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How much do outdoor program jobs pay per year?

As of May 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for outdoor program in the United States is $45,721.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $37,500.00 and $47,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Outdoor Program Coordinator, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Outdoor Program Coordinator, you need a background in outdoor education, risk management, and group leadership, often supported by certifications such as Wilderness First Aid or CPR. Familiarity with scheduling software, outdoor equipment, and safety protocols is typically required. Strong communication, problem-solving, and team-building skills help facilitate positive participant experiences and manage diverse groups. These capabilities ensure safe, engaging, and well-organized programs that foster learning and enjoyment in outdoor environments.

What are some common challenges faced by team members in an Outdoor Program role?

Team members in an Outdoor Program role often encounter challenges such as adapting to unpredictable weather, managing group safety in variable outdoor conditions, and ensuring all participants are engaged and comfortable regardless of experience level. Collaboration and clear communication are vital, as staff must work together to execute activities safely and efficiently. Overcoming these challenges not only enhances problem-solving skills but also builds resilience and strong teamwork, making each day dynamic and rewarding.

What are Outdoor Program jobs?

Outdoor Program jobs typically involve organizing, leading, and facilitating outdoor recreational activities, such as hiking, camping, rock climbing, and environmental education. These roles can be found at universities, camps, community centers, and outdoor adventure organizations. Staff members are responsible for ensuring participant safety, teaching outdoor skills, and promoting environmental stewardship. Positions may range from entry-level guides and instructors to program coordinators and directors.

What is the difference between Outdoor Program vs Outdoor Educator?

AspectOutdoor ProgramOutdoor Educator
CredentialsCPR/First Aid, outdoor leadership certificationsCPR/First Aid, outdoor education certifications
Work EnvironmentOrganizes outdoor activities, manages programsTeaches outdoor skills, educates participants
Employer & Industry UsageRecreation centers, camps, schoolsSchools, camps, outdoor education centers

Both roles involve outdoor activities and safety certifications, but an Outdoor Program focuses on organizing and managing outdoor activities, while an Outdoor Educator emphasizes teaching outdoor skills and environmental education. They often work together but serve different functions within outdoor recreation and education settings.

More about Outdoor Program jobs
What cities are hiring for Outdoor Program jobs? Cities with the most Outdoor Program job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Outdoor Program jobs? The most popular types of Outdoor Program jobs are:
What states have the most Outdoor Program jobs? States with the most job openings for Outdoor Program jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Outdoor Program jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Outdoor Program jobs are:
Outdoor Program jobs near you
Infographic showing various Outdoor Program job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 98% Full Time, 1% Part Time, and 1% Temporary. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,721 per year, or $22 per hour.
Outdoor Program Manager

Outdoor Program Manager

Western New Mexico University

Silver City, NM • On-site

$48.50K/yr

Full-time

Posted yesterday

Job description

Position Details
Position Information
Position Title
Outdoor Program Manager
Position Classification
Staff
Employment Type
Full-Time
Benefits
Full Time Benefitted
Department
Natural Sciences
Summary
Provides leadership and operational oversight for the University's co-curricular Outdoor Program, which serves as a platform for student engagement to build field competence, and industry readiness for both on-campus and online students. The position manages outdoor and field-based learning opportunities, gear access and lending operations, and partnerships that support applied learning and community engagement.
Duties
  1. In collaboration with the Program Director, plan, implement, and evaluate co-curricular outdoor, field-based, and other relevant programs aligned with institutional priorities.
  2. Coordinate and lead short-duration field intensives, training modules, and applied learning experiences accessible to in-person and online students.
  3. Support certification courses (e.g. wilderness medicine), skill-building workshops, and experiential learning opportunities that align with outdoor leadership, emergency response, natural resource management, environmental science/education, and public service pathways.
  4. Facilitate inclusive access to programming for diverse, first-generation, rural, and non-traditional student populations.
  5. Implement and enforce program risk management protocols, including Emergency Action Plans, incident reporting, and participant screening. Maintain required documentation.
  6. Oversee the operation of a gear rental facility that supports campus and community members. Manage inventory, inspection, maintenance, repair, and replacement schedules for outdoor equipment.
  7. Recruit, supervise, schedule, train, and mentor student employees and maintain regular business hours of the gear rental facility.
  8. Collaborate with faculty to support field-based components of academic courses and applied learning initiatives.
  9. Support community partnerships related to outdoor education, pathways programming, and community resilience, as assigned. Represent the Outdoor Program at on- and off-campus events.
  10. Assist with budget tracking, purchasing, and resource planning for program operations.
  11. Maintain participation data, training outcomes, and operational reports to support assessment and reporting needs. Contribute to continuous program improvement through evaluation and documentation.
  12. Provides a broad range of administrative and supervisory functions. Supervises assigned staff in accordance with WNMU personnel practices including recruitment, training, performance evaluation, guidance, etc. Participates in the process of ongoing personal and professional development. Maintains comprehensive communication among all contacts (internal and external). Models professional standards and ethics in accordance with WNMU philosophy.
  13. Performs other duties as assigned.

Education/Background
Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution in outdoor leadership, outdoor or adventure education, environmental studies or science, public health, natural resources, natural sciences, or related field with a minimum of three (3) years of demonstrated field experience leading or directly supporting outdoor, field-based, adventure or experiential learning activities working with students above the age of 16. At least two (2) years of demonstrated field experience must be post-degree. Master's degree in Outdoor Education, Adventure Education, Environmental Education, or related field with 2 years of experience, preferred. Academic coursework related to outdoor education, environmental education, and outdoor administration are highly desirable. Bilingual (Spanish) preferred.
Job Knowledge
Awareness of national and state outdoor industry trends and policies; knowledge in logistics, best practices, student supervision, and leading others in outdoor and backcountry settings. Ability to safely lead small and large groups of traditional college-aged students in outdoor settings. Ability to work with a wide range of students, faculty, and staff. Knowledge and experience working in diverse university settings, preferred. Experience with group international travel, business management, permitting processes, and specific experience in outdoor program management, preferred. Experience with Outward Bound, the National Outdoor Leadership School, the Wilderness Education Association, a college/university outdoor program or similar, preferred. Familiarity with professional organizations including AEE, AORE, SORP, and others. Ability to teach with a nationally recognized certification such as AMGA Single Pitch Instructor, ACA, LNT, Swiftwater Rescue are highly desirable. Must become knowledgeable of university policies and procedures, and state and federal laws and regulations that apply to university processes. Must be sensitive to cultural differences within the university and community.
Working Conditions/ Physical Demands (With or Without Accommodations)
Required to work in outdoor settings, occasionally over multiple days, or additional hours. Frequent exposure to harsh outdoor conditions in a variety of terrains, in all seasons. Ability to handle outdoor conditions for a majority of the work of time. Ability to move around campus and outdoor settings. Ability to work flexible hours to include nights, weekends, and holidays. Required to travel for trips. Must be able to stoop, bend, squat, climb, sit on floor and ambulate over uneven surfaces including stairs, steps, hills, mountains, etc. Ability to comprehend and work with a variety of information from various sources. Able to clearly communicate with a diverse population of individuals. Ability to compose correspondence and reports and remain in a sedentary position for prolonged periods of time. May be required to work additional hours or days depending on circumstances.
Other Requirements
a. Requires a valid New Mexico driver's license.
b. Must pass a Defensive Driving Course within 6 months of hire date. (If applicable)
c. Must hold Wilderness First Responder certification, or equivalent, or be able to secure certification within 2 months from hire.
Location
Silver City-On Campus
Salary Range
$48,500
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