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Outdoor Program Director Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

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Program Coordinator

Vancouver, WA · On-site

$22.62 - $24.87/hr

Supervision of outdoor activities, visits to community agencies, and participation in staff retreats and staff development activities may be required. IMMEDIATE SUPERVISOR: Program Director Salary ...

Friendly House

After School Teacher

Portland, OR · On-site

$22.50 - $23.18/hr

... outdoor classroom environment for each day, including collecting materials, lifting, and moving chairs and tables as needed. * Under the direction of the Children's Program Director and Site ...

Friendly House Inc

After School Teacher

Portland, OR

$22.50 - $23.18/hr

... outdoor classroom environment for each day, including collecting materials, lifting, and moving chairs and tables as needed. * Under the direction of the Children's Program Director and Site ...

Friendly House Inc

After School Teacher

Portland, OR · On-site

$22.50 - $23.18/hr

... outdoor classroom environment for each day, including collecting materials, lifting, and moving chairs and tables as needed. * Under the direction of the Children's Program Director and Site ...

Villa Sport

Day Camp Coordinator

Beaverton, OR · On-site

This position will be provided with general supervision by the Kids Club Director and will need to ... Ability to physically move with children through a wide variety of indoor and outdoor program ...

SYUFY GROUP

Day Camp Coordinator

Beaverton, OR · On-site

This position will be provided with general supervision by the Kids Club Director and will need to ... Ability to physically move with children through a wide variety of indoor and outdoor program ...

Friendly House

After School Assistant Teacher

Portland, OR · On-site

$21.50 - $22.15/hr

Report to - Director of School Aged Programs Work environment - 1737 NW 26th Ave. Portland, OR ... Ensure that indoor and outdoor classroom spaces and storage areas are kept hazard free, clean, and ...

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Outdoor Program Director information

See Portland, OR salary details

$31.3K

$82.9K

$145.3K

How much do outdoor program director jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for outdoor program director in Portland, OR is $82,927.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $56,200.00 and $98,100.00 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 Portland, OR? The most popular types of Outdoor Program jobs in Portland, OR are:
What are popular job titles related to Outdoor Program Director jobs in Portland, OR? For Outdoor Program Director jobs in Portland, OR, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Outdoor Program Director jobs in Portland, OR look for? The top searched job categories for Outdoor Program Director jobs in Portland, OR are:
What cities near Portland, OR are hiring for Outdoor Program Director jobs? Cities near Portland, OR with the most Outdoor Program Director job openings:
Outdoor Program Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Outdoor Program Director job openings in Portland, OR as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, and 50% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $82,927 per year, or $39.9 per hour.

Outdoor Program Instructor

Oregon Episcopal School

Portland, OR • On-site

Temporary

Posted 17 days ago

Job description

Description
Oregon Episcopal School seeks Outdoor Program Instructors for the 2026-27 school year. Interested candidates should list all current certifications on your resume or cover letter.
OUR MISSION: Oregon Episcopal School educates students to realize their power for good as engaged citizens of the world.
ABOUT US: Founded in 1869, Oregon Episcopal School today occupies a wooded 59-acre campus where 880 students in Pre-K through 12th Grade share an excellent faculty, an inquiry-based curriculum, and a strong sense of community. The Upper School also includes a small boarding program of international and domestic students who live and learn together, enhancing the vibrancy of the school community.
OES seeks and values employees who continually grow in their work practices. Teaching faculty engage in the Characteristics of Effective Teaching for their ongoing learning in service of students. All other employees engage in professional growth specific to their responsibilities. Together, faculty and staff create a vibrant and diverse community of lifelong learners.
As an Episcopal school, we are rooted in a rhythm of gathering and reflection that values and respects all beliefs and cultures. As such, we educate toward a larger purpose - toward inclusion and respect, service and justice, and commitment beyond ourselves.
JOB SUMMARY: The OES Outdoor Program Instructor position works part time at OES throughout the year to work on and off campus to support and lead trips and Experiential Education Programs for Lower, Middle, and Upper School at Oregon Episcopal School. The work on campus could include leading lessons outside in the woods and wetlands, leading and supervising rock wall programs, assisting with programs out on OES challenge course, and delivering preparation and training lessons for trips inside and outside. The work off campus could include supervising students in cabins or hotel rooms while on a class trip, in tents while on a grade level camping trip, or out in the wilderness while on a river or backpacking trip with Upper School students. The ability to account for the whereabouts of students at all times is essential. Working and collaborating with salaried teachers on these experiences is common. Building cohesion with students, and developing an appreciation of stepping out of individual comfort zones, taking care of others and understanding how to respect the environments in which we travel to and visit are cornerstone responsibilities.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES:
  • Report to campus at the agreed time, and contact Experiential Education Director or Assistant Exp. Ed. Director if there is any delay.
  • Carry out lessons, regular routines, and supervision duties according to the Experiential Education Director or Assistant Exp. Ed. Director, and school policies around, on and off campus programming.
  • Provide a written or verbal reflection at the end of the experience to communicate with the Experiential Education Director or Assistant Exp. Ed. Director about the positives, near misses, and negative outcomes of these experiences.
  • Account for the whereabouts of all participants throughout the entire experience.

Requirements
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
  • BA or equivalent in education or related field
  • Experience leading students in the outdoor locales in which the experience is to happen
  • Intercultural competency, ability to engage appropriately with a diverse community and to teach diverse groups of students effectively, demonstrated commitment to equity and inclusion
  • Digital literacy; intermediate MS Office suite, Google Docs/Drive, and other web-based applications, video conferencing, and other applications as appropriate to job duties, ability to adapt as digital tools evolve and change

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Experience with teaching students outdoor education or a related field
  • Experience leading students in the locales in which the experience is to happen
  • Wilderness First Responder Certification

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:
  • A passion for teaching, ability to maintain a warm, productive teaching environment
  • Interpersonal skills, ability to maintain collegial relations with students, parents, and colleagues
  • Some knowledge of educational technology, and openness to learning new applications
  • Familiarity with long and varied daily and overnight programs
  • Verbal and written communication skills, ability to manage confidential information in compliance with the law and best practice
  • Ability to consistently apply principles of equity, inclusion, and anti-racism in day-to-day work and in the broader workplace community.
  • Organizational skills, ability to work well on teams

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
  • Primarily outdoor and classroom environments; ability to communicate clearly with students, parents, and groups of individuals
  • Ability to move about the classroom and a variety of Pacific Northwest environments (Coast, Cascades, and High Desert), school, and the OES campus
  • Mobility sufficient to ensure the safety of young children
  • Ability to life and carry, with or without assistance, up to 20 pounds on an occasional basis

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