Outdoor Education Manager Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Salary : $56,888.00 - $88,171.20 Annually
Location : Cary, NC
Job Type: Regular, Full-Time
Job Number: 27-02674
Department: Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources
Opening Date: 08/28/2026
Closing Date: 9/16/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
FLSA: Non-Exempt
Bargaining Unit: N/A
Description
Cary's Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Resources department is seeking a passionate, organized and adaptable environmental education professional to join our team as the Program Supervisor- Outdoor Education! If you're someone who is creative with strong leadership & problem-solving skills- then you might be the person we're looking for!
The Program Supervisor- Outdoor Education is responsible for the creation, development and implementation of educational programs across the Cary Park system to inspire and educate on environmental and local nature-based information. This position develops specialty programming at our Environmental Sites such as Hemlock Bluffs, is a key member of the Outdoor Education program and will work closely with other Program Supervisors to develop a cohesive, comprehensive program package in our parks and outdoor spaces.
This position offers a dynamic work schedule, requiring flexibility to accommodate evenings and weekends as needed. We are looking for someone who is adaptable and open to working outside of traditional business hours to meet the needs of the role.
Work is performed under the general supervision of the Operations and Programs Supervisor- Environmental Education. Supervision is exercised over temporary and seasonal staff, and volunteers.
Typical Tasks

• Supervises the development, planning, implementation and evaluation of diverse environmental and nature-based programs, special events, and camps for all ages, ensuring goals and initiatives are realized
• Manages programming at specialty sites including Hemlock Bluffs Nature Preserve, Penny Road, and Bryson Nature Preserve
• Develops and implements training for instructional and camp staff in interpretation techniques and natural history information
• Develop curriculum and educational displays for assigned areas aligning with core state standards
• Organizes, coordinates, establishes and supervises the program schedule, program staffing, program brochure development and associated registration procedures
• Serves as a liaison with internal and external groups, schools, and the general public
• Lead contact for Town of Cary summer day camp outdoor program coordination
• Maintains knowledge of organizations, trends and issues in recreation programming pertinent to program area
• Supervises all aspects of environmental and nature-based programs
• Recruits, hires, coordinates, supervises, trains and evaluates temporary and seasonal staff, program instructors, contract staff and/or volunteers
• Develops standards and best practices, including safety, operations, staff, and equipment
• Assists with purchasing for the Nature Center regarding educational supplies and operations
• Documents all program information and tracks participation, fees and related data
• Oversees program data entry, program marketing and program evaluation processes
• Assists with supervising facilities in the absence of Operations and Program Supervisor; assists with on-going, routine operation and management of the preserve
• Participates on individual work teams on various subjects relating to nature and environmental programs
• Collaborates across PRCR and other departments to support operational and programmatic procedures and ensure a consistent citizen experience
• Provides information to the public regarding programs and facilities
• Creates brochures and literature
• Supports departmental work with volunteer groups on a variety of projects in the preserve
• Performs other job-related tasks as required.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Considerable knowledge of environmental and nature programs, including their development and implementation, as well as thorough knowledge of outdoor education techniques.
• General knowledge of environmental education facilities and their operation, the flora and fauna of North Carolina, and modern principles of programming and administration.
• Skilled in teaching outdoor education, nature, and environmental programs
• General knowledge of modern programming principles, customer service, risk management, and facility operations.
• Skilled in interpersonal communication and relationship-building
• Ability to train and supervise staff
• Able to interact tactfully and professionally with the public, coworkers, employees, contractors, and community partners
• Ability to prepare technical and financial reports, operational documentation, and maintain accurate records.
• Ability to work weekends/nights to implement programs, trainings, special events or facility operations and to serve in an on-call capacity to meet operational needs

Minimum and Preferred Qualifications
Education and Experience
Requires a combination of education and experience equivalent to graduation from an accredited college or university with major course work in Recreation Resource Management, Natural History, or related field.
Requires a minimum of two years of experience working in nature education, environmental education or outdoor recreation programming AND at least two years of supervisory experience of full-time, part-time, seasonal, or contract staff.
Preference will be given to candidates who possess any of the following:

• North Carolina Environmental Education Certification or equivalent.
• Some experience developing nature programs.
• Some experience teaching youth.

Physical Requirements
An employee in this class must possess significant physical ability. Work requires the employee to lift moderately heavy items. An employee must be able to walk unassisted and move about freely with the ability to traverse uneven outdoor terrain and work for extended periods in a variety of climates and outdoor environments throughout the year. Visual acuity is needed to read typewritten and handwritten materials and to view a computer terminal.
Conditions of Employment
Requires possession of a valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record.
Requires drug testing and background check (which may include criminal history check, SBI fingerprinting, motor vehicle records check, education verification and credit history review) and satisfactory reference checks prior to employment
Requires CPR/AED and First Aid training or the ability to obtain within 12 months of hiring.
Cary ensures equal employment opportunities (EEO) are provided to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to age, sex, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, political affiliation, marital status, veteran status, or genetic information.
Regular Full-Time Employees
Cary is pleased to provide excellent, competitive, and comprehensive benefits to serve the needs of our employees and their families.
Because Cary believes that employees are one of our most important resources, significant dollars (averaging about 40% of annual salary per employee) are spent each year on employee benefits.
All regular full-time employees of Cary are eligible, and benefits coverage for new employees and family members is effective upon an employee's hire date.
01
Do you have a valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record?

• Yes
• No

02
This position requires a flexible schedule that will include working evenings, weekends and holidays to support programs, facility operations, rentals, training, and special events. Are you willing to work this type of schedule?

• Yes
• No

03
Do you have a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in Parks and Recreation, Outdoor Recreation, Environmental Sciences or a related field?

• Yes
• No

04
Do you have a minimum of two years' experience working in nature education, environmental education or outdoor recreation programming?

• Yes
• No

05
Describe your experience with nature or environmental education programming. Provide specific examples of programs you have managed, including your role in program planning, implementation, and evaluation. If you do not have this experience, type N/A.
06
Do you have at least two years of supervisory experience of full-time, part-time, seasonal, or contract staff?

• Yes
• No

07
Describe your experience supervising staff. Include the size and composition of your largest team, the types of positions or roles you have supervised, your primary supervisory responsibilities. If you do not have this experience, type N/A.
08
What areas do you have experience in developing, training or executing programs? (select all that apply)

• Pre-school programs
• Home School Programs
• Summer and Track-out camp
• Public nature programs - youth
• Public nature programs - adult
• School group programming
• Public outreach i.e. tabling at events / education of environmental practices
• Invasive and native plant programs
• Compost Education
• Community Gardens
• Agricultural programs
• Outdoor recreation programs
• None of the above

09
Describe your experience developing nature-based program curriculum that can be used by numerous staff to deliver programs. If you do not have this experience, type N/A.
Required Question