Outdoor Program Manager

Career Guide

An Outdoor Program Manager designs, runs, and improves outdoor experiences such as camps, guided trips, environmental education, and youth development programs. The role blends program planning, staff leadership, participant safety, logistics, and community partnerships to deliver high-quality outdoor experiences.

Browse All Roles

Key Responsibilities

Design seasonal outdoor programs that match participant needs and organizational goals
Create program schedules, trip plans, and activity curricula
Hire, train, and supervise instructors, guides, and volunteers
Set and enforce safety standards, emergency plans, and risk controls
Manage program logistics including permits, transportation, meals, and equipment
Build and manage budgets, purchasing, and cost tracking
Maintain equipment inventories and inspection routines
Coordinate with land managers and secure required permits
Communicate with participants and families about expectations and preparation
Track outcomes, collect feedback, and improve program quality
Ensure accessibility and inclusive participation in program design
Develop partnerships with schools, community groups, and sponsors
Support marketing efforts by providing program details and photos with consent
Handle incident reporting and follow-up actions

Top Skills for Success

Program Planning

Staff Management

Risk Management

Emergency Response Leadership

Budget Management

Logistics Coordination

Stakeholder Communication

Participant Experience Design

Training Delivery

Coaching

Conflict Resolution

Equipment Management

Partnership Development

Data Tracking

Accessibility Planning

Career Progression

Can Lead To

Outdoor Program Director

Operations Manager

Camp Director

Safety Manager

Experiential Education Director

Recreation Manager

Transition Opportunities

Nonprofit Program Manager

School Program Coordinator

Parks and Recreation Supervisor

Corporate Team Development Facilitator

Sustainability Education Manager

Tour Operations Manager

Common Skill Gaps

Often Missing Skills

Formal risk management processBudget forecastingStaff performance managementProgram evaluationInclusive program designPermit and compliance knowledgeVendor managementIncident documentation

Development SuggestionsBuild a simple safety management playbook, practice budget tracking on a real program, and learn a consistent approach to staff feedback. Add a basic evaluation plan with clear goals and participant surveys, and strengthen permitting knowledge by shadowing an experienced operations lead.

Salary & Demand

Median Salary Range

Entry LevelUSD 45,000 to 60,000

Mid LevelUSD 60,000 to 80,000

Senior LevelUSD 80,000 to 110,000

Growth Trend

Steady demand. Hiring tends to rise seasonally and is strongest in nonprofits, education providers, camps, outdoor recreation companies, and local government. Demand increases in regions with strong tourism and public land access.

Companies Hiring

Major Employers

Outward BoundNational Outdoor Leadership SchoolYMCAREI Co-op ExperiencesNational Park ServiceState Parks DepartmentsCity Parks and Recreation DepartmentsBoys and Girls ClubsScouting AmericaGirl Scouts of the USAUniversity Outdoor ProgramsPrivate Summer Camps

Industry Sectors

Outdoor educationYouth developmentParks and recreationTourism and guiding servicesNonprofit community programsHigher educationCamps and retreats

Recommended Next Steps

Earn a current Wilderness First Aid or Wilderness First Responder certification

Create a sample program plan that includes schedule, staffing, safety plan, and budget

Document measurable outcomes for one program and share results in your resume

Build a hiring and training checklist for seasonal staff

Develop a standard equipment inspection and maintenance routine

Strengthen partnership skills by coordinating one joint program with a school or community group

Ask for responsibility over permits, transportation planning, or vendor coordination to grow operations experience

Collect references that can speak to leadership, safety judgment, and participant care