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Outdoor Leader Jobs (NOW HIRING)

This position is ideal for individuals who enjoy working outdoors, leading a crew, and ensuring that every project is completed efficiently and to the highest standards. Be part of a company that ...

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Landscape Crew Leader/Driver

Stuart, FL ยท On-site

$17 - $21/hr

This is a hands-on, active outdoor leadership position requiring excellent coordination, communication, and strong work ethic. Completive Wages offered in addition to Full Benefits, Paid Time Off.

Hardscape Crew Leader

Center Valley, PA ยท On-site

$24 - $30/hr

This position is ideal for individuals who enjoy working outdoors, leading a crew, and ensuring that every project is completed efficiently and to the highest standards. Be part of a company that ...

Be Seen First

Landscape Crew Leader/Driver

Stuart, FL ยท On-site

$17 - $21/hr

This is a hands-on, active outdoor leadership position requiring excellent coordination, communication, and strong work ethic. Completive Wages offered in addition to Full Benefits, Paid Time Off.

Previous experience as a guide, instructor, or outdoor leader preferred. * Strong interpersonal and leadership skills. * Wilderness First Aid or CPR certification preferred. * Knowledge of local ...

Previous experience as a guide, instructor, or outdoor leader preferred. * Strong interpersonal and leadership skills. * Wilderness First Aid or CPR certification preferred. * Knowledge of local ...

Prior outdoor leadership experience welcomed but not required. Applicants should possess a desire to learn new skills, develop facilitation/leadership abilities, and interact with others in dynamic ...

$14.75 - $16.75/hr

Camp Gundalow, in Greenland NH, is seeking a Outdoor Education Program Leader for the summer 2026 season! If you are looking for a fulfilling summer job where you can support others in your community ...

Previous experience as a guide, instructor, or outdoor leader preferred. * Strong interpersonal and leadership skills. * Wilderness First Aid or CPR certification preferred. * Knowledge of local ...

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Outdoor Leader information

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$10

$25

$72

How much do outdoor leader jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 6, 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:
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.
Outdoor Recreation Instructor

Outdoor Recreation Instructor

National Park College

Hot Springs, AR โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Posted 26 days ago


Job description

SUMMARY/OBJECTIVE:
National Park College is seeking a passionate and experienced faculty person to teach in the college's new Outdoor Recreation program. Located in the heart of the Diamond Lakes Region, Hot Springs offers unparalleled access to municipal, state, and federal park lands and services, including Hot Springs National Park, the Ouachita National Forest, and a growing network of bike and recreational trails. This position is ideal for an educator who thrives in outdoor environments and is committed to preparing students for careers in recreation, outdoor leadership, natural resources, and tourism and hospitality. This position will teach classes, coordinate off-site instruction, and work with local industry and agency partners to provide the best educational experience possible for our students. The selected candidate will have the opportunity to establish the foundations of the program from its inaugural term in the fall of 2026. Salary is commensurate with education and experience.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
  • Teach a select range of Outdoor Recreation courses, labs, or field experiences.
  • Design and lead experiential learning activities in local natural areas, including hiking/camping, wilderness safety, and outdoor recreation programming.
  • Align the curriculum to current industry standards and regional outdoor opportunities.
  • Mentor and advise students regarding courses, career pathways, internships, and potential transfer opportunities.
  • Maintain regular office hours and participate in departmental and college-wide initiatives.
  • Coordinate with local agencies and organizations to enhance student learning through internships, service-learning projects, and employment placement.
  • Participate in professional development, college service, professional conferences, and student recruitment activities.
  • Collect and analyze data for program evaluation, assessment of student learning outcomes, and required institutional reporting.
  • Will perform other duties as assigned.

Required Skills/Abilities:
  • Demonstrated experience in higher education outdoor instruction, community leadership, or professional guiding.
  • Proficiency in multiple outdoor technical skills is advantageous.
  • Ability to work a flexible schedule, including evenings and weekends.
  • Familiarity with teaching and working with diverse student populations.
  • Strong communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.

Education and Experience:
  • Master's degree in Outdoor Recreation, Natural Resources, Environmental Studies, or a closely related field. Some equivalent combination of education and professional experience will be considered.
  • Demonstrated experience in higher education outdoor instruction, community leadership, or professional guiding.
  • Strong understanding of risk management, emergency procedures, and industry best practices.
  • Industry-standard certifications such as Wilderness First Responder (WFR), Wilderness EMT (WEMT), Leave No Trace Educator, ACA/AMGA certifications, etc.
  • Experience with outdoor program coordination, experiential education, or guiding according to equitable and inclusive access standards.

Physical Requirements:
  • ability to perform duties associated with outdoor instruction, including hiking, lifting, and working in varied weather conditions.

Applicants should submit a cover letter, resume, transcripts, and three professional references.
This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Accommodations are determined on a case-by-case basis and will be provided unless doing so would result in undue hardship to NPC.
National Park College does not discriminate in access to employment opportunities or in employment or practices on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetic information.

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About National Park College

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

201 - 500 Employees

Headquarters location

Hot Springs, AR, US

Year founded

1973