disclose information including Clery crime statistics for the previous three calendar years and policies, procedures, and programs the University uses to keep students and employees safe, including how to report crimes or other emergencies and resources for crime victims. As a campus with residential housing facilities, the Main Campus ASR also includes a combined Annual Fire Safety report with information on fire statistics and fire safety systems, policies, and procedures.
Paper copies of the Reports can be obtained by contacting the University Compliance Office at cleryact@arizona.edu.

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