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Outdoor Program Director Jobs in Montana (NOW HIRING)

Water Program Director

Bozeman, MT ยท On-site

$90 - $130/hr

... Director, VP of Rocky Mountain Region, and Development staff to identify and secure program and ... Passion for the outdoors and Trout Unlimited's mission #J-18808-Ljbffr

... programs, effects on the organization of economic/market trends, and change in labor law. The ... Located in Dillon, Montana, our community is renowned for scenic outdoor experiences, including ...

... outdoor recreation. Responsibilities: * Direct day-to-day clinical operations within the Cath Lab ... Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from an accredited program OR Associate of Applied Science in ...

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Outdoor Program Director information

See Montana salary details

$16.2K

$52.1K

$118.2K

How much do outdoor program director jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for outdoor program director in Montana is $52,130.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $36,160.00 and $54,704.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 Montana?

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

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

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

What job categories do people searching Outdoor Program Director jobs in Montana look for?

The top searched job categories for Outdoor Program Director jobs in Montana are:

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

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

Infographic showing various Outdoor Program Director job openings in Montana as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 73% Full Time, 22% Part Time, and 5% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $52,130 per year, or $25.1 per hour.

Water Program Director

Jobtailor

Bozeman, MT โ€ข On-site

$90 - $130/hr

Other

Posted 25 days ago


Job description

Responsibilities
  • Lead, manage, and guide priorities for TUโ€™s Montana Water Program, which includes supervision of four or more staff and a budget of $1-2M per year
  • Align work plans and performance expectations, facilitate staff professional development opportunities, and create an inclusive, supportive work environment
  • Work in coordination with the State Director, Restoration Director, and functional area staff (e.g., legal, science, finance, human resources, and communications), to develop complementary goals, establish coordinated workplans, provide performance feedback, and assist with task prioritization and project implementation
  • Coordinate with the State Director, VP of Rocky Mountain Region, and Development staff to identify and secure program and project funding from government, corporate and philanthropic sources, which includes writing grant proposals and communicating directly with funders
  • Coordinate closely with the State Director, Montana Policy and Advocacy Manager, and Montana TU staff to identify and implement water policy initiatives and legislative priorities
  • Supervise and coordinate litigation strategies with the legal team
  • Establish and maintain productive and strategic relationships with decision makers and partners, such as key elected officials, policymakers, the media, resource managers, property owners, donors, and conservation organizations
  • Build and maintain strong relationships with TUโ€™s members and grassroots leaders
  • Prepare grant and permit reports summarizing activities, deliverables, and ensuring regulatory compliance
  • Develop and maintain accurate budgets and manage projects and programs within them
  • Cultivate successful partnerships to advance TU restoration and policy objectives in Montana
Requirements
  • Seven or more years of conservation nonprofit leadership experience, or similar experience in the public or private sector
  • Bachelorโ€™s degree required; Advanced degree preferred
  • Demonstrated success in building, leading, and managing interdisciplinary teams, particularly in a remote work environment
  • Understanding of western water law and experience working with water users and water management agencies
  • Understanding of coldwater fisheries conservation, including the concepts and practices of stream restoration and watershed function
  • Understanding and experience in natural resource policy and management issues related to watershed health and fisheries conservation
  • Understanding and experience working in the political context in Montana to advance TUโ€™s conservation work and inform program goals, strategies, and tactics
  • Proven ability to fundraise and manage budgets
  • Experience managing contracts and funding agreements
  • Strong written and oral communication skills, including the ability to communicate effectively with a variety of audiences
  • Ability to work with multiple and diverse partners in a highly collaborative and inclusive manner on contentious issues
  • Strong organizational skills and ability to work independently
  • Passion for the outdoors and Trout Unlimitedโ€™s mission
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