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Outdoor Leadership Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Pennsylvania State University

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 ...

The Pennsylvania State University

$16.25 - $20.75/hr

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

The Pennsylvania State University

This tier 2 leadership position is for experienced facilitators who are responsible for providing high quality outdoor/adventure experiences for individuals and groups in the Penn State community and ...

The Pennsylvania State University

This tier 3 leadership position is for folks with significant outdoor/adventure leadership experience (preferably as an Outdoor Adventures Lead Facilitator) and specialized skills and knowledge.

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$240

$809

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How much do outdoor leadership jobs pay per week?

As of Jul 7, 2026, the average weekly pay for outdoor leadership in the United States is $809.19, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $500.00 and $932.69 per week, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an Outdoor Leadership job?

An Outdoor Leadership job involves guiding and instructing individuals or groups in outdoor environments, such as hiking, camping, rock climbing, or wilderness survival. Professionals in this field focus on leadership, safety, risk management, and environmental stewardship while facilitating outdoor experiences. They may work for adventure programs, educational institutions, or outdoor recreation companies. Strong communication, decision-making, and problem-solving skills are essential for success in this role.

What is the highest paying outdoor job?

The highest paying outdoor jobs often include roles such as outdoor adventure guides, wilderness therapists, or specialized environmental consultants, with salaries reaching six figures for experienced professionals. These roles typically require advanced certifications, extensive experience, and skills in areas like survival, safety, and environmental science.

What jobs pay 4000 a week without a degree?

In outdoor leadership roles, high-paying jobs that can reach $4,000 a week often include experienced wilderness guides, adventure tour operators, or specialized outdoor instructors, especially those working independently or owning their own business. These positions typically require extensive experience, certifications like wilderness first aid, and a strong reputation in the outdoor community. Such roles often involve seasonal work, remote environments, and physical fitness.

What jobs can you get with an outdoor leadership degree?

An outdoor leadership degree prepares individuals for roles such as outdoor instructor, park ranger, adventure guide, camp director, or outdoor education specialist. These jobs typically require strong communication, leadership skills, and knowledge of outdoor environments, often supplemented by certifications like CPR or wilderness first aid.

What does a typical day look like for someone in an Outdoor Leadership position?

A typical day for an Outdoor Leadership professional involves planning and leading outdoor activities such as hiking, backpacking, or rock climbing, while ensuring group safety and fostering a positive experience for participants. Responsibilities may include conducting safety briefings, teaching outdoor skills, managing group dynamics, and responding to changing weather conditions or emergencies. You'll collaborate closely with co-leaders or support staff, adjust plans as needed, and facilitate reflection or learning sessions. The work environment is often outdoors in various weather conditions, so adaptability and preparedness are key. Each day brings new challenges and opportunities to help others develop confidence and a deeper connection to nature.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Outdoor Leadership position, and why are they important?

To thrive in Outdoor Leadership, you need expertise in outdoor skills, risk management, and group facilitation, often supported by certifications such as Wilderness First Responder (WFR) and Leave No Trace (LNT) Trainer. Familiarity with navigation tools, GPS devices, outdoor equipment, and safety protocols is typically required for this role. Strong communication, leadership, and problem-solving abilities enable effective group management and positive participant experiences. These skills are vital to ensure safety, inspiration, and personal growth for participants in dynamic and unpredictable outdoor environments.

What professions make 200,000 a year without a degree?

In outdoor leadership and related fields, high-paying roles such as experienced wilderness guides, outdoor education directors, or specialized adventure consultants can reach or exceed $200,000 annually, especially with extensive experience, certifications, and a strong reputation. These roles often require skills in risk management, leadership, and environmental knowledge, but may not require a formal college degree.
More about Outdoor Leadership jobs
What cities are hiring for Outdoor Leadership jobs? Cities with the most Outdoor Leadership job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Outdoor Leadership jobs? The most popular types of Outdoor Leadership jobs are:
What states have the most Outdoor Leadership jobs? States with the most job openings for Outdoor Leadership jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Outdoor Leadership jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Outdoor Leadership jobs are:
Outdoor Leadership jobs near you
Infographic showing various Outdoor Leadership job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $42,078 per year, or $20.2 per hour.
Outdoor Adventures Lead Facilitator

Outdoor Adventures Lead Facilitator

Penn State University

University Park, PA • On-site

$16 - $20.50/hr

Part-time

Posted 15 days ago

Penn State University rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 103 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

197th of 544 rated colleges and universities

Job description

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:
  • CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.

  • CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.

  • If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click "Apply" and complete the application process for external applicants.

Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants.
JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS:
Outdoor Adventures Lead Facilitator
The Department of Campus Recreation is seeking to fill the position of Outdoor Adventures Lead Facilitator. This tier 2 leadership position is for experienced facilitators who are responsible for providing high quality outdoor/adventure experiences for individuals and groups in the Penn State community and beyond.
Primary responsibilities include leading a team of part-time staff in providing excellent customer service, implementing risk management policies and procedures, and overseeing daily operations of programs and facilities. These responsibilities may be conducted in a variety of environments and roles including group-based teambuilding (indoor & outdoor), climbing facilities, Stone Valley Recreation Area (boat rentals, outdoor climbing structures, facility rentals, general recreation), outdoor trip leading, and the Outdoor Adventures Rental Center. This position may include driving University vehicles and trailers.
Strong candidates will possess a minimum of one semester of outdoor leadership experience (preferably within Campus Recreation). Applicants should demonstrate a commitment to personal and professional skill development, knowledge of Campus Recreation and Outdoor Adventures programs, services, and facilities, and ability to work with others in dynamic and challenging settings. All Lead Facilitators will receive Youth Worker and Peer-to-Peer Leadership training, Additional training is required for specific roles. Opportunities are available for professional development and advancement (see Outdoor Adventures Supervisor and Senior Student Manager positions).
Lead Facilitators should expect to work a minimum of 1-2 afternoons/evenings per week and 5-6 weekends per semester. Programs and facility coverage may include overnight shifts. A minimum of 12-15 hours/week is expected (with potential for up to 24 hours/week). Must attend mandatory staff development workshops and trainings (Monday nights, 6-8pm).
Campus Recreation is a department within Student Affairs that provides fitness, wellness, and recreational programs to the campus community through the operation and administration of the new expanded and renovated 200,000 of Intramural Building, the McCoy Natatorium, the 700-acre Stone Valley Outdoor Recreation Area, a Tennis Center including six clay courts and four indoor courts, the White Building, Outdoor Adventures, Aquatics, Club Sports, Fitness and Wellness Programs, and Intramural Sports.
CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS:
Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.
Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.
EEO IS THE LAW
Penn State is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer, and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.
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