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Outdoor Education Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Outdoor Education Manager

Boston, MA · On-site

$62.20 - $64/hr

Outdoor Education Manager The Outdoor Education Manger has overall responsibility for the design, and implementation of all outdoor education/nature connection programs and activities for adults ...

Outdoor Education Instructor Grades 7-12 Chadwick School, Palos Verdes Peninsula POSITION OVERVIEW Chadwick Outdoor Education (COE) instructors facilitate outdoor experiences for students, helping ...

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Outdoor Education information

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$230

$698

$1.5K

How much do outdoor education jobs pay per week?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average weekly pay for outdoor education in the United States is $698.56, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $432.69 and $798.08 per week, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is outdoor education?

Outdoor education is a learning process that takes place in natural environments, where students engage in activities like hiking, camping, environmental studies, and team-building exercises. It aims to foster personal growth, environmental awareness, and practical skills by immersing participants in hands-on experiences outside the traditional classroom. Outdoor education can be part of school curricula, extracurricular programs, or specialized camps, and is beneficial for all age groups. It emphasizes experiential learning, leadership, and a deeper connection to nature.

What are careers in outdoor education?

Several opportunities exist for a career in outdoor education. You may find employment at a local nature center or park as an outdoor education instructor. In this position, you work with the area’s schools and daycares to provide environmental adventures with a teaching theme for students. You may also lead workshops to meet educational requirements deemed by the state standards. The work is typically seasonal to coincide with the school year. Responsibilities vary with the intended audience and the workplace. If you work at a public site, your duties involve leading activities with groups of all ages. The job is either part-time or full-time with evening and weekend hours commonplace. There is occasional travel for special excursions and learning opportunities.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in outdoor education, and why are they important?

To thrive in Outdoor Education, you need expertise in environmental science, outdoor leadership, and safety procedures, often supported by a relevant degree or certifications like Wilderness First Aid. Familiarity with GPS navigation, outdoor equipment, and risk management systems is typically required. Strong communication, adaptability, and group facilitation skills help educators engage participants and manage dynamic outdoor settings. These competencies are crucial for ensuring participant safety, effective learning, and successful program delivery in unpredictable environments.

What are some common challenges faced by outdoor education instructors, and how can they be managed on the job?

Outdoor education instructors often face challenges such as unpredictable weather, varying student abilities, and maintaining safety in remote environments. Managing these challenges requires strong planning skills, adaptability, and clear communication with both students and team members. Instructors should be prepared with contingency plans, continually assess risk, and foster a supportive environment that encourages teamwork and resilience among participants. Regular training in first aid and outdoor survival skills is also essential for effective risk management.

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

AspectOutdoor EducationOutdoor Recreation Instructor
CredentialsCertifications in outdoor leadership, teaching, or environmental educationCertifications in outdoor skills, safety, and sometimes first aid
Work EnvironmentSchools, camps, environmental centers, educational programsAdventure parks, outdoor activity centers, guided tours
Employer & IndustryEducational institutions, non-profits, government agenciesPrivate companies, adventure tourism, recreation centers

Outdoor Education focuses on teaching environmental awareness, leadership, and educational programs, often in formal settings. Outdoor Recreation Instructors primarily lead outdoor activities and adventures, emphasizing skill development and safety. While both roles involve outdoor settings and certifications, their core objectives differ: education versus recreation.

What cities are hiring for Outdoor Education jobs?

Cities with the most Outdoor Education job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Outdoor Education jobs?

The most popular types of Outdoor Education jobs are:

What states have the most Outdoor Education jobs?

States with the most job openings for Outdoor Education jobs include:

Infographic showing various Outdoor Education job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $36,325 per year, or $17.5 per hour.

Outdoor Education Manager

Emerald Necklace

Boston, MA • On-site

$62.20 - $64/hr

Other

Posted 4 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Design, develop, and implement outdoor education and nature connection programs and activities for various audiences at Emerald Necklace Parks.

  • Oversee logistics, scheduling, facilitation, staff supervision, and program coordination for the Green Team, Canopy Classroom, and Family Nature Connection programs.

  • Maintain community partnerships, manage program supplies, ensure risk management protocols are followed, and support the development of education strategies aligned with the conservancy's goals.


Job description

Outdoor Education Manager

The Outdoor Education Manger has overall responsibility for the design, and implementation of all outdoor education/nature connection programs and activities for adults, families, children, and schools at Emerald Necklace Parks, utilizing a community engagement approach with a focus on increasing diversity, equity and inclusion.

In conjunction with the Director of Education, the Outdoor Education Manager is responsible for maintaining and creating an outdoor education portfolio that meets the goals and objectives of the Emerald Necklace Conservancy while meeting the needs of the communities in the Metro Boston area. The Outdoor Education Manager will oversee the development, marketing and implementation of assigned outdoor education programs and activities in conjunction with the Director of Education. The Outdoor Education Manager is responsible for helping to maintain community partnerships along with the Director of Education.

Duties & Responsibilities Summer Green Team Program:

This six-week, intensive program engages participants in environmental career exploration workshops, soft, and hard skill workshops, nature connection and, basic ecology activities, land care management skills, and more. The Green Team Program is facilitated for youth ages 14-18 years old.

Summer Green Team Program Responsibilities (40%)

  • Lead logistics, scheduling, facilitation (along with seasonal staff), coordination, and registration efforts
  • Hiring of program participants
  • Lead, train, and supervisor all program staff
  • Lead all staff communications
  • Schedule and facilitate training of staff
  • Ensure program curriculum is followed
  • Communicate with program partners
  • Ensure risk management protocols are followed
  • Keep track of staff and participant hours worked weekly
  • Keep track of worked completed
  • Request permits from the city if needed
  • In collaboration with other staff, define education strategies for audiences in the Metro Boston area based on the conservancy's strategic goals and priorities in education and engagement
  • Inventory and manage program supplies
  • Disseminate evaluation questionnaire
  • In collaboration with the Director of Education, define education strategies for audiences in the Metro Boston area based on the conservancy's strategic goals and priorities in education and engagement
  • Support the Director of Education as needed. This includes collecting and maintaining all necessary staff paperwork, and upholding site standard
Canopy Classroom Program:

The Canopy Classroom Program is executed through fun, interactive nature connection field trips that are facilitated at Emerald Necklace parks. We offer fall and spring field trips designed for 3rd and 4th grade classes, approximately 2 hours in length. Each field trip begins with an introduction to the park and the field trip topic, followed by a guided exploration of the park, and concludes with a fun activity that reinforces the field trip content.

Canopy Classroom Program Responsibilities (40%):

  • Lead logistics, scheduling, facilitation (along with seasonal staff), coordination, and registration efforts
  • for all field trips
  • Lead, and supervisor all program staff
  • Lead all staff communication
  • Schedule and facilitate training of staff
  • Ensure program curriculum is followed
  • Ensure risk management protocols are followed
  • Keep track of staff and participant hours worked weekly
  • Request permits from the city if needed
  • Inventory and manage program supplies
  • Disseminate evaluation questionnaire
  • Request park access permits
  • Create lesson plans as needed
  • Support the Director of Education as needed. This includes collecting and maintaining all necessary staff paperwork, and upholding site standards
Family Nature Connection:

The free Family Nature Connection events aim to introduce people to the Emerald Necklace parks and to give existing park users new and unique experiences in nature. Events are facilitated in the fall and the spring. Activities are hosted on either Saturday or Sunday (2-4 programs a year. Past events have included guided useful plant walks, birds of prey, scavenger hunts, wildlife tracking, birding, etc.

Family Program Responsibilities (20%)

  • Lead logistics, scheduling, facilitation (contractors will facilitate activities), coordination, and registration efforts
  • Facilitate marketing of programs
  • Communicate with and, schedule facilitators for programs
  • Serve as the on-site point of contact
  • Inventory and manage program supplies
  • Ensure risk management protocols are followed
  • Request permits from the city if needed
  • In collaboration with other the Director of Education, define education strategies for audiences in the Metro Boston area based on the conservancy's strategic goals and priorities in education and engagement
  • Support the Director of Education as needed. This includes collecting and maintaining all necessary staff paperwork, and upholding site standards
  • In collaboration with other staff, define education strategies for audiences in the Metro Boston area based on the conservancy's strategic goals and priorities in education and engagement
Qualifications
  • 2+ years of experience managing and facilitating outdoor nature connection, environmental education, or outdoor adventure activities for youth
  • Experience supervising staff
  • Major in recreation, outdoor education, education, environmental education, environmental studies, earth science, and biology or equivalent experience (are welcomed but not required)
  • Experience making nature connection, and environmental education more accessible and equitable
  • Passionate about and experienced leader in environmental education, and nature connection activities, and programs
  • Strong experience in management and supervision of program staff and related individuals
  • Committed to nurturing universally designed, inclusive learning environments.
  • Experienced in the development, implementation and evaluation of environmental education programs for a variety of audiences
  • Experience as a team leader and/or facilitator
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills
  • Demonstrated ability to develop curriculum and to instruct others.
  • Proven ability to develop collaborative relationships with education leaders and outside organizations.
  • Advanced Computer Skills.
  • Certification in First Aid/CPR.
  • Flexibility and ability to respond to changing priorities, meet deadlines, and work as an effective team member.
  • Ability to relate to a diverse range of people and exercise cultural competence and inclusion.
  • Valid driver's license and ability to travel within Massachusetts.
Compensation

This position's base salary range is $62,2000-$64,000 actual salary will reflect level of experience and qualifications relative to position requirements.

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