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Outdoor Program Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Outdoor Program information

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$21.5K

$45.7K

$63K

How much do outdoor program jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 11, 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 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.

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 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 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.
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:
Infographic showing various Outdoor Program job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,721 per year, or $22 per hour.

Outdoor Program Specialist

Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana

Vernon Hills, IL โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Retirement, PTO

Posted yesterday

New


Job description

Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana, (GSCNWI) is an organization that focuses on helping girls build courage, confidence, and character. We pride ourselves on collaboration, communication, and teamwork. If you are looking for an organization with a mission that impacts the hearts and minds of girls in a meaningful way, then look no further. Weโ€™re committed to being an equitable, trauma-informed, community-based organization serving the needs and interests of girls and their families in the 245 communities we cover. We are the Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana.ย 
Looking to work with a mission driven organization?ย  Looking for a role that challenges you?ย  Want your work to add value? Then the Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana is the organization for you. The Outdoor Program Specialist role is a position that moves our mission forward and helps change lives.ย 
Position Overview:
Reportingย to the Senior Outdoor Program Manager, the Outdoor Program Specialist will facilitate programs forย girls and volunteers and willย assist with various projects that will benefit the outdoor program experience. They will serve as the Assistant Camp Director for summer overnight camp and be responsible for overseeing weekend troop camping reservations during non-summer camp months.
From September to May, this position is full-time, non-exempt with total hours for on-site and office work not to exceed 37.5 hours per week. Candidates can generally expect to work Wednesday-Sunday, with office hours on weekdays and overnight programming on weekends. This position will require travel to each of the council owned camp properties and frequent overnights on site.ย 
From late May to mid-August, this position will be full-time, exempt and is expected to live on-site at overnight camp, Camp Juniper Knoll in East Troy, WI, and will typically work Sunday-Friday. Room and board are provided while summer camp is in session.
Compensation:ย $24.36/hour
Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Communicate with troop leaders, volunteers, and chaperones regarding program confirmation, schedules, and expectations
  • Develop curriculum for use in outdoor programs that is fun, safe, and promotes the Girl Scout experience
  • Work directly with children ages 5-17 in facilitation of outdoor programming
  • Participate fully in various projects which will promote the outdoor program experience
  • Participate enthusiastically in all aspects of camp life and act as a role modelย 
  • Assist with management and care of program spaces and supplies including equipment maintenance, manage supply inventory, make purchases as needed, and alert the outdoor program manager of any safety or maintenance concerns
  • Be able to move items around in the program areas, such as firewood, canoes, archery and sports equipment. Ability to push, pull, lift, and carry items up to 25 pounds (e.g. firewood, canoes, archery/sports equipment
  • Possess strength and stamina to remain alert, friendly, courteous, and patient for the duration of the staff memberโ€™s time on the job
  • Other duties as assigned

Experience, Skills, and Qualifications:
  • Must be 21+ years old and posses aย high school diploma or GED; a bachelorโ€™s degree with concentration in an outdoor education field or equivalent experience is preferred
  • Knowledge of the outdoors and 3+ yearsโ€™ experience working with children in a camp setting or equivalent
  • 2+ yearsโ€™ experience working as a lifeguard preferred
  • Must be able to successfully problem-solve
  • Excellent time management skills
  • Reliable transportation and willingness to travel to all camp locations

Additional Requirements:
  • Must be certified in First Aid, CPR, and obtain their Mandated Reporter training certificate. Training is provided by Girl Scouts GCNWI.
  • Possessย (or be willingย to obtain)ย additional certifications in lifeguarding (including waterfront skills), lifeguard instructor, small craft, and archery are strongly preferred. Training may be provided by Girl Scouts GCNWI.
  • Membership with Girl Scouts of the USA, or willingness to become a member with the Girl Scouts of the USA.

Perks and Benefits:ย 
  • 403(b) retirement planย 
  • Time off - vacation, sick, personal, and holidayย paid time off is available for employees to take care of themselves and show our appreciation.ย 
  • A casual work environment - with a casual dress code and the option to work hybrid, if applicable.ย 

Work Environment:
Candidates should be willing to work in an indoor and outdoor camp setting, which includes working irregular hours with limited or simple equipment, rustic facilities, wildlife and insects; limited technology while at camp, and exposure to sun, rain, and other weather conditions.

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