Recreational Guide

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Work Tasks

• Meet with clients to discuss travel plans, and answer questions they may have
• Sell or rent equipment, clothing, and supplies for a trip; get licenses and permits for clients
• Arrange for places to stay, transportation, equipment, and supplies needed for the trip
• Choose hunting, fishing, and camping sites, and guide clients to these locations; explain hunting and fishing laws and regulations
• Work for recreation companies and parks that offer kayaking, snorkeling, white-water rafting, hunting and fishing, mountain climbing, skiing, sailing, and hiking, biking, and camping experiences
• Work with hiking and camping gear, hunting and fishing gear, mountain and rock climbing gear, canoes, kayaks, sail boats, inflatable rafts, snorkeling equipment, and life jackets, vans and buses, maps and compasses, licenses, permits, and other documents, and first aid kits

Salary, Size & Growth

• $31,000 average per year ($15.00 per hour)
• A medium occupation (117,500 workers in 2010)
• Expected to grow slowly (0.2% per year)

Education/Training

• Minimum for Entry: On-the-job training, or a high school diploma and knowledge and experience in a specific field such as white-water rafting, canoeing, kayaking, hiking, bicycling, and camping
• Skills/Courses: Courses include leisure studies and physical education. Mechanical skills to maintain equipment are helpful.
• Certification/Licensing: Some guides must be certified in wilderness first aid and CPR. Training and certification is available for rock climbing, alpine climbing, and ski mountaineering.