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Summer Outdoor Education Jobs (NOW HIRING)

$10 - $13.26/hr

YMCA Camp Carter is a beautiful 360-acre year-round summer camp located right in the heart of Fort ... About the Role As an Outdoor Education Instructor , you'll be a dynamic part of the YMCA team ...

Lead summer camp activities for youth aged 5-18; * Ensure participants' safety, fun and complete ... Work with staff to develop and implement engaging new lesson plans for youth outdoor education;

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Summer Outdoor Education information

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$8

$17

$32

How much do summer outdoor education jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for summer outdoor education in the United States is $17.52, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.50 and $20.91 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a summer outdoor education?

A Summer Outdoor Education job typically involves working with children or teens in outdoor settings, such as camps, nature centers, or adventure programs, during the summer months. Employees in these roles lead activities like hiking, canoeing, environmental education, and team-building exercises. The goal is to teach participants about nature, develop their outdoor skills, and promote personal growth in a fun and supportive environment. Positions can vary from camp counselors to specialized instructors and generally require enthusiasm for the outdoors, leadership skills, and a passion for working with youth.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a summer outdoor education instructor, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Summer Outdoor Education Instructor, you typically need a background in education, environmental science, or a related field, along with experience in outdoor activities. Familiarity with safety protocols, first aid/CPR certification, and the use of outdoor equipment such as compasses, GPS devices, and camping gear is important. Exceptional communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills help instructors engage participants and manage groups effectively in dynamic outdoor settings. These skills and qualifications are crucial to ensure both educational value and participant safety during outdoor programs.

What are some common challenges faced by instructors in summer outdoor education programs, and how can they be addressed?

Instructors in Summer Outdoor Education often face challenges such as adapting activities to changing weather conditions, managing diverse group dynamics, and ensuring participant safety in outdoor settings. Effective communication, flexibility in lesson planning, and strong risk management skills are essential to address these challenges. Building rapport with participants and collaborating closely with co-instructors and support staff can also help maintain a positive and safe learning environment.

What is the difference between Summer Outdoor Education vs Summer Camp Counselor?

AspectSummer Outdoor EducationSummer Camp Counselor
CertificationsCPR, First Aid, Outdoor LeadershipCPR, First Aid, Child Care Certifications
Work EnvironmentOutdoor classrooms, nature settings, educational programsCampgrounds, activity areas, recreational facilities
Employer & IndustryEducational institutions, outdoor education programsSummer camps, recreational organizations
Primary FocusEducational outdoor activities, skill developmentSupervising children, organizing activities

Summer Outdoor Education roles focus on teaching outdoor skills and environmental education in natural settings, often requiring specific certifications. Summer Camp Counselors primarily supervise children and facilitate recreational activities at camps. While both roles involve outdoor work and child supervision, Summer Outdoor Education emphasizes educational programming, whereas Summer Camp Counselors focus on entertainment and supervision.

What cities are hiring for Summer Outdoor Education jobs?

Cities with the most Summer Outdoor Education job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Outdoor Education jobs?

The most popular types of Outdoor Education jobs are:

What states have the most Summer Outdoor Education jobs?

States with the most job openings for Summer Outdoor Education jobs include:

Infographic showing various Summer Outdoor Education job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $36,434 per year, or $17.5 per hour.

Outdoor Education Coordinator

Las Vegas, NV

$15/hr

Part-time

Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 21 days ago


Job description

ABOUT THE YMCA:

Established locally in 1944, the YMCA of Southern Nevada is one of the region's longest-serving and most-respected nonprofit organizations. We are committed to helping people of all ages, abilities, backgrounds, and income levels - ensuring everyone has the opportunity to reach their full potential with dignity and that no one is turned away due to the inability to pay. From childcare to senior programs; sports to education; fitness centers to chronic disease management; and swim lessons to feeding the hungry, the Y is truly for all in its cause of holistically strengthening the foundations of this community.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The YMCA of Southern Nevada is looking for an Outdoor Education Coordinator. In this position, you will be responsible forplanning, organizing, and delivering high-quality outdoor education programming for YMCA of Southern Nevada members. This includes leading theTake-a-Hike program (free outdoor excursions for members) and delivering age-appropriate outdoor education experiences for Summer Camp and Power Scholars participants. You will need to ensure programs are safe, inclusive, educational, and aligned with YMCA values.

This is a part-time in-person position requiring 15 hours per week. You will work out of the Heinrich YMCA at 4141 Meadows Lane. Office work will generally be performed during normal business hours, but you will often need to be available to run programs on evenings and weekends.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

  1. Plan, organize, and execute Outdoor Education programs, including the Take-A-Hike member program.
  2. Lead and facilitate outdoor education activities for Summer Camp and Power Scholars participants, aligning lessons with age-appropriate learning outcomes.
  3. Develop lesson plans that align with state and national education standards where applicable.
  4. Ensure all outdoor programs meet YMCA safety standards, risk management policies, and best practices.
  5. Coordinate logistics for hikes and outdoor experiences, including routes, transportation needs, supplies, and participant communication.
  6. Maintain accurate program documentation, participation records, evaluations, and reports. Complete reporting for grant funded programs when required.
  7. Serve as a positive role model and build meaningful relationships with participants, families, and staff.
  8. Collaborate with other YMCA departments to support integrated programming and special events.
  9. Assist with the setup, breakdown, and maintenance of program equipment and supplies.
  10. Maintain outdoor education curriculum materials and ensure inventory is organized and in good condition.
  11. Respond to member and family questions and feedback in a timely, professional manner.
  12. Work evenings, weekends, and occasional holidays as program needs require.
  13. Perform all other duties as assigned.

ABUSE RISK MANAGEMENT FUNCTIONS

  1. Adheres to policies related to boundaries with children.
  2. Attends required abuse risk management training.
  3. Reports suspicious or inappropriate behaviors and policy violations.
  4. Follows mandated abuse reporting requirements.
  5. Adheres to job specific abuse risk management responsibilities.
  6. Follows employees and volunteers screening requirements and use screening instruments to screen for abuse risk.
  7. Reports essential abuse risk management information to their supervisor, executive director, or human resources.

END RESULTS

  1. Safe, engaging, and well-organized outdoor education programs that enhance member and participant experience.
  2. Increased participation, satisfaction and knowledge in Take-a-Hike and youth outdoor education offerings.
  3. Increase retention in YMCA Family Membership.
  4. Positive representation of YMCA values and mission through high-quality outdoor programming.

WHY WORK HERE?

At the YMCA of Southern Nevada, we're committed to providing a superior work environment that offers challenges, flexibility, and fun. As an employee you'll receive the following benefits:

  • $15 per hour, 15 hours/ week
  • Paid time off
  • 10% Retirement Contribution* and access to our 403(b) retirement savings account
  • Free YMCA Family Membership and 25% program discounts
  • Join a supportive team and an organization recognized as a Nevada Top Workplace
  • Make a meaningful impact in your community

*Automatic retirement contributions are made to employees 21 years or older after contributing 1,000 hours of service in each of two years.

OUR CULTURE:
Our mission and core values are brought to life by our culture. In the Y, we strive to live our cause of strengthening communities with purpose and intentionality every day.We are welcoming: we are open to all. We are a place where you can belong and become.We are genuine: we value you and embrace your individuality.We are nurturing: we support you in your journey to develop your full potential.We are determined: above all else, we are on a relentless quest to make our community stronger beginning with you.We are service driven: we go above and beyond to keep people coming back and apply a listen-first and solution-oriented approach to resolving conflicts.We are safety focused: we are proactive in keeping everyone safe and respond promptly to incidents as a team.

WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

This job requires the following physical demands. Reasonable accommodation may be made.

  • An employee in this role must be able to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
  • Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions, including heat, uneven terrain, and elevation.
  • Sufficient physical strength, agility, and mobility to lead hikes and outdoor activities.
  • Ability to stand, walk, hike, climb, kneel, crouch, and occasionally lift up to 50 pounds.

QUALIFICATIONS:

  1. Education background in Recreation, Outdoor Education, Environmental Studies, Conservation, Education, or related field preferred.
  2. One to two years of experience in outdoor education, recreation programming, youth development, or related areas preferred.
  3. Minimum age: 21 years.
  4. Strong organizational, communication, and group facilitation skills.
  5. Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with a team.
  6. Within 30 days of hire, current CPR for the professional rescuer (includes AED), First Aid, and Emergency Oxygen certifications
  7. Ability to relate effectively to diverse groups of people from all social and economic segments of the community.