ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Outdoor Instructor Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

Vail Resorts

Non-Certified Snowboard Instructor

Paoli, IN · On-site

$20/hr

... 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 ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsOutdoor Instructor JobsOutdoor Instructor Jobs in Indiana

Outdoor Instructor information

See Indiana salary details

$12

$22

$42

How much do outdoor instructor jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 26, 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 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 Indiana?

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

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

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

Outdoor Instructor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Outdoor Instructor job openings in Indiana as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $46,764 per year, or $22.5 per hour.

Environmental Education - Program Instructor II Flat Rock

YMCA OF GREATER INDIANAPOLIS

Saint Paul, IN

$13/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 8 days ago

YMCA Of Greater Indianapolis rating

3.9

Company rating: 3.9 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

763rd of 781 rated non-profit organizations

Job description

Flat Rock instructors work with students of all ages, families, and adult groups providing a variety of outdoor experiences including but not limited to: canoeing, team building, rock climbing, pond/river/Fen studies, map reading, nature hikes, archery, and potential for occasional evening programs including night-hikes, campfires and astronomy.

PAY RATE DETAILS 

Pay: $13.00 hr for scheduled classes as needed.  Some weeks zero shifts, other range from 6 – 24 hrs.  

This position does not include room and board and operates on an as needed basis.

OVERVIEW

Instructors deliver day and residential, 1 to 3 day outdoor/environmental education and group camping programs to 4th - 7th grade students and retreat groups.

We focus on outdoor/environmental education, adventure education and social and emotional learning. Our activities are customized to support student learning in the classroom or retreat objectives. Instructors are responsible for facilitating classes and following curriculum when working with visiting school groups.  Hands-on lessons focus on building critical thinking skills and exploring the connections between the natural and human-made world. Depending on activities selected by schools/groups, instructors also facilitate team building (initiatives and low ropes) to develop students’ leadership and problem-solving skills.  Group sizes vary from 12-22 students throughout the program.  Responsibilities include facilitating day and night lessons, leading large group activities and hosting meals.

All instructors participate regularly in tasks that support our programs including housekeeping, kitchen work, office work, debriefs, and training. Instructors have opportunities to further develop program advancement and expand their educator portfolio. We strive to provide a safe, quality experience for all and expect staff to communicate with all schools, students, guests in a positive, engaging, mature, patient, responsible, respectful fashion.

Safety is key to all operations and staff are expected to predict, prevent, identify and respond to safety issues.

All staff must be able to work evenings, weekends, and holidays and understand that as a team member they will participate in daily cleaning of program buildings as assigned and work in other departments or program areas as assigned.

PERSONAL REQUIREMENTS

•           Must be at least 18 years of age.

•           Must be organized, detail-oriented, yet flexible.

•           Must be comfortable communicating with teachers, parents and enjoy working with children.

•           Must have a strong knowledge of outdoor/experiential education. 

•           Previous experience and certification in camp program areas (lifeguarding, high ropes, archery, etc.) are preferred.

•           Able to fulfill all demands in spirit, mind, and body as an outdoor education instructor.

•           Positive, service-oriented attitude serving diverse groups of campers in regard to age, abilities, ethnicity, gender, race, economic status, religion, etc.

•           Sorry pets not permitted

•           Team player willing to contribute to the culture, mission, and values of the YMCA

Employee Signature / Date

Employer Signature / Date

What YMCA Of Greater Indianapolis employees say

Pay

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply