Outdoor Program Coordinator

Career Guide

An Outdoor Program Coordinator plans, organizes, and runs outdoor activities and education programs. The role balances participant safety, logistics, staff support, and positive experiences, often working with schools, community groups, parks, camps, or outdoor nonprofits.

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Key Responsibilities

Design seasonal outdoor programs and trip schedules
Coordinate permits and site reservations
Manage participant registration and waivers
Create and maintain trip plans and safety protocols
Lead or support outdoor activities and educational sessions
Train and schedule guides and volunteers
Coordinate transportation, food, and lodging logistics
Inspect and manage gear inventory and rentals
Monitor weather and adjust plans as needed
Respond to incidents and complete reports
Track program budgets and basic purchasing
Collect feedback and improve program quality
Build partnerships with schools and community organizations
Promote programs through events and outreach

Top Skills for Success

Program Planning

Risk Management

Outdoor Leadership

First Aid

CPR

Incident Response

Participant Communication

Customer Service

Scheduling

Logistics Coordination

Budget Tracking

Volunteer Management

Staff Training

Conflict De-escalation

Partnership Development

Marketing Coordination

Career Progression

Can Lead To

Outdoor Programs Manager

Adventure Education Manager

Recreation Supervisor

Camp Director

Park Operations Supervisor

Volunteer Program Manager

Transition Opportunities

Outdoor Guide

Environmental Educator

Safety Coordinator

Event Coordinator

Community Outreach Coordinator

Nonprofit Program Manager

Common Skill Gaps

Often Missing Skills

Permit ManagementEmergency Action PlanningVendor CoordinationBudget ManagementInclusive Program DesignData TrackingMarketing PlanningStaff Performance Coaching

Development SuggestionsBuild a simple program toolkit that includes templates for trip plans, emergency plans, checklists, and post-trip reports. Pursue recognized safety certifications, practice facilitation for diverse groups, and track program outcomes using basic spreadsheets to show impact and improve future programming.

Salary & Demand

Median Salary Range

Entry LevelUSD 35,000 to 45,000

Mid LevelUSD 45,000 to 60,000

Senior LevelUSD 60,000 to 80,000

Growth Trend

Steady demand, with seasonal spikes. Hiring tends to increase in spring and summer, and year-round roles are more common at large parks systems, universities, and well-funded nonprofits.

Companies Hiring

Major Employers

National Park ServiceState parks agenciesCity parks and recreation departmentsYMCABoy Scouts of AmericaGirl Scouts of the USAOutward BoundREI Co-opThe Nature ConservancyUniversities and collegesPrivate summer campsAdventure travel operators

Industry Sectors

Parks and recreationOutdoor educationYouth developmentEnvironmental nonprofitsHigher educationTourism and hospitalityAdventure travelCommunity services

Recommended Next Steps

Earn or renew First Aid certification

Earn or renew CPR certification

Complete wilderness medicine training

Create a portfolio with trip plans, schedules, and safety checklists

Practice leading sessions with clear learning goals and debriefs

Develop a gear tracking system and inspection routine

Learn permit and waiver requirements for your region

Build a seasonal operations calendar for programs and staffing

Collect participant feedback and summarize outcomes after each season

Network with parks, schools, and outdoor organizations for partnerships