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Outdoor Program Director Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

WESTCARE INC

Program Director (51281)

North Highlands, CA · On-site

$80K - $86K/yr

Provide clinical and administrative leadership and supervision to the program. * Function as a ... Having an adequate range of body motion and mobility to work in an office, residential, or outdoor ...

Reimagine

Program Coach

Santa Ana, CA · On-site

$21/hr

Ability to provide for the direct care of assigned program participants (as well as visual/auditory ... Ability to assist Program Coordinator with the implementation of both indoor and outdoor program ...

Reimagine

Program Coach

Fullerton, CA · On-site

$21/hr

Ability to provide for the direct care of assigned program participants (as well as visual/auditory ... Ability to assist Program Coordinator with the implementation of both indoor and outdoor program ...

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All JobsOutdoor Program JobsOutdoor Program Director JobsOutdoor Program Director Jobs in California

Outdoor Program Director information

See California salary details

$17.1K

$55.1K

$124.9K

How much do outdoor program director jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for outdoor program director in California is $55,055.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $38,189.00 and $57,774.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by an Outdoor Program Director, and how can they be addressed?

Outdoor Program Directors often encounter challenges such as unpredictable weather, risk management, and coordinating logistics for diverse groups. To address these, successful directors develop strong contingency plans, maintain up-to-date safety certifications, and foster clear communication with both staff and participants. Building a flexible, well-trained team and staying informed about best practices in outdoor education are also key strategies. These approaches help ensure programs run smoothly and safely, even when unexpected situations arise.

What is the difference between Outdoor Program Director vs Outdoor Education Coordinator?

AspectOutdoor Program DirectorOutdoor Education Coordinator
CertificationsWilderness First Responder, CPR, relevant outdoor certificationsWilderness First Responder, CPR, outdoor education certifications
Work EnvironmentLeading outdoor programs, managing staff, overseeing activitiesPlanning and delivering outdoor educational programs, supporting participants
Employer & IndustryRecreational organizations, camps, outdoor adventure companiesSchools, educational nonprofits, outdoor learning centers

The Outdoor Program Director typically manages outdoor activities and staff, focusing on program logistics and safety. The Outdoor Education Coordinator concentrates on delivering educational content and supporting participants' learning experiences. Both roles require outdoor certifications and work in outdoor or educational settings, but their primary responsibilities differ in scope and focus.

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

To thrive as an Outdoor Program Director, you need strong leadership, program management, and risk assessment skills, typically supported by a degree in recreation, outdoor education, or a related field. Proficiency with safety protocols, outdoor activity equipment, and certifications such as Wilderness First Aid or CPR is commonly required. Exceptional communication, problem-solving abilities, and adaptability are crucial soft skills for engaging participants and managing diverse teams. These skills ensure safe, impactful, and successful outdoor experiences while effectively handling the dynamic nature of outdoor programming.

What does an Outdoor Program Director do?

An Outdoor Program Director is responsible for planning, organizing, and overseeing outdoor recreation programs and activities, such as camps, adventure trips, and educational workshops. They manage staff, ensure safety protocols are followed, and develop engaging programs to meet participant needs. Additionally, they often handle budgeting, marketing, and partnership-building to grow their programs and reach more participants.
What are the most commonly searched types of Outdoor Program jobs in California? The most popular types of Outdoor Program jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Outdoor Program Director jobs in California? For Outdoor Program Director jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Outdoor Program Director jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Outdoor Program Director jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Outdoor Program Director jobs? Cities in California with the most Outdoor Program Director job openings:
Outdoor Program Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Outdoor Program Director job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $55,055 per year, or $26.5 per hour.
Program Director (51281)

Program Director (51281)

WESTCARE INC

North Highlands, CA • On-site

$80K - $86K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted yesterday

Job description

POSITION SUMMARY:
Person in this position will be responsible for providing the clinical and administrative programmatic leadership and oversight for the program. Responsible for the coordination of client care by collaborating with multidisciplinary healthcare professionals to provide and facilitate services. Essential Job Functions include those listed below.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
  • Provide clinical and administrative leadership and supervision to the program.
  • Function as a liaison to the Deputy Administrator of Criminal Justice Services and external groups and agencies in promoting inter-organizational collaboration including attending Board and Advisory Board meetings as required.
  • Assist in grant planning and initiation of potential funding opportunities when required.
  • Participate in design and implementation of research, such as program evaluation and outcome studies.
  • Arrange for staff development, education, and training activities.
  • Implement Quality Assurance and Utilization Review systems that monitor the effectiveness of the treatment system.
  • Assist in the development of program fiscal and budgetary tracking systems and implementation as well as providing the oversight and management of operating budget and program fiscal expenditures.
  • Monitor compliance with all required standards, regulations, state, and federal guidelines.
  • Develop, implement, and monitor procedures to meet agency policies and contract management including the preparation of comprehensive reports for funding or agency sources.
  • Must Embrace and embody the mission, vision, guiding principles, clinical vision, and goals of WestCare Foundation; and
  • Perform all other duties as assigned.

ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the duties and responsibilities satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.
Experience and Competencies:
  • Management and administrative experience and capabilities.
  • Must possess knowledge of chemical dependency, substance abuse and personality dynamics of the substance abuser.
  • Knowledge of state and federal regulations.
  • Excellent language and interpersonal skills.
  • Superior organizational skills and attention to detail.
  • Basic computer skills and good documentation skills.
  • Must have the ability to pass a criminal history Adherence to the highest standard of ethical conduct, especially to standards governing confidentiality.
  • Professional appearance and demeanor.
  • Must be sensitive to populations served.
  • Valid driver's license and ability to obtain and maintain WestCare's vehicle insurance is required.
  • Must be able to obtain and maintain CDCR Clearance.
  • CPR Certification, First Aid Certification, and an annual Tuberculosis test.
  • During your tenure with WestCare there may be new requirements, including, but not limited to vaccinations that are issued by local, State, Federal, and/or Funders that WestCare may have to comply with. Should this occur Human Resources or appropriate personnel will inform you.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:
  • A minimum of five years supervisory experience with knowledge of program performance indicators.
  • Graduation from an accredited four-year college with a degree in Addiction Counseling, Criminal Justice, Social Work, Psychology, or a related field or equivalent experience and education combined.

LICENSURE/CERTIFICATION:
  • Not applicable for this position.

WORKING CONDITIONS:
  • Work is performed primarily in an office setting located in a rehabilitation facility; and
  • Regional travel is required.

ESSENTIAL PHYSICAL AND MENTAL DEMANDS OF THE JOB:
The employee must be able to perform the following essential duties and activities with or without accommodation:
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
  • Requires mobility and physical activity: Having an adequate range of body motion and mobility to work in an office, residential, or outdoor environment including standing and walking (even and uneven surfaces), sitting for extended periods of time, bending, twisting, reaching, balancing, occasional lifting and carrying of up to 10 pounds. Use of computer and telephone systems is required which includes coordination of eye and hand, and fine manipulation by the hands (typing, writing, and working with files). Requires the ability to defend oneself and clients in physically abusive situations using approved physical de-escalation techniques.
  • Requires talking: Expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word. Talking is required to impart oral information to employees, clients, patients, and the public, and in those activities in which the employee is required to convey detailed or important spoken instructions to others accurately, loudly, or quickly.
  • Requires hearing: Hearing is required to receive and communicate detailed information through oral communication.
  • Requires seeing: Clarity of vision at 20 inches or less and at distance. This factor is required to complete paperwork for many of the employee's essential job functions and to observe client behavior and activities in and out of the facility.
  • The normal work routine involves no exposure to human blood, body fluids or tissues. However, exposure or potential exposure may be required as a condition of employment. Appropriate personal protective equipment will be readily available to every employee.

MENTAL DEMANDS:
  • Requires the ability to collect and analyze complex numerical and written data and verbal information to reach logical conclusions.
  • Requires the ability to work and cooperate with clients, co-workers, managers, the public and employees at all levels to exchange ideas, information, instructions, and opinions.
  • Requires the ability to work under stress and in emotionally charged settings.
  • The ability to defend oneself and clients in mentally/verbally abusive situations using approved mental/verbal de-escalation techniques.

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