Outdoor Adventure Specialist

Inside Higher Ed; Lawrenceville (GA); On-site; USD 42,100 - 50,500; Full time

Job summary

A Georgia-based educational institution is seeking an Outdoor Adventure Specialist to manage and lead outdoor adventure programs. The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor's degree in Outdoor Recreation or a related field, with at least 2 years of relevant experience. Responsibilities include program development, risk management, student staff leadership, and marketing initiatives. This role emphasizes safety and engagement in the outdoors and offers a salary range of $42,100 to $50,500. Full-time position with the potential for career growth.

Qualifications

• 2 years of relevant experience in outdoor recreation.
• Certification as a Wilderness First Responder or higher is required.

Responsibilities

• Develop and administer outdoor recreation programs.
• Conduct risk management and safety audits.
• Lead outdoor adventure activities ensuring safety and positive dynamics.
• Manage and train student staff effectively.
• Market programs to increase participation.

Skills

Project management

Critical thinking

Presentation skills

Outdoor programming management

Education

4‑Year Bachelor’s Degree in Outdoor Recreation, Education, or a related field

Job description

Outdoor Adventure Specialist

Location: Georgia Gwinnett College, Georgia.

Job ID: 289035

Job Summary

The Wellness and Recreation Center at Georgia Gwinnett College is seeking a highly motivated, experienced, and safety‑conscious Outdoor Adventure Specialist to join a dynamic team. This role plans, leads, and executes engaging and educational outdoor adventure programs for the college community, fosters personal growth and environmental stewardship, and reports to the Associate Director of Wellness and Recreation. The position is designated as Campus Security Authority (CSA) and may require non‑standard work hours.

Responsibilities

• Program Development & Administration
  • Develop, plan, and administer a comprehensive outdoor recreation program that includes trips, workshops, and educational skill clinics.
  • Design programs suitable for all experience levels, providing students with co‑curricular learning opportunities.
  • Ensure a wide range of activities to meet the needs of a globally rich student population using needs assessments and student feedback.
  • Assist with the overall daily operations and facilitation of the Outdoor Adventure program.
• Risk Management & Safety
  • Assist with regularly conducting, developing, updating, and maintaining risk management and emergency action plans for all outdoor programs.
  • Enforce program policies and procedures, maintaining compliance with industry standards including First Aid, CPR/AED, and Wilderness First Responder.
  • Perform risk management audits and ensure all student and staff maintain current certifications in Wilderness Medicine and program‑specific training.
• Program Leadership & Facilitation
  • Lead and facilitate outdoor adventure activities with a strong emphasis on safety, positive group dynamics, and participant engagement.
  • Plan, facilitate, and execute outdoor programming, including evening, overnight, and multi‑day trips as necessary.
  • Work closely with the Associate Director of Wellness and Recreation to plan and implement regular staff trainings, including annual multi‑day expedition training.
  • Inspire participants with a love for the outdoors and a deeper understanding of natural environments.
• Student Staff & Leadership Development
  • Develop and administer a Student Outdoor Leadership program to train student leaders.
  • Hire, select, supervise, motivate, mentor, and evaluate student employees.
  • Collaborate with the Associate Director of Wellness and Recreation for ongoing program advancement and staff development.
  • Approve bi‑weekly timecards for student staff and support training in collaboration with Campus Life.
• Equipment Management & Program Support
  • Oversee and promote equipment lending programs and ensure all equipment is maintained and repaired in a timely manner.
  • Perform program assessment, maintain equipment inventory, and assist in writing program manuals, policies, and procedures.
  • Participate in weekly staff meetings and assist in the general administration of Outdoor Adventures.
• Marketing & Outreach
  • Effectively market programs and conduct outreach efforts to increase participation, awareness, and visibility within the college community.
• Professional Engagement
  • Attend meetings, conferences, and serve on college committees to support the mission of Recreation and Wellness, Student Affairs, and the College.
  • Engage in pertinent industry training and development opportunities.
  • Perform all other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• 4‑Year Bachelor’s Degree in Outdoor Recreation, Education, or a related field.
• At least 2 years of relevant experience.
• Certification as a Wilderness First Responder or a higher certification.

Preferred Qualifications

• Graduate Degree (Master of Arts in Outdoor Recreation, Education, or a related field).
• 4 years of higher education programming experience directly supervising student employees.
• Program‑specific instructor certifications and expertise (e.g., PICA, AMGA, ACA).
• Prior experience in the management of a variety of outdoor recreation programs, including land and water‑based activities and trips ranging from one to multiple days.
• Experience working in collegiate outdoor recreation.

Proposed Salary

42,100 – 50,500

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Proven ability to manage projects and deliver results with critical thinking and presentation skills.
• Ability to work some holidays, evenings, and weekends as required.
• Specialized knowledge in managing a wide variety of collegiate outdoor recreation programs.

USG Core Values

The University System of Georgia is comprised of 26 institutions of higher education. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect.

Conditions of Employment

Hiring is contingent upon eligibility to work in the United States with proof of eligibility required at acceptance. Offers are contingent upon completion of a background investigation, including a criminal background check, and may be subject to a pre‑employment drug test.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Georgia Gwinnett College is an equal employment, equal access, and equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, age, disability, gender, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, or veteran status.

Background Check

Position of Trust + Education.

Other Information

Due to the volume of applications, applicants may not receive a reply unless an applicant is selected for an interview. Review of applications will continue until positions are filled.

Seniority Level

• Entry level

Employment Type

• Full‑time

Job Function

• Other
• Online Audio and Video Media