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Outdoor Program Director Jobs in Elgin, IL (NOW HIRING)

Palatine Park District

ECC Site Director

Palatine, IL · On-site

$20 - $21/hr

The program runs 12-15 hours per week, from 4:15 pm to 7:15 pm, fostering a vibrant and supportive ... Seasonal pool passes for indoor and outdoor pools (individual or discount on family) * Fitness ...

Palatine Park District

ECC Site Director

Palatine, IL

$20 - $21/hr

The program runs 12-15 hours per week, from 4:15 pm to 7:15 pm, fostering a vibrant and supportive ... Wages * Seasonal pool passes for indoor and outdoor pools (individual or discount on family)

KINDERCARE

Center Director

Lake Zurich, IL

$47K - $65K/yr

... outdoors. * Able to assume postures in low levels to allow physical and visual contact with ... This premium is funded through the Minnesota Great Start Grant Compensation Support Program. Our ...

KinderCare Education

Center Director

Lake Zurich, IL · On-site

$47K - $65K/yr

... outdoors. * Able to assume postures in low levels to allow physical and visual contact with ... This premium is funded through the Minnesota Great Start Grant Compensation Support Program. Our ...

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All JobsOutdoor Program JobsOutdoor Program Director JobsOutdoor Program Director Jobs in Elgin, IL

Outdoor Program Director information

See Elgin, IL salary details

$29.2K

$77.3K

$135.4K

How much do outdoor program director jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for outdoor program director in Elgin, IL is $77,297.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $52,400.00 and $91,400.00 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 job categories do people searching Outdoor Program Director jobs in Elgin, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Outdoor Program Director jobs in Elgin, IL are:
What cities near Elgin, IL are hiring for Outdoor Program Director jobs? Cities near Elgin, IL with the most Outdoor Program Director job openings:
Outdoor Program Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Outdoor Program Director job openings in Elgin, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 81% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 4% Temporary. Highlights an 95% In-person, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $77,297 per year, or $37.2 per hour.

Program Instructor

Park Dist of Highland Park

Highland Park, IL • On-site

$20.50 - $23/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 9 days ago

Job description

Job Summary
Under the direction of the Heller Nature Center Manager and with direct supervision from Naturalist Program Supervisor, the Program Instructor is responsible for conducting a wide variety of environmental education, interpretive and outdoor recreation programs.
Supervisory Responsibilities
This position has no supervisory responsibilities.
Essential Job Duties
Includes, but not limited to the following. Other duties may be assigned.
• Conduct environmental education programs for school groups.
• Conduct environmental education, interpretive and outdoor recreation programs for home school groups, scout groups, custom groups and the public as needed.
• Conduct birthday party programs as needed.
• Lead selected birthday hike or program.
• Conduct pre-party confirmation calls to provide an introduction to the customer and review party details.
• Setup and takedown of party and/or program materials.
• Supervise and assist party participants.
• Conduct teams course programs as needed.
• Conduct early childhood classes as needed.
• Assist with management of beehives as needed.
• Staff rentals as needed.
• Conduct classroom setup and take down.
• Assist with special events.
• Greet public, answer phones and disseminate information as needed.
• Attend staff and planning meetings as required.
• Assist in developing curriculum as needed.
• Provide site supervision and conduct programs on weekends, holidays and other times as needed.
• Enforce rules and regulations put forth by the Nature Center.
• Follow emergency action plan (EAP) in the case of emergency.
• Perform other Park District-related duties as assigned.
Education and Experience: Bachelor's degree (B. A.) from four-year college or university; or one to two years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Certificates, Licenses, Registrations: American Red Cross CPR/AED certification, Related field certification.
Schedule: Hours vary based on seasonal needs and programs. Occasional Weekend and Holiday hours expected.
Wage Range: $20.50-$23.00 per hour
Classification: Part-time/Non-exempt
Physical Requirements: The physical requirements 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 of the job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand; walk; talk or hear; grasp/manipulate and reach with fingers, hands and arms. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.
Working Conditions: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to outside weather conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
Benefits:
• Health & Fitness Membership
• Outdoor Pool Membership and Seasonal Beach Access
• Program and Facility Discounts on a variety of recreational activities including Golf and Raquet Sports.
The Park District of Highland Park is an equal opportunity employer.

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