Outdoor adventure guides organize and conduct expeditions for sports enthusiasts, adventurers, tourists or resort guests. They work for adventure tourism companies, resorts, parks, lodges or campgrounds, or they operate their own small businesses. They might take clients white water rafting, fishing, hunting, or mountain climbing, depending on the season and on their skills. Often the work is seasonal, and, depending on the type of guiding, the hours can be irregular.
Responsibilities:
- Guide individuals or groups
- Create positive customer relations
- Assemble necessary equipment and supplies
- Set up and break camp
- Prepare and/or serve meals
- Instruct and demonstrate related skills and techniques
- Respect and maintain natural resources
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
- A secondary school diploma is usually preferred
- Ability to deal with physical demands of the position
- Standard first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) are generally required
- Additional health and safety training is an asset
- Previous experience in the relevant sport or activity is required
- Ability to work in teams
- Excellent communication skills
- Excellent instructional skills is required
- Good organizational skills
- Leadership skills
- Working knowledge of terrain, environment and local area
- Good customer relations skills
- Working knowledge of relevant legislation
- Some specialties require special training or certification; for example, mountain guides must be accredited
Possible Future Career Path:
- Supervisor
- Manager
- Owner/Operator of a small business
See a profile of an Outdoor Adventure Guide.
