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Outdoor Program Director Jobs in Erie, PA (NOW HIRING)

YMCA of Greater Erie

Teacher - All Ages

Erie, PA · On-site

$10.98 - $13.73/hr

As a key liaison between children, their parents, and the Child Care Program Director, you keep ... Here, locally, our four membership branches, outdoor recreation center, nine early and school-age ...

YMCA of Greater Erie

Teacher- All Ages

Erie, PA · On-site

$10.98 - $13.73/hr

As a key liaison between children, their parents, and the Child Care Program Director, you keep ... Here, locally, our four membership branches, outdoor recreation center, nine early and school-age ...

YMCA of Greater Erie

Lead Teacher - All Ages

Erie, PA · On-site

$12.61 - $15.76/hr

As a Lead Teacher at our childcare center, you'll support the Child Care Program Director in ... an outdoor recreation center, nine education program centers, and various community outreach ...

RecruitWell

Surgery - Neurosurgery Physician

Erie, PA · On-site

Comprehensive stroke program * Typical day includes: * Rounding with APP * Consults * Surgery as ... Numerous outdoor recreational opportunities, including Presque Isle State Park, beaches, boating ...

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All JobsOutdoor Program JobsOutdoor Program Director JobsOutdoor Program Director Jobs in Erie, PA

Outdoor Program Director information

See Erie, PA salary details

$28.6K

$75.8K

$132.7K

How much do outdoor program director jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for outdoor program director in Erie, PA is $75,759.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $51,300.00 and $89,600.00 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 job categories do people searching Outdoor Program Director jobs in Erie, PA look for?

The top searched job categories for Outdoor Program Director jobs in Erie, PA are:

What cities near Erie, PA are hiring for Outdoor Program Director jobs?

Cities near Erie, PA with the most Outdoor Program Director job openings:

Outdoor Program Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Outdoor Program Director job openings in Erie, PA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 68% Full Time, 27% Part Time, and 5% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $75,759 per year, or $36.4 per hour.

Outdoor Education Program Facilitator

YMCA of Youngstown

North Springfield, PA

$120 - $130/day

Full-time

Re-posted 5 days ago

Job description

Job Title: Outdoor Education Program Facilitator
Status: Seasonal
Salary: $120 - $130/Daily
Room and Board Provided
Reports to: SYP Program Director
POSITION SUMMARY:
This position supports the work of the Y, a leading nonprofit committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Program Facilitators are heavily involved in the day-to-day program delivery in all of our program modes by leading programs, driving innovation, supporting a culture of safety, and providing at-the-scene oversight of experiences for campers, guests, and volunteers.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
  1. Responsible for leading dynamic experiences in all program modes; supporting and developing program goals; leading design teams for camper experiences across all program modes; building connections with members of the community; recruiting and stewarding new campers/groups and donors.
  2. Proactively engages with and supports all departments of camp to steward and upkeep program areas, buildings and grounds.
  3. Takes the initiative to create and maintain a physically and psychologically safe environment for all staff, volunteers, and guests.
  4. Actively prevents child abuse through reporting and monitoring the five rules: NO Alone Time; NO Inappropriate Language; NO Inappropriate Touch; NO Outside Contact; NO Favoritism.
  5. Models Camp Fitch Core Values: Empathy (listen to understand), Growth Mindset (effort and learning from mistakes), Vulnerability (sharing concerns with others through honest and caring dialog), and Servant Leadership (putting others first).
SPECIFIC FUNCTIONS RELATED TO SCHOOL YEAR PROGRAMS:
  1. Lead and instruct classes, activities, and programs for school and retreat groups.
  2. Lead program as a group host who creates schedules, leads communication with the group’s Volunteer Organizer, and facilitates goals and objectives of the group(s).
  3. Create innovations and upgrades for program areas like the Mobile STEM Lab.
  4. Facilitate the growth of volunteers to support the execution of the group experience.
  5. Serve as ambassadors to all Camp Fitch programs through actively outreaching potential customers, staff, and volunteers.
  6. Model the stewardship of camp facilities through proactive improvements.
  7. Provides Leadership for Seasonal Staff.
ADDITIONAL OPPORTUNITIES:
*Non-profit Budgeting, Finance, and Marketing
*Leadership Development
*STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, ART, and Math) Integration into Nature
*Grant Writing and Fundraising
*Blended Continuing Education Program (continue your studies and work for Camp Fitch)
YMCA COMPETENCIES:
Mission Advancement: Reinforces the Ys values within the organization and the community. Effectively communicates the benefits and impact of the YMCAs efforts for all stakeholders. Implements effective systems to develop volunteers at program, fundraising, and policy leadership levels. Secures resources and support for all philanthropic endeavors.
Collaboration: Develops strategies to ensure staff and volunteers reflect the community. Builds and nurtures strategic relationships to enhance support for the YMCA. Serves as a community leader who builds collaborations based on trust and credibility to advance YMCA mission and goals. Communicates for influence to attain buy-in and support of goals. Provides tools and resources for the development of others.
Operational Effectiveness: Integrates multiple thinking processes to make decisions. Involves members and community in the development of programs and activities. Ensures execution of plans. Institutes sound accounting procedures, investment policies and financial controls. Assigns clear accountability and ensures continuous improvement.
Personal Growth: Fosters a learning environment embracing diverse abilities and approaches. Creates a sense of urgency and positive tension to support change. Anticipates challenges that can sidetrack or derail growth and personal learning. Has the functional and technical knowledge and skills required to perform well; uses best practices and demonstrates up-to-date knowledge and skills in technology.
QUALIFICATIONS:
  1. High School Degree/GED and Related Experience
  2. Personal commitment to servant leadership and core YMCA values.
  3. Ability to relate effectively to diverse groups of people from all social and economic segments of the community.
  4. Attain required training within 90 days, CPR/O2/FA, New Staff Orientation, Child Abuse Prevention, Blood Borne Pathogens.
WORK ENVIRONMENT amp; PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
  • The physical demands of the job, that include (but are not limited to) being on your feet and walking for long periods of time on uneven terrain in all weather conditions (hot sun, ice and snow, rain, wind), 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.
  • While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use a computer for extended periods of time and be able to communicate using a computer and phone/smart device.
  • The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
  • Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust.
  • The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate with periods of high noise and auditory chaos.

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