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Outdoor Recreation Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

The Curare Group, Inc

Bloomington IN

Bloomington, IN · On-site

Easy access to Indianapolis, lakes, outdoor recreation, and an abundance of restaurants. Sign-on and relocation bonuses offered. Hospital-employed or 1099 structure available. Guaranteed base salary ...

koa

HOG - RECREATION ATTENDANT 2026 Season

Angola, IN · On-site

$14 - $15.75/hr

Founded in 1962, the mission of KOA is "connecting people to the outdoors and each other," and ... REPORTS TO Designated Supervisor and General Manager POSITION SUMMARY The Recreation Attendant (RA ...

koa

HOG - RECREATION ATTENDANT 2026 Season

Angola, IN

$14 - $15.75/hr

Founded in 1962, the mission of KOA is "connecting people to the outdoors and each other," and ... REPORTS TO Designated Supervisor and General Manager POSITION SUMMARY The Recreation Attendant (RA ...

koa

HOG - RECREATION ATTENDANT 2026 Season

Angola, IN

$14 - $15.75/hr

Founded in 1962, the mission of KOA is "connecting people to the outdoors and each other," and ... REPORTS TO Designated Supervisor and General Manager POSITION SUMMARY The Recreation Attendant (RA ...

koa

HOG - RECREATION ATTENDANT 2026 Season

Angola, IN · On-site

$14 - $15.75/hr

Founded in 1962, the mission of KOA is "connecting people to the outdoors and each other," and ... REPORTS TO Designated Supervisor and General Manager POSITION SUMMARY The Recreation Attendant (RA ...

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All JobsOutdoor Recreation JobsOutdoor Recreation Jobs in Indiana

Outdoor Recreation information

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$10

$16

$21

How much do outdoor recreation jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for outdoor recreation in Indiana is $16.42, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.62 and $17.40 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is outdoor recreation?

Outdoor recreation refers to leisure activities that are performed outside and often involve a connection with nature. Examples include hiking, camping, fishing, cycling, kayaking, and rock climbing. These activities are enjoyed for relaxation, adventure, exercise, or socializing, and they can take place in parks, forests, mountains, or waterways. Outdoor recreation is beneficial for physical and mental health and promotes an appreciation for the environment.

What are outdoor recreation jobs?

Outdoor recreation jobs involve responsibilities related to recreational activities that take place outside. You can work as a tour guide for an area, in which your duties are to lead hikes and provide information on the area. You can also develop programs to educate and teach people about the wilderness or set up any programs that involve nature or outdoor community facilities. You can become a park ranger, an outdoor education instructor, an outdoor recreation guide, a camp counselor, or a conservation specialist. There are also higher level positions where you manage and oversee a specific area of land and supervise additional staff members.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in outdoor recreation, and why are they important?

To thrive in Outdoor Recreation, you need knowledge of outdoor safety, environmental stewardship, and recreation planning, often supported by certifications like Wilderness First Aid or Leave No Trace. Familiarity with GPS navigation, outdoor gear, and reservation or permit systems is typically required. Strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills help professionals guide groups and respond effectively to changing conditions. These skills ensure safe, enjoyable, and sustainable outdoor experiences for participants.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in outdoor recreation, and how can they be effectively managed?

Professionals in Outdoor Recreation often encounter challenges such as unpredictable weather, ensuring participant safety, and adapting to varying group skill levels. Managing these requires strong planning skills, flexibility, and thorough risk assessments before each activity. Building strong communication with team members and participants helps address concerns quickly, while ongoing training in first aid and emergency protocols ensures preparedness. Collaborating with colleagues and staying updated on best practices can further enhance both safety and the overall participant experience.

What is the difference between Outdoor Recreation vs Outdoor Education?

AspectOutdoor RecreationOutdoor Education
Required CredentialsVaries; often certifications in outdoor activities or first aidCertifications in teaching, outdoor leadership, or environmental education
Work EnvironmentRecreational settings like parks, resorts, adventure companiesEducational settings such as schools, camps, environmental programs
Employer & Industry UsageRecreation centers, adventure companies, parksSchools, non-profits, environmental organizations

Outdoor Recreation focuses on providing recreational outdoor activities for enjoyment and leisure, often in commercial or public settings. Outdoor Education emphasizes teaching outdoor skills and environmental awareness, typically in educational or camp environments. While both involve outdoor settings, their primary goals and credentials differ, making each role unique within the outdoor industry.

More about Outdoor Recreation jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Outdoor Recreation jobs in Indiana?

The most popular types of Outdoor Recreation jobs in Indiana are:

What are popular job titles related to Outdoor Recreation jobs in Indiana?

For Outdoor Recreation jobs in Indiana, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Outdoor Recreation jobs in Indiana look for?

The top searched job categories for Outdoor Recreation jobs in Indiana are:

What cities in Indiana are hiring for Outdoor Recreation jobs?

Cities in Indiana with the most Outdoor Recreation job openings:

Outdoor Recreation jobs near you
Infographic showing various Outdoor Recreation job openings in Indiana as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $34,159 per year, or $16.4 per hour.

Director of IU Outdoor Adventures (Recreation Leader), Recreational Sports

Indiana University

Bloomington, IN • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 19 days ago

Job description

The Office of Student Life focuses on 4 key areas to support the student experience and their success.
  • Care and Advocacy
  • Community and Administration
  • Health and Well-being
  • Involvement and Belonging
Recreational Sports is a critical part of supporting student well-being and is a primary entry point at Indiana University Bloomington for supporting students in their health and wellness. Recreational Sports mission is to connect, inform, and inspire people to lead an active, healthy lifestyle. We serve over 36,000 students, faculty, staff, and public participants annually. Our team consists of 46 appointed staff members, and over 800 part-time student staff members. Our organization fosters a team focused, collaborative work environment that emphasizes strong business practices, operational excellence, and participant development. Our organization is committed to a student development philosophy that encourages student involvement in decision-making and leadership.
Recreational Sports is committed to fostering a professional environment where individuals are treated with respect and valued for their contributions to Indiana University.
Job Summary
Department-Specific Responsibilities
  • Provides operational management and oversight for a team of full-time and part-time staff members. Programmatic oversight may include seasonal, environmental, physical, therapeutic, military, or youth programs. Identifies operational issues and areas of improvement and implements solutions to improve processes and operational efficiency.
  • Analyzes, monitors, and evaluates performance of assigned staff; establishes work priorities; conducts performance reviews, and provides corrective action as needed.
  • Responsible for design and implementation of recreational, educational, professional development, and team-building retreats, camps, and other outdoor education programming.
  • Manages day-to-day operations, logistics, and issues related to programming, providing technical or informational support to participants. May take on escalated issues or special projects related to multiple programs.
  • Identifies and develops contracts, partners, and coalitions; research, identifies, and negotiates facilitators, speakers and presenters.
  • Develops educational materials, curriculum, equipment, elements, and other resources necessary to conduct programmatic offerings and services.
  • Develops activities appropriate for the participants in a given outdoor program, camp, or retreat and works with leaders and constituents to develop itinerary.
  • Designs and implements evaluation tools for program effectiveness, makes recommendations, and implements changes based on results.
  • Develops budget and revenue projection and ensures programs, camps, and retreats align with budgetary needs.
  • Oversees seasonal or temporary staffing needs including selection, hiring, training, and supervision.
General Responsibilities
  • Provides highest level of operational leadership and coordination of assigned staff members to define recreational programming methodologies and standards; provides direction and guidance on high priority program operations/projects/initiatives.
  • Establishes short-term business plans and long-term operational objectives, including managing program timelines/deliverables and developing resource plans for multi-project/multiphase program initiatives.
  • Conducts a variety of personnel actions to include, but not limited to hiring, promotion, performance management, and dismissal.
  • Manages high level assignments and allocation of resources, including negotiating and coordinating initiatives that involve staff in other departments/areas/teams; may coordinate large-scale programs with wide audiences in support of recreational initiatives.
  • Makes budgetary recommendations/proposals based on resource needs and ensures cost containment.
  • Researches and stays up to date on new industry program standards, subject matter experts, best practices, and strategic marketing; responsible for the implementation of new protocols/procedures to address business needs.
  • Works collaboratively with other unit leaders, volunteers, students and/or faculty experts across departments in recommending standards, best practices, and related policies/procedures.
  • Prepares management reports and summaries for senior administration, executive, steering and advisory committees; acts as an advisor to executive committees; serves on various university committees, communities of practice, and task forces related to program development, educational initiatives and institutional priorities.
Qualifications
Combinations of related education and experience may be considered. Education beyond the minimum required may be substituted for work experience. Work experience beyond the minimum required may be substituted for education.
EDUCATION
Required
  • Bachelor's degree in Exercise Science, Recreation, Sports Management, or related field.
Preferred
  • Master's degree in Exercise Science, Recreation, Sports Management, or related field.
WORK EXPERIENCE
Required
  • 4 years of related experience with structured recreational programming.
  • 1 year of management experience.
LICENSES AND CERTIFICATES
Required
  • CPR/AED certification within 180 days of hire.
  • Standard First Aid certification within 180 days of hire.
  • Preventing Disease Transmission/Universal Precautions certification within 180 days of hire.
  • May require related recreational certifications.
SKILLS
Required
  • Proficient communication skills.
  • Maintains a high degree of professionalism.
  • Demonstrates time management and priority setting skills.
  • Excellent organizational skills.
  • Excellent collaboration and team building skills.
  • Effectively coaches and delivers constructive feedback.
  • Instills commitment to organizational goals.
  • Demonstrates excellent judgment and decision-making skills.
  • Effective conflict management skills.
  • Builds and manages effective teams.
Working Conditions / Demands
This position requires both sedentary work and long durations of movement about the workspace. It requires the ability to move and transport objects and equipment weighing up to 25 pounds. The person in this role must be able to perform the essential functions with or without an accommodation.
Additional Information
Priority consideration will given to candidates who apply on or before July 27, 2026.
Work Location
Indiana University Bloomington
Bloomington, Indiana
This is an in person position.
Advertised Salary
$80,000.00 - $82,000.00 per year
Work Hours
Monday - Friday, 8:00am - 5:00pm with some evenings and weekends required to support programming
Benefits Overview
For full-time staff employees, Indiana University offers a wide array of benefits including:
  • Comprehensive medical and dental insurance
  • Health savings account with generous IU contributions
  • Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
  • Basic group life insurance paid by IU
  • Voluntary supplemental life, long-term disability, critical illness, and supplemental accidental death & dismemberment insurance
  • Base retirement plan with generous IU contributions, subject to vesting
  • Voluntary supplemental retirement plan options
  • Tuition subsidy for employees and family members taking IU courses
  • 10 paid holidays plus a paid winter break each year
  • Generous paid time off plans
  • Paid leave for new parents and IU-sponsored volunteer events
  • Employee assistance program (EAP)
Learn more about our benefits by reviewing the IU Benefit Programs Brochure .
Job Classification
Career Level: Sr. Operational
FLSA: Exempt
Job Function: Athletic Affairs
Job Family: Recreational Sports
Click here to learn more about Indiana University's Job Framework.
Posting Disclaimer
This posting is scheduled to close at 11:59 pm EST on the advertised Close Date. This posting may be closed at any time at the discretion of the University, but will remain open for a minimum of 5 business days. To guarantee full consideration, please submit your application within 5 business days of the Posted Date.
If you wish to include a cover letter, you may include it with your resume when uploading attachments.
Equal Employment Opportunity
Indiana University is an equal opportunity employer and provider of ADA services and prohibits discrimination in hiring. See Indiana University Notice of Non-Discrimination here which includes contact information .
Campus Safety and Security
The Annual Security and Fire Safety Report, containing policy statements, crime and fire statistics for all Indiana University campuses, is available online . You may also request a physical copy by emailing IU Public Safety at iups@iu.edu or by visiting IUPD.
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