Outdoor Industry Jobs Overview
Do you look forward to your days off so that you can spend time in nature? Start looking for outdoor industry jobs, where you can spend all or at least some of your working hours outside. With an outdoor job you’ll add sunshine, fresh air, and nature to your work benefits, but there are also opportunities for office jobs if you’d rather help others enjoy nature while working at a comfortable desk.
The outdoor industry refers to companies that provide products or services that help people enjoy the outdoors, such as travel agencies, outdoor gear manufacturers, and wilderness resorts. Traditional jobs in the outdoor industry are great if you’re active, enjoy nature, and want to work in a varied environment. Some examples of outdoor jobs are:
While the outdoor industry typically refers to a business sector, you can also find similar jobs at public agencies, for example as a:
You can also search for farming jobs, like:
Training and Skills for Outdoor Industry Jobs
There’s a wide range of jobs in the outdoor industry so the job requirements for different roles will also vary widely. For active outdoor jobs, such as a guide or sport instructor, you’ll need to be physically fit and in good health. Jobs where you work closely with others require good communication skills and a service-minded personality.
Many entry-level jobs don’t require a college degree, but you may need to take classes and get a certificate or license to apply to some jobs, like if you work as a lifeguard. For this and similar jobs where you’ll be out in nature with others, you may need one or more of the following:
- CPR certification
- First aid certification
- AED certification
- Emergency Medical Response certificate
- a vision and health screening
Update Your Outdoor Industry Resume
Are you ready to hit the road on your career journey? Not so fast—make sure to update your job application first. Take the time to tailor your resume and cover letter to the company for each job you apply to and check your cover letter to make sure you avoid these common mistakes.
For jobs in the outdoor industry, consider adding information beyond work and education that is relevant to the field, for example a backpacking trip in the mountains or volunteer work for the Scouts.
Gear up for Your Outdoor Industry Job Interview
Job interviews vary greatly depending on the position or industry, but a few questions are common across all sectors. Browse our articles on potential interview questions for some examples, as well as tips on how to answer them. But what do you wear to an outdoor industry interview? We also have some suggestions for how to pick job interview outfits.
How Much Do Outdoor Industry Jobs Pay?
Salaries for outdoor jobs vary depending on the job title, responsibilities, and location. These are some examples of nationwide salary statistics:
Use Monster’s Salary Tools to find and compare salaries for other outdoor jobs, as well as to search for salaries in your location.
Learn More in Our Company Profiles
Do you need inspiration to tailor your job application? Researching the company and how it describes itself will go a long way in creating a personal cover letter and resume. Take a look at our company profiles to learn more details, for example:
- product or service focus
- company mission
- company history
Plant a Seed for Your Career by Creating a Monster Profile
Nurture your career by creating a profile on Monster. Then, upload your resume so that recruiters can find you and we can send you regular emails with job ads and career advice. You can also use your Monster profile to apply directly to outdoor industry jobs you find here.