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Outdoor Educator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Venture Outdoors

Outdoor Educator

Pittsburgh, PA · On-site

$18/hr

Outdoor Educator Reports to: Program Manager Location: Pittsburgh, PA Hours: Part-Time (Monday - Friday, 8:30 AM - 6:30 PM Up to 20 hours per week) Salary: $18/hour Inspire. Educate. Equip. We remove ...

The Center for Discovery

Outdoor Educator

Harris, NY · On-site

$50K - $55K/yr

The Outdoor Educator position provides an exciting opportunity to use nature as one of the most powerful classrooms for learning and growth. We are seeking a creative, energetic, and compassionate ...

New

YMCA of Greater Dayton

Outdoor Educator

Oregonia, OH

$11 - $14/hr

Outdoor Educator Camp Kern Oregonia, OH Full-time/Non-Exempt $11.00-14.00/Hourly Plus Overtime *40+ hours each week. Overtime is paid at time and a half. Team members can expect to work weekends and ...

YMCA of Greater Dayton

Outdoor Educator

Oregonia, OH

Outdoor Educator Camp Kern Oregonia, OH Full-time/Non-Exempt $11.00-14.00/Hourly Plus Overtime *40+ hours each week. Overtime is paid at time and a half. Team members can expect to work weekends and ...

YMCA of Greater Dayton

Outdoor Educator

Oregonia, OH

$11 - $14/hr

Outdoor Educator Camp Kern Oregonia, OH Full-time/Non-Exempt $11.00-14.00/Hourly Plus Overtime *40+ hours each week. Overtime is paid at time and a half. Team members can expect to work weekends and ...

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How much do outdoor educator jobs pay per hour?

As of May 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for outdoor educator in the United States is $22.42, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.83 and $24.52 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as an Outdoor Educator, you need a solid grounding in environmental science, outdoor leadership, and experiential education, often supported by certifications such as Wilderness First Aid or Leave No Trace. Familiarity with GPS devices, outdoor navigation tools, and risk management systems is typically required. Strong communication, adaptability, and group facilitation skills make someone stand out in this role. These competencies are crucial for ensuring participant safety, delivering impactful learning experiences, and fostering respect for the natural environment.

How do Outdoor Educators typically collaborate with other staff and community partners during programs?

Outdoor Educators frequently work closely with co-instructors, program coordinators, and local organizations to deliver engaging and safe learning experiences. Collaboration often involves jointly planning activities, ensuring risk management protocols are followed, and adapting programming to meet group needs. Effective communication is essential, as educators must coordinate schedules, share responsibilities in the field, and sometimes partner with park rangers or school staff to enhance the educational impact. This teamwork not only supports participant safety and learning but also fosters a supportive environment for professional growth.

What are outdoor educators?

Outdoor educators are professionals who teach people of all ages about nature, environmental stewardship, and outdoor skills through hands-on experiences. They often lead activities such as hiking, camping, team-building exercises, and environmental science lessons in natural settings. Outdoor educators work in schools, camps, nature centers, and nonprofit organizations, helping participants build confidence, learn about the environment, and develop leadership skills. Their goal is to foster a deeper connection to the outdoors and promote lifelong appreciation for nature.

What is the difference between Outdoor Educator vs Camp Counselor?

AspectOutdoor EducatorCamp Counselor
CertificationsCPR, First Aid, Outdoor LeadershipCPR, First Aid, Child Development
Work EnvironmentOutdoor settings, educational programs, nature-based activitiesSummer camps, recreational facilities, youth programs
Employer & IndustrySchools, outdoor education centers, nature programsSummer camps, recreational organizations

Both roles involve working with youth in outdoor settings, but Outdoor Educators focus on teaching environmental and outdoor skills, while Camp Counselors primarily supervise and entertain children during camp activities. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

More about Outdoor Educator jobs
What cities are hiring for Outdoor Educator jobs? Cities with the most Outdoor Educator job openings:
What states have the most Outdoor Educator jobs? States with the most job openings for Outdoor Educator jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Outdoor Educator jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Outdoor Educator jobs are:
Outdoor Educator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Outdoor Educator job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $46,628 per year, or $22.4 per hour.
Outdoor Educator

Outdoor Educator

Venture Outdoors

Pittsburgh, PA • On-site

$18/hr

Part-time

Medical, Retirement

Posted yesterday

Job description

About Venture Outdoors
Inspire. Educate. Equip.
We remove barriers and create access to outdoor experiences.
Venture Outdoors is a 501c3 nonprofit
Title:
Outdoor Educator
Reports to:
Program Manager
Location:
Pittsburgh, PA
Hours:
Part-Time (Monday - Friday, 8:30 AM - 6:30 PM Up to 20 hours per week)
Salary:
$18/hour
Inspire. Educate. Equip.
We remove barriers and create access to outdoor experiences.
POSITION SUMMARY
An Outdoor Educator is a part-time employee who will report to the Program Manager. 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 Venture Outdoors representative to promote the organization's mission. An Outdoor Educator leads on-site lessons and activities with groups, such as hiking, flat water paddling, biking, geocaching, STEM experiments, teambuilding activities, fishing, and more.
Must be available at least 2 week days per week. Core working hours are Monday through Friday between 8:30 AM - 6:30 PM.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Create and gather outing and lesson specific program materials when necessary;
  • Check in on campers, provide snack, communicate with parents when necessary;
  • Scout routes and camp areas prior to leading/assisting on trips;
  • Lead summer camp activities for youth aged 5-18;
  • Ensure participants' safety, fun and complete satisfaction;
  • Lead group introductions and manage expectations before the outing;
  • Work with staff to develop and implement engaging new lesson plans for youth outdoor education;
  • Attend professional development trainings;
  • Manage participant behavior, implement a discipline and reward system;
  • Share educational concepts, including natural history, cultural, historical information, and environmental knowledge with participants on outings;
  • Monitor environmental conditions (high water, storms, lightning, heat, cold, etc.) before and during an outing;
  • Care for participants' needs, handle emergencies and contingencies;
  • Ensure all relevant paperwork is completed and returned to the office in a timely manner including participant evaluations, risk waivers, final trip reports, etc.;
  • Be familiar with and follow all Venture Outdoors trip leader guidelines.

QUALIFICATIONS
  • Experience working with youth, preferably in an informal education setting;
  • Desire to lead, motivate, and manage groups of varying ages, abilities, and backgrounds;
  • Demonstrated ability to manage logistics in an organized fashion;
  • Willingness to be flexible with work assignments and roles;
  • Knowledge of or interest in the skills and equipment for leading outdoor recreation activities;
  • Comfort speaking in front of a group;
  • Ability to work well independently and be a part of a team
  • Dedicated and committed to the mission of Venture Outdoors
  • Experience working with youth with disabilities is a plus

REQUIREMENTS
  • At least 18 years of age;
  • A reliable form of transportation (car, bus, bike) to get you and the necessary equipment to the activity site for in-person trips and lessons;
  • PA Child Abuse background check, PA Criminal History background check, and FBI Fingerprinting (must be acquired prior to hiring; a finding on the criminal background clearances is not automatic disqualification, but rather a conversation starter);
  • Current CPR and First Aid certifications (can acquire upon hiring);
  • Mandated Reporter Training (can acquire upon hiring);
  • Proof of COVID-19 vaccination or religious/medical exemption
  • Once hired, an Outdoor Educator will attend Venture Outdoors' Outdoor Leadership Training and any activity-specific training to accomplish the position, including biking, fishing and kayaking.

BENEFITS
  • Paid sick time (1 hour for every 35 hours worked)
  • Eligible to enroll in the VO sponsored Simple IRA retirement plan
  • Paid professional development
  • Flexible work environment
  • Free kayaking!

STAFF EQUITY STATEMENT
We commit to the equitable treatment of our colleagues, participants, and community members by valuing their rights, dignity, voice, and expression.
We welcome and respect the diversity of individuality such as race, sex, gender identity, ability, culture, and religion.
We recognize the human right for all individuals to be respected and accepted without bias.
We commit to an organizational responsibility to build individual and community respect, dignity, fairness, care, and equality.
We strive to understand the role our system plays in perpetuating exclusion, and to address the dynamics that support it.
We understand that accountability is mutual and reciprocal in order to continually learn and improve.
We believe that Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion extends beyond the workplace and encourage all to continue personal development alongside the organization.
We require organizational staff and participants to encourage a culture of belonging and consider the entire experience and the ecosystem that supports.
We will not tolerate explicit and implicit forms of racism, sexism, classism, xenophobia, ageism, and/or ableism.
We will not accept the use of racial or gender biases and require staff to implement inclusionary practices within their duties and program design.
Venture Outdoors is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

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