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Professional Explorer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Roanoke County, VA

Explore Park Ambassador

Roanoke, VA · On-site

$15/hr

... Explore Park. They serve as front-line representatives for the park and engage with customers on ... Ability to respond calmly and professionally to customer concerns or complaints. * Ability to ...

Melwood

Direct Support Professional

Arlington, VA

$18.50/hr

... career exploration, and vocational preparedness. * Attend and facilitate community integration ... Promote a safe, ethical, inclusive, and professional environment for participants and staff ...

Melwood

Be Seen First

Direct Support Professional

Arlington, VA · On-site

$18.50/hr

Direct Support Professional Job Details Description Position Summary The Day Support Specialist ... career exploration, and vocational preparedness. * Attend and facilitate community integration ...

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All JobsProfessional Explorer JobsProfessional Explorer Jobs in Virginia

Professional Explorer information

See Virginia salary details

$8

$19

$46

How much do professional explorer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for professional explorer in Virginia is $19.73, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.86 and $20.57 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Professional Explorer vs Professional Researcher?

AspectProfessional ExplorerProfessional Researcher
Required CredentialsTypically requires a degree in geography, environmental science, or related fields; certifications in GIS or surveying are commonRequires a degree in a scientific or social science; often holds advanced degrees and research certifications
Work EnvironmentFieldwork in outdoor, remote, or diverse terrains; some office work for data analysisPrimarily office-based or laboratory work; fieldwork may be involved for data collection
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by exploration companies, environmental agencies, and research institutionsCommon in academic, government, and private research organizations

The main difference between a Professional Explorer and a Professional Researcher lies in their focus and work environment. Explorers often engage in fieldwork in remote locations, emphasizing discovery and data collection outdoors. Researchers tend to work in labs or offices, focusing on analyzing data and publishing findings. Both roles require relevant credentials, but their daily tasks and settings differ significantly.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Professional Explorer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Professional Explorer, you need expertise in navigation, survival skills, environmental science, and often advanced degrees in related fields such as geography or biology. Familiarity with GPS systems, mapping software, satellite communication devices, and sometimes certifications like wilderness first responder are typical technical requirements. Exceptional problem-solving, adaptability, resilience, and effective communication skills make someone stand out in this adventurous field. These skills and qualities are vital to ensure safety, achieve expedition goals, and accurately document discoveries in challenging and unpredictable environments.

What is a Professional Explorer?

A Professional Explorer is an individual who conducts explorations, often in uncharted or challenging areas, for scientific, educational, or commercial purposes. They may travel to remote environments such as jungles, deserts, polar regions, or ocean depths to document findings, gather data, and share discoveries with the public or scientific communities. Professional Explorers often work with research organizations, media outlets, or educational institutions and require skills in navigation, survival, and research. Their work helps expand our understanding of the world and inspires curiosity about new frontiers.

What are some typical challenges a Professional Explorer faces during expeditions, and how can these be managed effectively?

Professional Explorers often encounter unpredictable weather, difficult terrain, and logistical hurdles such as securing permits or coordinating with local guides. Effective management involves thorough pre-expedition planning, risk assessment, and developing contingency plans for emergencies. Collaborating closely with a multidisciplinary support team—including logistics coordinators, researchers, and local experts—helps mitigate these challenges and ensures the success and safety of the mission.
Professional Explorer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Professional Explorer job openings in Virginia as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 25% Locum Tenens, 50% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 6% Summer. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,028 per year, or $19.7 per hour.
Direct Support Professional - Day Services

Direct Support Professional - Day Services

Wall Residences Inc

Christiansburg, VA • On-site

$15/hr

Full-time

Posted 14 days ago

Job description

Create meaningful relationships, enjoy fun activities, and make a difference in your community… all while earning a paycheck!

Wall Residences provides high-quality community services to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. We are currently seeking full-time, experienced Direct Support Professionals for our Group Day and Community-Based services in the New River Valley, Virginia area to include Christiansburg, Blacksburg, and Radford. Must be flexible to work evenings and weekends if needed.

Our Community-Based DSP's support individuals in learning basic social skills, self-care, communication, exploring interest, and integrating into their community by accompanying them into the community. Outings are diverse and include recreational opportunities, volunteering, music and art classes, social events, and more in both indoor and outdoor settings.

Our Group Day Direct Support Professionals (DSP’s) will be supporting individuals in a variety of social and leisure activities both at the center as well as planning monthly community outings. The goal of these activities is to help learn basic social skills, self-care, communication, and explore interests.

Paid training provided by Wall Residences may include First Aid & CPR, CMRT (Crisis Management & Response Training), Medication Administration, DSP Training, and documentation training.

Successful candidates are detail-oriented and able keep accurate notes to ensure continuity of quality care. If you are passionate about making a difference in your community and the lives of other people, we want to talk to you!

Hiring dependent on references and criminal background check free of barrier crimes. Active driver’s license with acceptable driving record required that meets the following guidelines:

· Minimum of 3 years of driving experience

· No more than 2 moving violations or accidents within past 3 years

· No major violations within past 5 years

Wall Residences employees are mandated reporters of abuse and neglect for individuals with disabilities.

Wall Residences is an EOE/M/F/D/V employer and a Drug-Free Workplace

#IND123