Adventure Crew is Hiring!
LEAD OUTDOOR SPECIALIST 2026
JOB TITLE: Crew Pathways Lead Outdoor Specialist
SUPERVISOR: Pathways Program Manager
ORGANIZATIONAL OVERVIEW: Adventure Crew is a 501c3 nonprofit organization founded in 2013 to connect city teens to nature and each other through engaging outdoor experiences. Our bigpicture goal is to transform who accesses the outdoors by nurturing the next generation of outdoor enthusiasts and environmental stewards who exemplify the diversity of our city. Engaging 900+ students annually from 34 Cincinnati Public and Northern Kentucky schools, Adventure Crew provides city teens with no-cost outdoor adventures including kayaking, biking, hiking, snow skiing, rock wall climbing and more. Through the Crew Pathways progressive experiential learning programs, students can access increasing levels of experience in outdoor adventure skills, environmental education and stewardship, and preparation for careers in the outdoor, environmental or recreational industry.
ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES: Our part-time Lead Outdoor Specialists play a critical role in supporting the delivery of Adventure Crew programs. This work occurs primarily in entry-level program, Explorer, on Saturdays, with opportunities to support our three upperlevel programs weekday afternoons and evenings as needed and based on employee availability. This role will also assist with summer camps, overnight excursions and other special programs.
The ideal candidate is an avid outdoor adventurer, passionate about working with youth, dedicated to environmental stewardship, and possesses a deep desire to work toward equity, access, inclusion, and belonging for marginalized populations across the outdoor recreation and environmental sectors.
The overarching priority for a Lead Outdoor Specialist is to collaborate with coworkers and volunteers to ensure a high-performing program team, serve as a program leader when necessary, and help ensure every adventure runs safely, smoothly, and joyfully for Crew students.
All staff members and volunteers for Adventure Crew will always seek to instill, inspire and exemplify the core values of Adventure Crew:
Fun ● Equity ● Inclusion ● Courageousness ● Discovery ● Community
PRIMARY DUTIES: Support the Program Manager and/or Director of Programming in all facets of program delivery, while being prepared to step into the lead role when needed. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
● Provide on-site leadership during programs by assisting the Program Manager or Director of Programming with youth engagement, logistics, and safety, and, in their absence, confidently running the session as the program lead.
● Supervise and coach Outdoor Specialists (part-time program staff) and volunteers to ensure consistent program quality and positive engagement with youth.
● Build strong relationships with teens, volunteers, school advisors and program staff to foster confidence, inclusion, teamwork, and connection to nature
● Ensure all safety protocols, risk-management procedures, and incident reporting processes are followed.
● Support youth growth and wellbeing by creating an environment where students feel welcomed, encouraged, and willing to try new experiences.
● As program lead (when assigned), manage:
○ Communication with venues, partners, and vendors (instructors, outfitters, meal suppliers, etc.) ○ Communication with families, students, advisors, staff, and volunteers
○ On-site logistics, timing, equipment needs, and group flow
● Transport students, gear, and supplies in an Adventure Crew vehicle (15- passenger van); ensure vehicles are safely operated and properly loaded with gear and food.
● Administer and collect student surveys after each outing; communicate relevant feedback or concerns to the Program Manager.
● Assist with onboarding and training of new Outdoor Specialists to ensure alignment with Adventure Crew’s culture and safety standards.
● Serve as a positive role model for both students and staff through professionalism, attitude, behavior, and continuous engagement with the adventure, volunteers, advisors, and youth.
● Other duties as assigned.
REQUIREMENTS
● Able to work a minimum of 2 Saturdays/month, and occasional weekday afternoons and/or evenings for upper-level programs.
● Strong leadership skills, proactive, confident in decision-making, desire for growth and comfortable with a high level of responsibility
● Must pass required background checks, including criminal and driving record clearance
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
● Must be able to participate in outdoor activities such as kayaking, biking, hiking, skiing/snowboarding, ice/roller skating, etc.
● Reliable transportation to and from program locations.
● Driving Adventure Crew vehicles:
○ Must be able to drive 15-passenger van, with cargo and/or student passengers
○ Will be trained in driving the Crew van hauling a cargo trailer
● Able to participate in and support overnight or multi-day camping trips, including carrying gear, assisting with camp set-up, and staying on-site with youth.
BENEFITS:
● Parking and gas reimbursement
● Paid professional development
● Meals included on program days
● Uniforms and other Adventure Crew brand merch provided
● Fun social events throughout the year (optional)
HOURLY WAGE: $20-22/hour, hours can vary based on program schedule, ranging from 20 - 40 hours/month. Hours variable depending on monthly program needs and other considerations.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYMENT: Adventure Crew deeply values a diverse and inclusive workplace and strongly encourages individuals with lived experiences that reflect our community of city teens to apply. We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate based on race, religion, national origin, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, or marital, veteran, or disability status.
For consideration, qualified applicants are directed to submit a SINGLE PDF, with your resume and cover letter together, to libby@adventurecrew.org.
Thank you for your interest in this position!
For consideration, qualified applicants are directed to submit a SINGLE PDF, with your resume and cover letter together, to libby@adventurecrew.org.