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Ropes Course Director Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Fresh Air Camps

$2.60K/yr

Help to maintain the High Ropes, Teams Courses, and Archery Range to comply with all pertinent ... Provide 24-hour-a-day direct supervision, leadership, and guidance to twelve campers with assigned ...

Saint Francis Ministries

Activities Director

Salina, KS · On-site

$18 - $24.75/hr

Supervises the equine specialists, master gardener, and ropes course employees. * Manages activity budget and effectively communicates budgeted needs to the Executive Director. * Reports unusual ...

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How much do ropes course director jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for ropes course director in the United States is $17.53, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $11.06 and $16.83 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Ropes Course Director, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Ropes Course Director, you need expertise in outdoor education, risk management, and facilitation, often supported by certifications like ACCT or similar safety credentials. Familiarity with ropes course equipment, inspection protocols, and incident response systems is essential. Strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills help you effectively manage staff and participants while ensuring a positive experience. These skills are crucial for maintaining safety standards, fostering team building, and delivering successful ropes course programs.

What are some common challenges a Ropes Course Director might encounter in managing both safety and participant experience?

A Ropes Course Director often faces the challenge of balancing rigorous safety standards with creating an engaging, confidence-building experience for participants. This involves training and supervising staff to ensure they follow procedures precisely while also fostering a supportive, motivating atmosphere. Directors must also regularly inspect equipment and course elements, address varying comfort levels among participants, and adapt sessions to group needs—all while maintaining a calm, organized environment. Effective communication, strong leadership, and proactive problem-solving are crucial for success in this role.

What does a Ropes Course Director do?

A Ropes Course Director is responsible for overseeing the safe operation, maintenance, and programming of ropes courses, which are adventure-based facilities often used for team-building, education, and recreation. They supervise staff, ensure all safety protocols and equipment checks are followed, train facilitators, and coordinate group activities. The director also develops course curriculum, manages risk assessments, and may interact with clients to ensure a rewarding and safe experience for all participants.

What is the difference between Ropes Course Director vs Ropes Course Instructor?

AspectRopes Course DirectorRopes Course Instructor
CertificationsCPR, First Aid, Ropes Course CertificationCPR, First Aid, Ropes Course Certification
Work EnvironmentOversees entire course operations, manages staff, ensures safety protocolsAssists participants, operates equipment, supervises activities
ResponsibilitiesProgram planning, staff training, safety managementParticipant instruction, equipment setup, safety monitoring

The main difference is that the Ropes Course Director manages overall program operations, staff, and safety protocols, while the Ropes Course Instructor focuses on guiding participants and ensuring safety during activities. Both roles require similar certifications but differ in scope and responsibilities.

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What cities are hiring for Ropes Course Director jobs? Cities with the most Ropes Course Director job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Ropes Course jobs? The most popular types of Ropes Course jobs are:
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What job categories do people searching Ropes Course Director jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Ropes Course Director jobs are:
Ropes Course Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Ropes Course Director job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 6% As Needed, 6% Full Time, 71% Part Time, 6% Temporary, and 11% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $36,454 per year, or $17.5 per hour.

Challenge Course (Low/High Ropes) Program Instructor - PT

YMCA of Metropolitan Fort Worth

Fort Worth, TX • On-site

$15/hr

Full-time, Part-time

Posted 24 days ago

Job description

YMCA of Metropolitan Fort Worth Employment Application
YMCA Camp Carteris a beautiful 360-acre year-round summer camp located right in the heart of Fort Worth, TX. At camp, we offer 11 weeks of care that runs from Tuesday, May 26th through Friday, August 7th with an exciting variety of camp options to please every kind of camper at every age! Our traditional multi-activity camp provides options like STEM, arts, horseback riding, swimming, boating, fishing, and more! In our shoulder season, we offer Groups & Retreats, Conferences, Events, Equestrian Programs, Outdoor Education Field Trips, Family Camps, Holiday Camps, and much more. Learn more about Camp Carter in this quick video: https://youtu.be/ZoxPalxUmic?si=4Q_WrrMjBozWsq0e
Position Summary
The Challenge Course Program Instructor is an energetic and safety-focused team member at YMCA Camp Carter, responsible for facilitating low ropes, high ropes, and team-building experiences that challenge and inspire participants year-round. This role is essential in delivering impactful outdoor experiences that build confidence, teamwork, and personal growth.
During the summer season, the Challenge Course Instructor works full-time (40 hours/week), leading daily programming elements within summer camp. In the off-season, this position transitions to part-time, supporting outdoor education field trips, retreats, and group experiences that utilize the challenge course.
This role requires comfort working at heights, strong attention to safety protocols, and the ability to actively engage and motivate participants. The Challenge Course Instructor is a key contributor to both camper experience and group program success across all seasons.
Our Culture & Cause
Our mission and core values are brought to life by our culture. It's who we are, who we aspire to be, and how we show up every day. We are cause-driven. We don't just show up-we show up with purpose. As a cause-driven team member, you are expected to be:
  • Welcoming - Accept neighbors eagerly, warmly, and as equal participants
  • Nurturing - Support and develop others through encouragement
  • Hopeful - Take a positive and optimistic view of future outcomes
  • Determined - Devote full energy and focus to the cause
  • Genuine - Build honest and open relationships

We act with intentionality to connect people to our cause. Join us and help transform lives!
Reporting Structure
The Challenge Course Program Instructor reports to the Program Director of Day Camp & Outdoor Education and works closely with full-time and seasonal program staff.
Why You'll Love This Role
As a Challenge Course Instructor, you will have the opportunity to:
  • Lead transformative ropes course and team-building experiences
  • Help participants overcome fears and build confidence
  • Work outdoors in a dynamic, high-energy camp environment
  • Gain hands-on experience in facilitation, risk management, and experiential education
  • Be part of a collaborative team committed to youth development and community impact
  • Play a vital role in both summer camp programming and year-round group experiences

Core Responsibilities
You lead engaging, meaningful challenge course experiences that promote growth and connection.
Key Responsibilities:
  • Facilitate low ropes, high ropes, and team-building initiatives
  • Guide participants through experiential learning and reflection activities
  • Adapt programming to meet the needs of diverse groups and age ranges
  • Encourage teamwork, communication, and personal development
  • Create an inclusive and empowering environment for all participants
  • Operate and supervise challenge course elements following established safety protocols
  • Conduct daily inspections of course elements, equipment, and gear
  • Ensure proper harnessing, belaying, and spotting techniques
  • Maintain accurate documentation of inspections and incidents
  • Respond appropriately to emergencies and follow YMCA safety procedures

Seasonal Expectations
Summer (Peak Season):
  • Full-time schedule (approximately 40 hours per week)
  • Primary role facilitating challenge course activities within summer camp

Off-Season (Fall, Winter, Spring):
  • Part-time hours based on program demand
  • Facilitate challenge course elements for schools, retreats, and groups
  • Flexible schedule including some evenings and weekends

Qualifications
  • Experience in challenge course facilitation, outdoor recreation, or experiential education preferred
  • Ability to obtain or willingness to complete challenge course certification (ACCT or similar training preferred; YMCA will provide training)
  • Comfort working at heights and in physically active environments
  • Strong communication, group facilitation, and leadership skills
  • Ability to enforce safety standards with confidence and consistency
  • Experience working with youth or groups in a camp, school, or recreational setting preferred
  • Dependable, adaptable, and team-oriented mindset

Compensation
  • Pay: $15/hour (part-time, year-round)
  • Summer: Full-time seasonal hours (40 hours/week)
  • Opportunities for skill development, certifications, and advancement

This job description is not intended to be all inclusive. It is understood that the employee will also perform other reasonable association duties and will be responsible for implementation of the policies, procedures and standards established by the Metropolitan Board, the branch Board of Managers and the Association Leadership. Job descriptions are reviewed periodically and may be revised at the discretion of management. This job description is not a written or implied contract.

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