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Outdoor Guide Jobs in Oregon (NOW HIRING)

Primary Lead Teacher

Beaverton, OR ยท On-site

$45K - $60K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... gently guide their interactions with their friends, environment, and the materials. Responsibilities include preparing activities for the children both in the classroom and outdoor environment ...

Primary Lead Teacher

Beaverton, OR ยท On-site

$45K - $60K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... gently guide their interactions with their friends, environment, and the materials. Responsibilities include preparing activities for the children both in the classroom and outdoor environment ...

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Showing results 1-20

Outdoor Guide information

See Oregon salary details

$8

$20

$42

How much do outdoor guide jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for outdoor guide in Oregon is $20.83, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.47 and $21.11 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an outdoor guide?

Outdoor guides are professionals who lead individuals or groups on outdoor adventures such as hiking, rafting, climbing, fishing, or camping. They are responsible for ensuring the safety of participants, sharing knowledge about the environment, and providing instruction on techniques and equipment. Outdoor guides often have specialized training in first aid, navigation, and natural history. Their goal is to create enjoyable, educational, and safe experiences in various outdoor settings.

What is the difference between Outdoor Guide vs Hiking Instructor?

AspectOutdoor GuideHiking Instructor
CertificationsFirst Aid, CPR, outdoor activity certificationsFirst Aid, CPR, outdoor activity certifications
Work EnvironmentOutdoor settings, various terrains, group supervisionDesignated hiking trails, group instruction, outdoor
Employer & IndustryTour companies, adventure tourism, outdoor recreationOutdoor education centers, adventure programs, outdoor recreation
Search & Comparison IntentPeople seeking outdoor adventure jobs or toursIndividuals interested in outdoor education or guiding hikes

While both roles involve outdoor activities and safety certifications, an Outdoor Guide typically leads various outdoor adventures across different terrains, focusing on guiding groups through activities like rafting, climbing, or camping. A Hiking Instructor specializes in teaching hiking skills, leading groups on trails, and providing outdoor education specifically related to hiking. Both roles require similar certifications and work environments but differ in scope and activity focus.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be an outdoor guide?

To thrive as an Outdoor Guide, you need expertise in outdoor skills, navigation, first aid, and a solid understanding of environmental safety, often supported by certifications like Wilderness First Responder or Leave No Trace. Familiarity with GPS devices, mapping software, and specialized gear for activities such as hiking, kayaking, or climbing is typically required. Strong communication, leadership, and problem-solving abilities help guides manage groups and respond calmly to unexpected situations. These skills ensure the safety, enjoyment, and education of participants while minimizing risks in dynamic outdoor environments.

What challenges do outdoor guides face during group excursions, and how can they be managed?

Outdoor Guides often encounter challenges such as rapidly changing weather, varying group fitness levels, and maintaining group safety in remote environments. Effective Outdoor Guides stay prepared with contingency plans, adapt itineraries on the fly, and communicate clearly with participants to ensure everyone understands expectations and safety procedures. Building rapport and fostering teamwork within diverse groups is also key for a positive and safe experience.

What are popular job titles related to Outdoor Guide jobs in Oregon?

For Outdoor Guide jobs in Oregon, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities in Oregon are hiring for Outdoor Guide jobs?

Cities in Oregon with the most Outdoor Guide job openings:

Infographic showing various Outdoor Guide job openings in Oregon as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 5% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,334 per year, or $20.8 per hour.

Part-Time Instructor Outdoor Leadership (POOL)

Central Oregon Community College

Bend, OR โ€ข On-site

Part-time

Re-posted 6 hours ago


Job description

Position Details
Position Information
Position Title
Part-Time Instructor Outdoor Leadership (POOL)
Classification Title
Part-Time Instructor
Hourly rate, Stipend, or Load Unit
$752 per load unit (subject to change due to ongoing faculty negotiations
Close Date
Open Until Filled
Yes
Open Until Filled Notes
POOL - Open For 2026-27 Academic Year
Position Type/Employee Class
Part-Time Instructor
Instructor Status
This is a part-time instructor position, non-represented and non-benefited.
Overtime Eligible
Exempt
FLSA Status
Learned Professional
Campus Location
Bend
Primary Purpose
Provide instruction in Health & Human Performance Outdoor Leadership courses including lecture and select learning lab components. Part-time instructors direct student learning, discussions and evaluate student performance in the classroom and during hands-on field sessions.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
  • Provide instruction in Outdoor Leadership courses. This includes lecturing and guiding in classroom activities, providing individual conference time to guide and evaluate student progress. Teaching assignments may include courses taught during the day and/or evening, and classes taught on or off campus.
  • Office Hours and Student Contact. All instructors are expected to be available to their students outside of class when students are scheduled on campus. There is a minimum of at least one office hour per week for each course taught.
  • Cooperate with other College personnel and Outdoor Leadership faculty to assist students progression of learning.
  • Act as a resource person for students.
  • Perform other essential duties and tasks specific to each location, as assigned.

Department Specific
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Individuals must possess these knowledge, skills and abilities or be able to explain and demonstrate that the individual can perform the duties and responsibilities of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation, using some other combination of skills and abilities. The individual is expected to follow College work rules and policies.
  • Thorough knowledge in the field of Outdoor Education, Adventure Education, or Outdoor Recreation, including demonstrated competency of the following skills: safety, risk management, navigation, wilderness first aid, decision making, weather, instructional, facilitation, effective communication, organization, and professional ethics.
  • Knowledge of teaching and instruction of various audiences and group dynamics.
  • Visual ability, corrected, to enable instructor to observe, direct, and supervise students in classroom and field situations.
  • Familiarity with and ability to operate or oversee the operation of a variety of technical equipment, including rock gear, mountaineering equipment, Whisperlite stoves, whitewater rafts, etc (depending upon teaching assignment)
  • Ability to carry a pack greater than 50#, over uneven terrain, for more than 3 miles.
  • Ability to orally communicate effectively with others, using the English language, with or without the use of an interpreter.
  • Ability to communicate effectively in writing, using the English language, with or without the use of auxiliary aids or services.
  • Ability to review, understand and apply concepts presented in training programs, conferences, and/or professional literature.
  • Ability to work with Outdoor Leadership faculty and other COCC staffs at all levels.
  • Willingness to travel and/or teach at various hours and locations, as required.
  • Ability/skills to competently advise and/or serve students from a variety of background, respecting cultural and socio-economic differences.

Ergonomic Requirements
Ability to work in classroom and office environments using computers, white boards, projectors, and other basic office equipment. All individuals are required to be able to perform the essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation. The employee is required to meet physical and ergonomic requirements of the program area as this may vary from positions.
Minimum Requirements
Education:
  • Bachelor's degree in Outdoor Education, Adventure Education, Outdoor Leadership, Experiential Education or a closely related discipline; or a Bachelor's degree with the acquirement of a professional level certification from a recognized organization, such as the American Mountain Guides Association, the American Canoe Association, the Association for Challenge Course technology, or some other.

Experience:
  • One year of successful College teaching experience in the subject area.

Special Required Qualifications:
  • Current valid driver's license or the ability to obtain within 30-days of employment and the ability to successfully complete COCC Driving Policy
  • Wilderness First Responder Certification

Equivalency Statement
The College recognizes the value of skills and knowledge gained outside of formal higher education and paid employment. Applicants who do not meet minimum qualifications but present other qualifications or experience equivalent to those required will be considered and are encouraged to apply. To qualify under equivalency, applicants must indicate how they qualify under equivalency by responding to the supplemental question presented during the application process.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Teaching experience in a community college

EEO Statement
The goal of Central Oregon Community College is to provide an atmosphere that encourages our faculty, staff and students to realize their full potential. In support of this goal, it is the policy of Central Oregon Community College that there will be no discrimination or harassment on the basis of age, disability, sex, marital status, national origin, ethnicity, color, race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, citizenship status, veteran or military status, pregnancy or any other classes protected under federal and state statutes in any education program, activities or employment. Persons with questions about this statement should contact Human Resources at 541.383.7216 or the Vice President for Student Affairs at 541.383.7211.
This policy covers nondiscrimination in both employment and access to educational opportunities. When brought to the attention of the appropriate parties, any such actions will be promptly and equitably responded to according to the process outlined in general procedures sections N-1, N-2, or N-3.
In support of COCC's EEO statement, bilingual fluency in English and Spanish is considered a plus, along with experience working in a diverse multicultural setting.