Assistant Outdoor Program Coordinator

Career Guide

An Assistant Outdoor Program Coordinator helps plan, schedule, and deliver outdoor trips and activities. The role supports participant sign ups, logistics, safety practices, staff coordination, and day to day program operations. It is common in outdoor education, recreation departments, camps, and adventure travel organizations.

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Key Responsibilities

Support planning and scheduling for trips and outdoor activities
Coordinate equipment preparation, checkouts, and returns
Help manage participant registration and communications
Assist with trip logistics including transportation and permits
Maintain accurate rosters, waivers, and incident documentation
Support safety briefings and risk management practices
Assist with staff scheduling and volunteer coordination
Provide on site program support during activities and events
Track inventory needs and request supplies
Collect participant feedback and assist with program improvements

Top Skills for Success

Organization

Communication

Customer Service

Attention to Detail

Time Management

Problem Solving

Teamwork

Safety Mindset

Risk Assessment

Trip Planning

Equipment Management

Participant Support

First Aid

CPR

Basic Budgeting

Record Keeping

Career Progression

Can Lead To

Outdoor Program Coordinator

Outdoor Education Coordinator

Recreation Program Coordinator Trip Leader

Outdoor Operations Coordinator

Transition Opportunities

Outdoor Program Manager

Recreation Manager

Experiential Education Director

Risk Management Coordinator

Youth Program Manager

Common Skill Gaps

Often Missing Skills

Permit ProcessesIncident ReportingBudget TrackingVendor CoordinationInclusive Program DesignConflict De escalationEmergency Response Planning

Development SuggestionsBuild experience by shadowing trip leaders, owning a small trip budget, and leading equipment checkouts. Complete current first aid and CPR training. Ask to manage one logistics area end to end, such as transportation scheduling or waiver tracking, then document your process.

Market Intelligence Report

Assistant Outdoor Program Coordinator is part of the Scheduling & Coordination category.Explore our market intelligence report to see how AI and hiring demand are shifting for these roles.

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Salary & Demand

Median Salary Range

Entry LevelUSD 33,000 to 42,000

Mid LevelUSD 42,000 to 55,000

Senior LevelUSD 55,000 to 70,000

Growth Trend

Steady demand. Hiring often rises seasonally and is strongest in regions with active recreation, tourism, universities, and community programs.

Companies Hiring

Major Employers

REI Co-opYMCAThe Student Conservation AssociationOutward BoundBoys and Girls Clubs of AmericaNational Park Concession OperatorsUniversity Outdoor Recreation ProgramsCity Parks and Recreation Departments

Industry Sectors

Outdoor EducationParks and RecreationNonprofit Youth DevelopmentHigher EducationCampsAdventure TravelTourism and Hospitality

Recommended Next Steps

Earn or renew First Aid certification

Earn or renew CPR certification

Create a repeatable checklist for trip planning and logistics

Learn basic inventory tracking and implement a simple system

Practice writing clear participant emails and pre trip instructions

Ask to co lead a trip to grow facilitation experience

Collect participant feedback and summarize improvements for the next season

Build relationships with local vendors and community partners