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Outdoor Program Director Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

Medical Director

Pagosa Springs, CO · On-site

$474K - $624K/yr

This is a leadership-focused opportunity combining **clinical care, program development, and ... Located in a scenic mountain region known for **outdoor recreation, hot springs, and a relaxed ...

Program Director FSLA Status : Seasonal, non-exempt Salary : DOE - Starts at $20 per hour Position Summary: Field Instructors at Telluride Academy plan, facilitate, and lead outdoor experiential ...

Program Director FSLA Status: Seasonal, non-exempt Salary: DOE - Starts at $20 per hour Position Summary: Field Instructors at Telluride Academy plan, facilitate, and lead outdoor experiential ...

Program Director FSLA Status: Seasonal, non-exempt Salary: DOE - Starts at $20 per hour Position Summary: Field Instructors at Telluride Academy plan, facilitate, and lead outdoor experiential ...

Communications Director

Denver, CO · On-site

$73 - $83/hr

Translate program outcomes, research, and organizational learning into clear, credible and ... Genuine connection to outdoor recreation, health, healing or mission-driven work. This is a ...

Showing results 41-60

Outdoor Program Director information

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 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 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 most commonly searched types of Outdoor Program jobs in Colorado?

The most popular types of Outdoor Program jobs in Colorado are:

What are popular job titles related to Outdoor Program Director jobs in Colorado?

For Outdoor Program Director jobs in Colorado, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities in Colorado are hiring for Outdoor Program Director jobs?

Cities in Colorado with the most Outdoor Program Director job openings:

Infographic showing various Outdoor Program Director job openings in Colorado as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 53% Full Time, and 47% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Before and After School - Aide

YMCA of The Pikes Peak Region

Colorado Springs, CO • On-site

$15.16/hr

Full-time

Posted 15 days ago


Job description

OVERVIEW
This position supports the work of the Y, a leading nonprofit committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. The Youth Development Aide will provide direct supervision to a group of children during the school year in Before & After Programs as well as during Summer Day Camp. You will create positive and nurturing relationships with children, while building cooperative relationships with the parents/caregivers. As the Aide you will promote and support the potential of all youth in programs and facilitate peer-to-peer connections as part of the overall camp experience. 

OUR CULTURE
Our mission and core values are brought to life by our culture. In the Y, we strive to live our cause of strengthening communities with purpose and intentionality every day. We are welcoming: we are open to all. We are a place where you can belong and become. We are genuine: we value you and embrace your individuality. We are hopeful: we believe in you and your potential to become a catalyst in the world. We are nurturing: we support you in your journey to develop your full potential. We are determined: above all else, we are on a relentless quest to make our community stronger beginning with you.  

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS (In General)

  • Providing a safe, nurturing, yet fun environment for children.
  • Supervise, facilitate, and engage with participants during all large and small group activities and in ALL program areas.
  • Treat all children with dignity and respect and allow for individual differences. Provide an atmosphere of acceptance and caring for each child and show as much individual attention as possible to each child. Implement a curriculum that is age appropriate and helps a child reach their full potential in each area of development.
  • Be familiar with and adhere to the program’s policies, health and safety regulations, emergency procedures and be ready to implement if necessary.
  • Maintain State licensing and YMCA Associations Standards and Minimum guidelines
  • Demonstrate proper care and storage of equipment and supplies as well as program space.
  • Maintain an open, friendly, professional relationship with staff, parents, and children.
  • Assist in responding to all accidents and incidents with your program. 
  • Supervise all program areas including gyms and playgrounds.
  • Complete routine and required forms to include, but not limited to: attendance records, observation records, incident and injury reports.
  • Prepare snacks or meals as assigned.
  • May be required to work hours outside of normal work schedule for trainings, extended program hours, parent nights, or association events.
  • Provide leadership, guidance, and respect to your fellow peers. 
  • Modeling good character and hygiene habits.
  • Acting as a substitute when requested at other Youth Development Program locations.   

 
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS (Summer Camp Specific): these requirements are in addition to the ones listed above

  • Assists with guiding and supervising children in group activities throughout the entire camp day. 
  • Primary Responder for all accidents and incidents with your group or any in vicinity.
  • Complete routine attendance checks for your group at regular intervals during the day. 
  • Creatively engages children during transition/down times. 


YMCA COMPETENCIES (Leader)

  • Inclusion
  • Critical Thinking & Decision Making
  • Emotional Maturity

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL REQUIREMENTS

  • Ability to visually observe children and to physically intervene when the safety of a participant could be compromised.
  • Ability to physically move with participants through a wide variety of indoor and outdoor program settings and activities including but not limited to swimming, hiking, skating, gym activities, arts and crafts.
  • The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

QUALIFICATIONS

  • Minimum age of 16
  • Experience working with school-age children leading group activities is preferred.
  • CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer, Oxygen, First Aid certified (training available upon hiring)

CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION

  • I will support the YMCA of the Pikes Peak Region’s commitment to child abuse prevention by: 
  • Reporting any suspicious behaviors and violation of policy and procedures to your supervisor
  • Following all policies and procedures related to keeping children safe in our facilities and programs, including those related to the monitoring and supervision of children. 
  • Completing all child abuse prevention training as required
  • Reporting any items that may provide a health and safety hazard to staff, members, or guests to you supervisor

The YMCA has a zero tolerance policy for abuse. We will report all suspected and/or allegations of abuse to state and federal law. 

CERTIFICATIONS

  • Complete Redwoods: Hazardous Communications (yearly), Sexual Harassment Prevention, Bloodborne Pathogens (yearly), Child Sexual Abuse Prevenition (yearly), and Behavior Management 101
  • Complete and maintain ALL licensing required forms, training, and background check requirements. 
  • Maintain CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer every 2 years; skills every year
  • Maintain First Aid and Administering Emergency Oxygen every 2 years

You are responsible for staying compliant with ALL state licensing requirements. Non-compliance will result in removal from the schedule and possible termination if non-compliance continues.