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Outdoor Leader Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Venture Outdoors

Outdoor Educator

Pittsburgh, PA · On-site

$18/hr

An Outdoor Educator leads on-site lessons and activities with groups, such as hiking, flat water paddling, biking, geocaching, STEM experiments, teambuilding activities, fishing, and more. Must be ...

Capital District YMCA

Chingachgook Outdoor Educators

NY · On-site

$16.32/hr

We are a community of dynamic outdoor leaders who foster youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. The Outdoor Education team at YMCA Camp Chingachgook is composed of Senior ...

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How much do outdoor leader jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for outdoor leader in the United States is $25.73, 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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Outdoor Leader, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Outdoor Leader, you need expertise in outdoor activities, risk management, and group facilitation, often supported by certifications like Wilderness First Aid or Leave No Trace. Familiarity with navigation tools (GPS, compasses, maps) and safety equipment is crucial for effective trip planning and emergency response. Strong communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills help build trust, motivate groups, and handle unexpected challenges. These skills ensure the safety, enjoyment, and personal growth of participants in diverse and sometimes unpredictable outdoor environments.

What are some common challenges Outdoor Leaders face when managing group dynamics during expeditions?

Outdoor Leaders often encounter challenges related to group dynamics, such as balancing varying skill levels, managing interpersonal conflicts, and maintaining group morale in unpredictable conditions. Effective leaders use clear communication, adaptability, and conflict resolution techniques to foster teamwork and ensure safety. They also keep a close eye on individual participant needs while guiding the group toward shared goals, making flexibility and empathy essential qualities in this role.

What is the difference between Outdoor Leader vs Outdoor Instructor?

AspectOutdoor LeaderOutdoor Instructor
CertificationsWilderness First Aid, CPR, outdoor leadership certificationsWilderness First Aid, CPR, outdoor activity-specific certifications
Work EnvironmentLeading groups in outdoor settings, planning trips, managing safetyTeaching outdoor skills, instructing participants in activities like rock climbing or kayaking
Employer & IndustryOutdoor adventure companies, camps, schoolsOutdoor education centers, adventure programs, camps

While both roles involve outdoor activities and safety, an Outdoor Leader primarily manages group trips and ensures safety, whereas an Outdoor Instructor focuses on teaching specific outdoor skills and techniques. Both roles require similar certifications and are common in outdoor education and adventure industries.

What are outdoor leaders?

Outdoor leaders are individuals who guide and manage groups during outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, rock climbing, or adventure trips. They are responsible for ensuring the safety, well-being, and enjoyment of participants while teaching skills related to outdoor recreation. Outdoor leaders often plan routes, assess risks, provide instruction on equipment and techniques, and foster teamwork and environmental stewardship among group members.
More about Outdoor Leader jobs
What states have the most Outdoor Leader jobs? States with the most job openings for Outdoor Leader jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Outdoor Leader jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Outdoor Leader jobs are:
Outdoor Leader jobs near you
Infographic showing various Outdoor Leader job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $53,524 per year, or $25.7 per hour.
Part-Time Instructor Outdoor Leadership (POOL)

Part-Time Instructor Outdoor Leadership (POOL)

Central Oregon Community College

Bend, OR • On-site

Part-time

Posted 22 days ago

Job description

Position Details
Position Information
Position Title
Part-Time Instructor Outdoor Leadership (POOL)
Classification Title
Part time Instructor - F3
Hourly rate, Stipend, or Load Unit
$752 per load unit
Close Date
Open Until Filled
Yes
Open Until Filled Notes
Open for the 25/26 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
Individuals must possess knowledge of experiential, adventure, and outdoor education philosophies; general technical and safety skills in the outdoors; and any specific technical skills necessary for specific courses. Outdoor Leadership instructors must be capable of spending extensive time in the backcountry, while providing support and measure of risk management for class groups.
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
  • 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.
  • 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.

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