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Outdoor Instructor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Job Title Outdoor Instructor Non Student Department Outdoor Pursuit Center JM Worker Type Temporary (Fixed Term) Pay Type Period Activity Pay Benefit Eligible No Summary Responsibilities are to ...

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 Instructor information

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How much do outdoor instructor jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for outdoor instructor in the United States is $23.63, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.38 and $24.04 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an outdoor instructor?

Outdoor instructors are professionals who lead, teach, and supervise individuals or groups in outdoor activities such as hiking, climbing, canoeing, or camping. They are responsible for ensuring safety, teaching technical skills, and fostering teamwork and respect for the natural environment. Outdoor instructors often work with schools, adventure companies, or youth organizations, adapting activities to suit participants’ abilities and goals. Their role requires both technical expertise and strong communication skills.

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

To thrive as an Outdoor Instructor, you need expertise in outdoor activities, risk management, safety procedures, and typically hold relevant certifications such as Wilderness First Aid or instructor qualifications in specific activities (e.g., climbing, kayaking). Familiarity with equipment like harnesses, GPS devices, and communication tools is essential, alongside adherence to local and national safety standards. Outstanding leadership, adaptability, and strong communication enhance your ability to instruct and inspire diverse groups. These skills ensure participant safety, effective learning, and positive outdoor experiences.

What are some common challenges faced by outdoor instructors and how can they be addressed?

Outdoor Instructors often encounter challenges such as unpredictable weather, varying group skill levels, and ensuring participant safety in dynamic environments. Successfully addressing these challenges requires strong risk assessment skills, adaptability, and clear communication with participants and co-instructors. Building a supportive team culture and preparing contingency plans can also help instructors manage unexpected situations while maintaining a positive and educational experience for everyone involved.

What is the difference between Outdoor Instructor vs Camp Counselor?

AspectOutdoor InstructorCamp Counselor
Required CertificationsFirst Aid, CPR, outdoor activity certificationsFirst Aid, CPR, child supervision certifications
Work EnvironmentOutdoor settings, adventure parks, wilderness areasSummer camps, recreational facilities
Employer & IndustryOutdoor education providers, adventure companiesSummer camps, youth organizations

Both roles involve working with children or groups outdoors, but Outdoor Instructors focus on teaching outdoor skills and activities, often requiring specific certifications and working in adventure or wilderness settings. Camp Counselors primarily supervise children at summer camps, emphasizing supervision and recreational activities. While overlapping in outdoor work, their certifications and work environments differ slightly, catering to distinct aspects of outdoor education and youth recreation.

More about Outdoor Instructor jobs

What states have the most Outdoor Instructor jobs?

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

Infographic showing various Outdoor Instructor job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $49,145 per year, or $23.6 per hour.

Outdoor Instructor Fall Season

Claryville, NY • On-site

Frost Valley YMCA
Traveler Accommodation • 51 - 200 employees

$8.6K - $9.0K/mo

Full-time

Re-posted 17 days ago


Job description

Description:

Join the adventure as an Outdoor Instructor! Ready to immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of the Catskill Mountains? Frost Valley YMCA is seeking vibrant and passionate individuals to be a part of our dynamic team. Explore the great outdoors, inspire young minds, and make unforgettable memories at one of the most exciting outdoor recreation centers!

As an Outdoor Instructor, you'll deliver thrilling outdoor experiences that ignite a love for learning and foster deeper connections. With our Outdoor School Programs, Team building, and Group and Family Retreats programs, you'll lead guided hikes, ecological lessons, team building activities, recreational creative programming, recreational arts programs and exhilarating high and low ropes elements. Rain or shine, you'll engage with students and guests of all ages, bringing the magic of nature to life. While creating unforgettable memories. 

We encourage candidates from all backgrounds, ethnicity, and language proficiency to join our team. Frost Valley YMCA embraces diversity and aims to create an inclusive and empowering environment.

Frost Valley YMCA seeks to promote an awareness of the inter relatedness of the natural world through the usage of the natural sciences.  We promote deeper connections for our students and guests with the outdoors, with each other, and with themselves.

Requirements:
  • Facilitate, plan, and implement programs with small groups of students and guests in the areas of ecology, challenge course, group work, outdoor education/recreation, creative and recreational arts, which are primarily based outdoors. 
  • Show and teach students and other guests new skills, helping them gain confidence in themselves and in the outdoors.
  • Prepare, develop, and maintain program spaces and resources for use by staff and participants, which includes weekly cleaning and organization of spaces and lodges. 
  • Serve as host and point of contact for school and team building groups during their stay.
  • Support other areas of programs including rope element set up and take down, and light maintenance and some housekeeping.
  • Participate in training and development opportunities.
  • This position requires weekend and evening work 
  • Embrace the YMCA’s core values of respect, responsibility, caring, honesty. At Frost Valley YMCA we are: inclusive and diverse, caring and connected, honest and respectful, responsible and accountable
  • Perform other duties as assigned. 

QUALIFICATIONS: 

  • Previous experience working with children and adults, either in classrooms, after school programs, nature centers, outdoor schools or camp setting
  • Commitment to working with guests from diverse backgrounds, have empathy and respect for their social and emotional lives
  • Effective leadership, teaching, facilitation and communication skills
  • A commitment to exceptional guest service, ensuring warm hospitality and attention to detail
  • A deep passion for the outdoors, fueled by awe and wonder
  • Bachelor’s degree in Education, Environmental Studies, Outdoor Recreation, related fields a plus OR equivalent life experiences
  • Hold current First Aid/CPR certifications, or ability to obtain upon hire
  • Excellent communication and organization skills, a strong and reliable leader 
  • Successful working under pressure and safety-minded in decision-making 
  • Available to work evenings and weekend
  • Ready for new and exciting challenges every day 
  • (Optional)Possess a valid US Driver’s License and be able to pass internal FV driver training 

WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS: 

       ? The employee must lift and/or move up to 30 pounds - including weekly table, chair, trash, and luggage moving

       ? Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust 

       ? Employee may be required to traverse on rough or uneven terrain

       ? The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate to loud.

       ? May be required to speak publicly in front of quests

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS STATEMENT: 

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

FROST VALLEY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER 

DEADLINE TO APPLY: Rolling until filled 

RATE OF PAY: $8,680.00 to $9,044.00 annualized seasonal salary (This position is paid hourly and is eligible for overtime. Starting hourly rate based on experience), shared housing on site and meals and basic groceries included.

Exciting Perks and Benefits:

  • Housing and meals included
  • Shared and individual housing on-site with a private room
  • 3 Company paid floating holidays 
  • 56 hrs sick time
  • Free access to onsite gym equipment
  • Professional development opportunities throughout employment 
  • Relocation reimbursement up to $300 to support your journey to Frost Valley
  • Receive Frost Valley branded gear for that outdoor adventurer look
  • Outdoor pro-deals and Frost Valley store discounts to gear up for your own adventures

START DATES:  We are looking for passionate and knowledgeable staff to fill our team of  Outdoor Instructors. Now accepting resumes and applications for:

2025-2026 Season Dates:

Fall Season:

  • Staff Training - August 20th - Sept 4th
  • Programming: Sept 5th-November 18, 2025

HOW TO APPLY: https://recruiting.paylocity.com/recruiting/jobs/All/cdd88723-9c4c-4dbc-a482-182bc65a16fc/Frost-Valley-YMCA