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Outdoor Instructor Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Troon

Fitness Instructor

Santa Rosa, CA · On-site

$18.50/hr

Classes may be either indoor, controlled exercise settings, or indoor/outdoor aquatic settings ... Minimum Qualifications for the Fitness Instructor: * Associate's degree (AA) in Physical Education ...

Troon Golf

Fitness Instructor

Santa Rosa, CA · On-site

$18.50 - $23.50/hr

Classes may be either indoor, controlled exercise settings, or indoor/outdoor aquatic settings ... Minimum Qualifications for the Fitness Instructor: * Associate's degree (AA) in Physical Education ...

DSRT Surf

Surf Instructor $24-$26/hr

Palm Desert, CA · On-site

$24 - $26/hr

This role works outdoors in a dynamic, fast-paced environment with direct guest interaction in and ... Surf Instructor II (Advanced Lessons): $26.00 per hour This is a non-exempt, hourly position.

DSRT SURF

Surf Instructor $24-$26/hr

Palm Desert, CA · On-site

$24 - $26/hr

This role works outdoors in a dynamic, fast-paced environment with direct guest interaction in and ... Surf Instructor II (Advanced Lessons): $26.00 per hour This is a non-exempt, hourly position.

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Outdoor Instructor information

See California salary details

$13

$23

$44

How much do outdoor instructor jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for outdoor instructor in California is $23.32, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.19 and $23.70 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.

What are popular job titles related to Outdoor Instructor jobs in California?

For Outdoor Instructor jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Outdoor Instructor jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Outdoor Instructor jobs in California are:

Outdoor Instructor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Outdoor Instructor job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $48,501 per year, or $23.3 per hour.

Sustainable Outdoor Recreation Leadership (SORL) Instructor, Part-time Adjunct Pool (ESCC/Bishop/Mam

The Chronicle Of Higher Education, Inc.

Bishop, CA • On-site

$82.66 - $110.21/hr

Other

Posted 3 days ago

New

Key responsibilities

  • Provide instruction in a full range of Sustainable Outdoor Recreation Leadership courses.

  • Teach at various campus sites and in different settings, including day, evening, weekend, large class, and distance-learning formats.

  • Develop and revise curriculum and participate in student recruitment and articulation activities.

Job description

Sustainable Outdoor Recreation Leadership (SORL) Instructor, Part‑time Adjunct Pool (ESCC/Bishop/Mam) - Kern Community College District

Salary: $67.00 Hourly
Job Type: Temporary – Adjuncts
Job Number: FY24-2501039
Location: CC – ESCC, Bishop/Mammoth, CA
Department: Public Service (PSER)

Basic Function

The Kern Community College District is soliciting part‑time, hourly adjunct instructors. Candidates will be contacted as opportunities arise and may remain active for up to two years.

Representative Duties
  • Provide instruction in a full range of Sustainable Outdoor Recreation Leadership courses.
  • Teach at other campus sites, including day, evening, weekend, large class, and distance‑learning settings.
  • Participate in student recruitment and articulation of transfer programs for the department.
  • Maintain subject‑matter currency.
  • Develop and revise curriculum.
  • Use computer and multimedia technology in instruction.
  • Participate collegially in departmental, college, district, and discipline‑specific professional activities.
Minimum Qualifications
  • Bachelor degree and 2 years of related professional experience.
  • Associate degree and 6 years of related professional experience.
  • Possession of a valid credential that authorizes full‑time teaching of Forestry and Natural Resources (or equivalent).
  • A demonstrated sensitivity to and understanding of diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, disability, and ethnic backgrounds of community college students.
  • Other combinations of education and experience may be judged as equal to the stated minimum qualifications; applicants wanting equivalence must submit an equivalence request with supporting documents.
Knowledge & Abilities
  • Ability to work effectively and harmoniously with colleagues in an environment that promotes innovation, teaching, learning, and service to a diverse student population.
  • Ability to work with students with a wide range of skills, motivations, academic, and vocational goals.
  • Ability to develop curriculum, including curriculum delivered via different modalities.
  • Ability to participate in recruitment and articulation activities with local schools, colleges, and universities.
  • Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
  • Demonstrated ability to maintain subject‑matter currency.
  • Ability to assess student learning outcomes.
  • Knowledge of computers and willingness to explore new technologies that would benefit the program.
  • Knowledge of and commitment to the California community college mission.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

The District is strongly committed to achieving staff diversity and the principles of equal employment opportunity. The District encourages a diverse pool of applicants and does not discriminate on the basis of national origin, religion, age, gender, gender identity, gender expression, race or ethnicity, color, medical condition, genetic information, ancestry, sexual orientation, marital status, physical or mental disability, pregnancy, or association with a person or group possessing any of these protected characteristics or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. The District does not provide sponsorship for authorization to work in the United States; work authorization must be established at the time of application. Kern Community College District participates in the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s E‑Verify program to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all newly hired employees.

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