What is an Outdoor Industry Job?
Outdoor industry jobs refer to positions that involve working in or for businesses related to outdoor activities. This can include roles in fields such as outdoor recreation, adventure travel, outdoor education, conservation, and more. Outdoor industry jobs typically involve working in a variety of outdoor environments, from forests and rivers to mountains and deserts. These positions often require a passion for the outdoors and a desire to share that passion with others.
What Usually Do in This Position?
The daily tasks and responsibilities of an outdoor industry job can vary greatly depending on the specific position. For example, a guide for an adventure travel company may spend their days leading groups on hiking, rafting, or climbing trips. A park ranger may be responsible for maintaining trails, enforcing regulations, and providing information to visitors. An environmental educator may teach classes and lead workshops on topics such as ecology, wilderness skills, and sustainability. Regardless of the specific role, outdoor industry jobs typically involve spending a significant amount of time outside and working with people who share a love of the outdoors.
Top 5 Skills for Position
- Strong interpersonal skills: Many outdoor industry jobs involve working with clients, visitors, or students, and require the ability to communicate effectively and build positive relationships.
- Knowledge of outdoor activities: A strong understanding of outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and rock climbing is often necessary for positions such as guides or instructors.
- Physical fitness: Many outdoor industry jobs require physical fitness and the ability to work in challenging environments.
- Environmental knowledge: Positions related to conservation or environmental education require a deep understanding of ecological systems and environmental issues.
- Safety management: Safety is a top priority in many outdoor activities, and jobs in the outdoor industry often require the ability to manage risk and ensure the safety of clients or visitors.
How to Become This Type of Specialist
The path to becoming an outdoor industry specialist can vary depending on the specific position and industry. Many jobs in the outdoor industry require a combination of education and experience. For example, guides for adventure travel companies may need to have certifications in wilderness first aid, CPR, and specific outdoor activities such as rock climbing or kayaking. Park rangers may need a degree in a related field such as environmental science or natural resource management. Environmental educators may need a degree in education or a related field. Regardless of the specific position, a passion for the outdoors and a desire to share that passion with others is often the most important requirement.
Average Salary
Salaries for outdoor industry jobs can vary depending on the specific position, industry, and location. According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for recreation workers, which includes many outdoor industry jobs, was $26,350 in 2020. However, salaries for more specialized positions such as guides or instructors can be higher, and experienced workers may be able to command higher salaries.
Roles and Types
There are many different roles and types of jobs in the outdoor industry, including:
- Adventure travel guide
- Park ranger
- Environmental educator
- Conservationist
- Outdoor gear salesperson
- Wilderness therapy guide
- Outdoor photographer
- Landscape architect
- Ecotourism operator
Locations with the Most Popular Jobs in USA
The outdoor industry is spread throughout the United States, but some regions are particularly popular for outdoor industry jobs. Some of the top locations for outdoor industry jobs include:
- Colorado
- California
- Utah
- Montana
- Alaska
- Oregon
- Wyoming
- Hawaii
What are the Typical Tools?
The tools required for outdoor industry jobs can vary greatly depending on the specific position. Some common tools used in the outdoor industry include:
- Outdoor gear such as hiking boots, tents, and climbing equipment
- First aid kits and emergency supplies
- Environmental monitoring equipment such as GPS devices and water quality testing kits
- Educational materials such as books, maps, and videos
- Tools for trail maintenance such as shovels and saws
- Vehicles such as boats, ATVs, and snowmobiles
In Conclusion
Outdoor industry jobs offer a unique opportunity to combine a love of the outdoors with a fulfilling career. While the specific tasks and requirements of these jobs can vary greatly, they all share a common goal of helping people connect with nature and experience the many benefits of spending time outside. If you're passionate about the outdoors and enjoy working with others, a career in the outdoor industry may be a great fit for you.