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Outdoor Program Director Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Residential Aide (4873)

Knoxville, TN

$14 - $16.75/hr

Communicates all major incidents to Case Manager and Program Director in writing and orally ... Work requires driving a vehicle with exposure to the outdoors are physical discomforts associated ...

Residential Aide (4873)

Knoxville, TN · On-site

$14 - $16.75/hr

Communicates all major incidents to Case Manager and Program Director in writing and orally ... Work requires driving a vehicle with exposure to the outdoors are physical discomforts associated ...

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Outdoor Program Director information

See Tennessee salary details

$17.7K

$56.7K

$128.7K

How much do outdoor program director jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for outdoor program director in Tennessee is $56,749.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $39,364.00 and $59,551.00 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 Tennessee? The most popular types of Outdoor Program jobs in Tennessee are:
What are popular job titles related to Outdoor Program Director jobs in Tennessee? For Outdoor Program Director jobs in Tennessee, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Outdoor Program Director jobs in Tennessee look for? The top searched job categories for Outdoor Program Director jobs in Tennessee are:
Infographic showing various Outdoor Program Director job openings in Tennessee as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $56,749 per year, or $27.3 per hour.
Program Director/Van Driver Seasonal

$14 - $17/hr

Other

Re-posted yesterday


Job description

Description

Job Title: Program Director

  • Classification: Seasonal (May 29th to July 30th) 
  • Reports to: Camp Director 


Position Purpose:

To further the mission of the camp through the planning and delivery of program activities and events. Design and deliver program activities that are safe, fun, and appropriate to the campers' age and abilities. Assist in the management of the overall camp operation at the direction of the camp director.

Essential Job Functions:

  1. Deliver a fun program to campers.

? Ensure lesson plans are prepared and implemented that meet camp outcomes and the abilities of the campers.

? Evaluate program delivery abilities of staff.

? Deliver progressive program activities.

? Evaluate the success of the program and the development of the campers' abilities and skills in various program activities.

? Coordinate all camp program and campfire activities with other staff.

  1. Ensure that camp staff and campers know and follow safety and educational procedures during camp programs. 

? Assist in the implementation of staff training.

? Provide guidelines for programs utilizing camp equipment.

? Ensure campers and staff follow safety procedures in all program areas.

  1. Assist in the management and care of the physical facilities and equipment in all program areas.

? Oversee daily checks of area and equipment for safety, cleanliness, and good repair.

? Ensure that program areas are kept fee of hazards and debris.

  1. Supervise and evaluate Program Specialists to develop and implement all facets of camp program activities

? Regularly monitor work of program specialists.

? Provide feedback and guidance to program specialists.

? Provide recommendations and concerns to camp director regarding program specialists' performances.

  1. Develop and implement schedules and records for all areas of camp program and facilities.

? Create camper and group program and activity schedules.

? Develop and supervise staff schedule for programs and activities.

? Collect and evaluate records; report and evaluate camp program and activity areas.

Other Job Duties:

? Attend administrative staff meetings.

? Maintain clear and positive written and verbal communication with all camp staff.

? Participate enthusiastically in all camp activities, providing support and guidance to those assigned as leaders.

? Participate as a member of the camp staff team to deliver and supervise evening programs, special events, overnights, and other all-camp activities and camp functions.

? Provide ongoing program ideas to counseling and activity area staff.

Relationships:

Program Directors often have direct relationships with the counseling staff and may actually supervise Counselors who also have program activity responsibility. Program Directors may in some cases act as an Assistant Camp Director and be placed in charge when the Director is absent.

Equipment Used:

The Program Director needs to have knowledge of all equipment used for all programs. The Program Director may have to cover programs, which means they will have to use all different equipment such as, but not limited to equipment used at waterfront, archery, ropes course, dance, and arts and crafts.

Qualifications: (Minimum Qualifications and Experience)

? Experience in administrative roles at another camp.

? Experience in the development and delivery of programs and activities for similar population.

? Current instructional certification in program or related experience. 

? Current certification in first aid and CPR. 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

? Training and experience in teaching program to adults and children.

? Desire and ability to work with children outdoors. 

Physical Aspects of the Position:

? Ability to communicate and work with groups participating and provide necessary instruction to campers and staff.

? Ability to observe camper behavior, assess its appropriateness, enforce appropriate safety regulations and emergency procedures, and apply appropriate behavior-management techniques.

? Ability to observe staff behavior, assess its appropriateness, enforce appropriate safety regulations and emergency procedures, and apply appropriate management techniques.

? Visual and auditory ability to identify and respond to environmental and other hazards related to the activity.

? Physical ability to respond appropriately to situations requiring first aid. Must be able to assist campers in an emergency (fire, evacuation, illness, or injury) and possess strength and endurance required to maintain constant supervision of campers.

Some physical requirements of a program position could be endurance including standing, some bending, stooping, and stretching. Requires eye-hand coordination and manual dexterity to manipulate program equipment and program activities. Requires normal range of hearing and eyesight to record, prepare, and communicate appropriate camper activities/programs. Willingness to live in a camp setting and work irregular hours delivering program in the facility available. Operate with daily exposure to the sun and heat and varying weather conditions.


Requirements

Qualifications:  (Minimum Qualifications and Experience)

 Experience in administrative roles at another camp.

 Experience in the development and delivery of programs and activities for similar population.

 Current instructional certification in program or related experience. 

 Current certification in first aid and CPR.Â