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Outdoor Instructor Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

... for the outdoors while building lifelong connections with teammates and guests from around the ... Instructors will deliver quality snowboard instruction to groups and individuals, providing world ...

... for the outdoors while building lifelong connections with teammates and guests from around the ... Instructors will deliver quality snowboard instruction to groups and individuals, providing world ...

The Riviera Club is a full faceted Club with one of the largest outdoor pools in the country and options to swim indoors during the off-season. Our instructors are tasked on creating an environment ...

The Riviera Club is a full faceted Club with one of the largest outdoor pools in the country and options to swim indoors during the off-season. Our instructors are tasked on creating an environment ...

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Outdoor Instructor information

See Indiana salary details

$12

$22

$42

How much do outdoor instructor jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for outdoor instructor in Indiana is $22.48, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.62 and $22.88 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 are outdoor instructors?

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 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.

Infographic showing various Outdoor Instructor job openings in Indiana as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 1% As Needed, 62% Full Time, 28% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $46,764 per year, or $22.5 per hour.

Outdoor Education Instructor

YMCA Camp Tecumseh Inc

Brookston, IN • On-site

$5K/yr

Other

Posted 25 days ago


Job description

Description

Position Summary 

An Outdoor Education Instructor ensures all school groups have a quality and educational camp experience by being the main point of contact with groups when they are on site and facilitating the curriculum as outlined. The program staff are also to respond to the needs of the guest by providing quality customer service. The position works directly with students, teachers, and chaperones to create a quality experience for all guests.


Fall Season Dates: 8/17/2026 - 11/13/2026

Pay: $450.00 per week

Additional benefits: Onsite housing & meals provided when groups are on site


Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The essential functions include, but are not limited to the following:

  • Working with School Groups
    • Be the face of camp and primary point of contact when school groups are on site
    • Respond to the needs of the guests and provide quality customer service
    • Facilitate orientation as outlined for both students and adults 
    • Execute program curriculum as outlined
    • Lead flagpoles, campfires, and other activities as scheduled 
    • Be relational with the students and support their personal and educational growth while at camp
    • Ensure guests are adhering to camp safety policies and procedures 
  • Other Duties
    • Complete tasks as assigned for the betterment of camp
    • Handle power tools (wood splitter, drills, saws, weed whacker)
    • Use hand tools such as shovels and hammers
    • Operate golf cart 
    • Report any accidents or injuries to directors
  • Weekend Responsibilities 
    • Work weekends as assigned
    • Participate in leading workshops for Outdoor Education 
    • Work with Groups and Conferences department as needed, in both program areas and trading post
    • Perform other functions as directed for the good of camp and guests

Supervisory Responsibilities

Not applicable to this role 

Requirements

  • Must be at least 18 years of age
  • Must be willing to live communally, be a good housemate, and contribute to a clean house. 
  • Must be a dependable self-starter that meets strict timelines, has attention to detail, is results oriented and has excellent organizational skills
  • Must be an individual with integrity, and the ability to look at the big picture of Camp Tecumseh's mission. Must have a passion for working with youth
  • Must have a passion for the outdoors
  • Must be someone who can develop and maintain relationships with those from all walks of life while having an engaging and dynamic manner about them that exudes a warm and positive way of thinking with empathy and compassion towards others
  • Must have excellent communication skills which includes speaking, reading, listening, and writing to collaborate with team members as well as external parties
  • Must be an individual with a growth mindset and always learning mentality that is looking to improve and add to the existing culture of Camp Tecumseh through managing and leading others
  • Must be flexible and adaptable in the presence of unforeseen circumstances with the ability to problem solve
  • Must have knowledge of computers, Microsoft Office skills, and email
  • Must be able to demonstrate capacity to work independently without close oversight, while also a team player who will productively engage with others at varying levels of seniority internally and externally
  • Must be willing to be trained to drive camp vehicles and tractors
  • Must be able to operate a golf cart, or LSV (low-speed vehicle) in accordance with safety laws around Camp Tecumseh property (or willing to be trained)
  • Follow all rules and guidelines set forth in the Camp Tecumseh YMCA Staff Handbook


Physical Demands and Work Environment 

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions.


Work Environment

  • Ability to work indoors/outdoors, in the rain, wind, and in hot or cold conditions.  Employee may be exposed to wet and/or humid conditions
  • This role uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets, AV systems, etc. 
  • May require occasional travel and driving onsite Camp Tecumseh
  • The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate with the possibility of being exposed to loud noises outside and while using power tools
  • Must be comfortable working independently as a lone worker

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job.

  • Must be able to lift, bend, twist, stoop, and have good hand dexterity
  • Ability to push and pull loads
  • Good physical health including ability to lift and carry objects up to 20-25 pounds regularly. and up to 50 pounds on occasion. 
  • May be required to work more than an eight-hour day and weekends
  • Must be able to communicate via computer and phone/smart device
  • Must be able to remain in a sedentary for a long period of time when in office. 
  • Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust. 
  • Ability to use power tools with reciprocating motion 
  • Must be able to stand for 8-10 hours per day
  • Ability to physically navigate all camp terrain
  • While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to communicate and converse with employees, maintain a stationary position (standing and sitting), move/traverse, kneel, bend, and reach with hands and arms for extended periods of time. The worker may be required to operate in close quarters, small rooms, and narrow aisles and passageways.Â