Get Outside! Careers in the Great Outdoors

Become Team
Become Team
Updated November 10, 2021

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Meet the Experts

Jay Chambers

Jay Chambers is a whitewater rafting guide for KODI Rafting in Summit County, Colorado, and has been commercially boating since the late 1990s. During this period, he has run a multitude of rivers and trips in Colorado, Utah, New Mexico, Arizona, West Virginia and New York, as well as Australia and New Zealand. He has commercially guided for an array of companies, both domestic and abroad. Jay lives in Frisco, Colorado, with his wife, Jennifer, and his two boys, Aiden and Samuel.

Chez Brungraber

Chez Brungraber graduated from Bucknell University in 2004 with a double degree in biology and economics. She attended graduate school at UC Davis and obtained her MS in environmental horticulture in 2007. Since 1999, Chez has worked with plants, first as a landscape designer and then as a botanist. She began growing her skill set in 2008 to include endangered wildlife, such as vernal pool species, butterflies, birds and desert tortoises. She runs a small consulting company that helps businesses navigate the developmental and permitting regulations in the state of California. Chez spends her days hiking long distances in rugged terrain and possesses an expert knowledge of the flora and fauna of Southern California, from coastal habitats to mountains and deserts.

Marina Cvetic

Marina Cvetic is a winemaker based in the Abruzzo region of Italy and one of the leading forces behind the popularity of Trebbiano and Montepulciano d'Abruzzo in America. Marina took over the company from her late husband in 2008, handling the winery's marketing and business management, production and export process. She cultivates her personal relationship with nature and love for the land surrounding her to craft incredible wines. Her motto is "Land, sky and vineyards are a life therapy.” She also passionately produces and promotes several lines of organic olive oil.

Introduction

Does the thought of a 9-5 job fill you with dread? Are you more comfortable in hiking boots or scuba gear than a suit? Increasingly, people are opting for professions that allow them to take advantage of nature and build careers in outdoor pursuits. Whether you dream of being a ski instructor or an archaeologist, surveyor or marine biologist, chances are there is an outdoor career matching your aspirations. With so much variety, those with educational backgrounds ranging from trade schools to doctorate programs can find suitable roles. Keep reading to learn more about the myriad of outdoor career options available.

Checklist: “Is an outdoor job for you?”

Do you enjoy being active rather than sitting at a desk?
Do you value feeling connected to nature?
Is it important for you to stay in peak physical health?
Do you like working with all kinds of people?
Are you excited by the possibility of every day being different?
Do you appreciate experiencing the changing seasons?
Can you see yourself in a role that isn't chained to a computer?
Do you find fulfillment in conservation and educating others about nature?
"There is no better way to spend a day than by being outside and on the water. This job allows you to meet new people from all walks of life, from all areas of the country, and the world. Being able to introduce people to the excitement and the joy of rivers and running whitewater is a highlight of any day." - Jay Chambers, whitewater rafting guide

FACT

Outdoor recreation brings in more money than the pharmaceutical and motor vehicle/parts industries combined.

The Outdoor Job Landscape

One alluring aspect of the outdoor industry lies in the sheer volume of jobs available. Despite the economic downturn of the late 2000s, the outdoor recreation economy saw 5 percent growth between 2005 and 2011. A significant component of success for the industry is the ease of entrance. Summer and seasonal jobs abound for those seeking short-term roles, while individuals looking for permanent, full-time positions also have countless options. Whether you're aspiring to get your hands dirty, walk among the redwoods or live the life aquatic, the following job fields are sure to be of interest.

FACT

Prolonged sitting contributes to a variety of issues, including swollen ankles, deep vein thrombosis and varicose veins.

Archaeology

Concerned with understanding how humans of the past lived and worked, those in the field of archaeology may find themselves in archaeological digs or exhumed civilizations across the globe. They may also work with artifacts in museums or study remains in labs. Professionals have many options for specializing their work. While some may be fascinated by cultural or linguistic aspects, others may be interested in the architectural or physical components. Most archaeologists also concentrate their knowledge in a specific time period, such as the Paleolithic or Mesolithic eras, or the Iron Age. The field is currently growing faster than the national average, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics predicting a 19 percent growth between 2012 and 2022. Common tasks include:

  • Overseeing archaeological digs to collect data, samples and artifacts
  • Analyzing information collected on digs to learn more about the origins of civilizations
  • Managing research projects and creating reports about findings
  • Consulting with businesses, organizations and individuals about policies to support preservation
  • Managing collections of artifacts, both privately held and publicly displayed
Jobs in the field may include:

Physical archaeologist - $59,280

College professor - $62,330

Biological archaeologist - $59,280

Museum conservator - $49,120

The majority of those within the field hold at least a master's degree in archaeology, though PhDs are becoming more prevalent. Having a doctorate degree is especially important for those who wish to work abroad, as most foreign governments will require the highest level of education to receive clearance.

Forestry

Those in the field of forestry are concerned with conservation and responsible use of the land. They may work with national parks, nonprofit organizations or privately held companies to ensure responsible stewardship of natural resources. Many may focus their efforts on logging, while others may be more interested in planting and cultivating trees. Some may even work with conservation agencies to replenish tree species in danger of being eradicated. With forests covering 747 million acres (or 33 percent of American land), innumerable roles are available to suit the education and experience levels of anyone interested in the field. Responsibilities may include:

  • Reforesting land by planting seedlings or young trees
  • Maintaining the health of trees through regular trimming and spraying to eradicate insects or diseases
  • Thinning forests to avoid overcrowding
  • Consulting on a forest's readiness to be harvested
  • Maintaining a thorough and exhaustive knowledge of different types of trees and their needs
Jobs in the field may include:

Forester – $57,980

Logging worker – $35,460

Conservation scientist – $61,860

Postsecondary forestry professor – $84,090

Forestry is a wide ranging field, with positions available for those with high school diplomas up to doctoral degrees. Positions such as logging or planting can often be taught on the job, while the more scientific roles will require prior education, typically a master's degree.

Firefighting

Working in the field of firefighting requires bravery and selflessness, and individuals must be ready to throw themselves into an emergency situation at a moment's notice. While not every day consists of fighting a raging fire, many do. Firefighters may find themselves battling a large forest fire or working to rescue inhabitants from a smoking apartment complex. The field has its dangers, and those considering it should be aware of this from the outset. Twenty-eight firefighters died in the line of duty in 2011, although this marks a 29 percent decrease from 2003 to 2010. Some common tasks include:

  • Using hoses, extinguishers and water pumps to put out fires
  • Rescuing and treating people affected by smoke inhalation
  • Creating reports about past incidents
  • Educating the public through fire drills and materials addressing concerns such as drought or smoking
  • Driving fire trucks and other emergency vehicles
Jobs in the field may include:

Firefighting supervisor – $70,670

Fire investigator – $56,130

Firefighter – $45,970

Forest fire prevention specialist – $36,430

The majority of roles within this field require a high school diploma, with more importance placed on experience gained while working on the job. Positions in specific areas, such as forest fires, may require a bachelor's degree in forestry or a related subject.

Landscape architect

Individuals in this field have a passion for creating beautiful outdoor spaces a variety of people can enjoy. If you consider your favorite parks, playgrounds, gardens or campuses, there's a good chance a landscape architect had a hand in the design. LAs work in a variety of settings, ranging from private practices to conservation organizations. They may contract with a large number of individuals to complete designs for private homes, or they may work with businesses with multiple locations to design office sites. Though many related fields have been slow to bounce back from the recession, jobs within landscape architecture are projected to grow by 14 percent between 2012 and 2022. Responsibilities often include:

  • Working with clients and other stakeholders to create and implement plans for individual projects
  • Maintaining a thorough knowledge of their “tools,” including types of soil, plants, trees and flowers, and understanding how certain plants can be used to enhance a space
  • Creating provisional plans using design software and presenting them to clients
  • Reviewing environmental reports to ensure all work adheres to the needs and requirements of a space
Jobs in the field may include:

Landscape architect – $64,570

Groundskeeper – $24,290

Urban or regional planner – $66,940

Environmental scientist – $66,250

Jobs in this arena run the gamut in terms of education and experience. Entry-level jobs can frequently be done with a high school diploma, while those looking to be landscape architects must complete a bachelor's degree and be licensed in their state.

Marine biologist

The field of marine biology promises an exciting career focused on studying various organisms, plants and animals that live in seas and oceans throughout the world. With so many avenues of study converging into one career, professionals must be well-versed in areas of biology, ecology, geology, chemistry and physics. Their work is as varied as the underwater life they study, ranging from opportunities with environmental organizations and governmental agencies to research firms and aquariums. Time is typically divided among onsite fieldwork, laboratory research and report preparation. Other tasks include:

  • Designing and conducting research projects at sites across the world
  • Studying plants and animals in their natural environment
  • Making recommendations about environmental factors affecting marine life
  • Tagging plants or animals underwater in an attempt to create an inventory
  • Classifying newly found plant or animal life
Jobs in the field may include:

Marine biologist – $51,615

Oceanographer – $70,270

Geoscientist – $89,910

Fisher – $35,250

While careers are available at all educational levels, the most distinguished marine biologists hold a PhD. Bachelor's level degrees allow for some entry-level roles, while a master's degree will get you in the door for a few teaching and research jobs. To be a postsecondary educator or to compete for major research positions, a doctoral degree is preferred.

Outdoor guide

Working as an outdoor guide presents individuals with innumerable options for sharing nature with a variety of audiences. Whether working at a summer camp, national park, nonprofit organization or camping facility, outdoor guides focus their efforts on teaching skills like kayaking or rafting, educating the public about preservation efforts or overseeing corporate retreats. For those who love being in nature and communicating with people from all walks of life, this is an excellent field providing many outlets for work. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts jobs in this arena will grow by 14 percent between 2012 and 2022. Outdoor guides may find themselves:

  • Organizing activities, ranging from hiking to caving, for a variety of individuals
  • Ensuring everyone in their charge is aware of and adhering to proper safety protocols
  • Creating activities suited to all levels or ensuring modified options are available
  • Educating individuals about nature and how to protect the environment
  • Communicating any rules participants should be aware of during their time outdoors
Jobs may include:

Recreation leader – $22,620

Park ranger – $35,075

Travel guide – $35,100

Resort manager – $47,240

The vast majority of jobs in this field require a high school diploma, though some guides may seek certification in specific topics such as whitewater rafting or areas of education. Experience and skills go a long way in this field of work.

Ski careers

Individuals who enjoy the outdoors and cold weather are often drawn to careers in the winter sports industry. Given the seasonal nature, many jobs are specific to winter, although some ski resorts maintain full-time staff. Those interested in pursuing a career in this area should be prepared for a competitive environment. Whether teaching the art of skiing, serving as part of a team of ski patrollers or designing and developing skis or snowboards, there are many options for building a career in this arena. Ski professionals may maintain their own teaching services, work for a resort or hotel or even travel to different locations to lend their expertise. Some of their tasks include:

  • Teaching children or adults how to ski and ensuring all proper safety protocols are followed
  • Patrolling designated skiing areas to ensure rules are followed
  • Maintaining an up-to-date knowledge of weather conditions and advising visitors of any precautions
  • Helping individuals select ski gear suited to their needs and ability levels
  • Keeping a log of any incidents occurring on the slopes
Jobs may include:

Ski patroller – $19,090

Snowboard product manager – $56,842

Ski instructor – $12-$15/hr

Ski resort operations manager – $50,739

Employers related to skiing are typically less concerned with formal education levels and more interested in actual skills and experience. While some of these can be taught on the job, those seeking roles as instructors or patrollers will need prior experience of skiing.

Surveyor

Those with mathematical minds frequently find themselves working in the field of surveying, as the arena demands workers who value precision. With this field projected to grow by 10 percent in the coming years, the availability of jobs is also an attractive feature. Professionals use a variety of tools to measure and plot pieces of land for public and private uses. Surveying offers a lot of flexibility, and no two days are the same, given the ever-changing locations for work. One day may involve surveying a residential area for a new subdivision, while the next could involve plotting land for a corporate headquarters. Those further in their careers may even find themselves in consulting roles, providing valuable insights on boundary disputes. Typical responsibilities include:

  • Using a variety of measuring devices, as well as GPS and satellite technology, to determine precise boundaries of a piece of land
  • Researching existing land records to determine water boundaries, previous surveys and title rights
  • Maintaining current knowledge about land usage and regional zoning requirements
  • Creating reports outlining survey information for legal documentation
  • Preparing maps of plotted land areas
Jobs may include:

Surveyor – $57,050

Cartographer – $60,930

Geodetic surveyor – $60,019

Surveying and mapping technician – $40,770

Due to the increased use of technology in the field, surveyors must hold at least a bachelor's degree. Those who wish to practice and be responsible for signing off on legal documents must also be licensed, a process typically requiring two years of experience working under a licensed surveyor.

Wine jobs

The wine industry in America is growing and so is the demand for qualified, passionate people to steward the grapes from infancy to harvest and, ultimately, to the palate. The California wine industry in particular has grown in size and scope over the past 30 years. According to the Wine Institute, a public policy advocacy association, brick-and-mortar wineries in California have grown from 850 in 1998 to 2,000 more recently. Responsibilities could include:

  • Maintaining a thorough understanding of varietals, growing conditions and production techniques as they relate to specific regions
  • Overseeing the planting and harvesting of grapes
  • Developing knowledge of harvest timing and procedures
  • Supervising the winemaking process from start to finish, including planting, care, harvesting, crushing, fermentation and aging
  • Working with scientists to understand the chemical structure of wines
Jobs may include:

Vineyard manager – $93,104

Vineyard foreman - $34,000

Enologist – $56,325

Tasting room manager - $63,343

There are no overarching educational mandates for entering the field, though degrees in viticulture and enology are available. Those who excel in the field possess a thorough knowledge of varietals and growing conditions and have an impeccable palate and sense of smell.

FACT

Americans spend $524.8 billion on trips and travel-related costs annually.

Working Outdoors: The Inside Scoop

Wonder what it's really like to have a career in the great outdoors? We asked three people in the field what they love most about their jobs, what they wish they knew from the outset and what advice they would give to someone embarking on an outdoor career.

Jay Chambers, Whitewater Rafting Guide

What is the best part about your career as a whitewater instructor?

There is no better way to spend a day than by being outside and on the water. This job allows you to meet new people from all walks of life, from all areas of the country, and the world. Being able to introduce people to the excitement and the joy of rivers and running whitewater is a highlight of any day.

What do you know now that you wish you knew when you were embarking on this career?

This can a be a career, but the start-up time takes a while. Be patient and enjoy the ride. It takes a few years to acquire commercial miles and experience. The trick is to find the balance between being on the water enough and being able to pay the bills. Patience is as imperative as supplemental income.

What advice would you give to someone considering a career as an outdoor guide?

Run as many rivers as possible, see as many stretches as possible, boat with as many boaters as possible. Expertise comes from many different experiences and influences. You can learn something about whitewater from every person you boat with, as well as every trip you take.

FACT

There are 768,000 jobs related to trail sports, compared to 728,200 jobs for lawyers.

Chez Brungraber, Wildlife Biologist

What is the best part about being a wildlife biologist and botanist?

I get to work outside and get paid to hike around looking for really neat plants and animals. It's healthy, fun and invigorating to not be at a desk or inside all day. I also enjoy giving a voice to the plants and animals, as they cannot speak for themselves as loudly as we can.

What do you know now that you wish you knew when you were embarking on this career?

I wish I knew this job even existed. When I got out of undergrad, I had no idea what I wanted to do, I just knew that Wall Street was not the answer. So I went to grad school. I got recruited to work for an environmental consulting agency in San Diego, and my whole world was enlightened. I struck out on my own as a private consultant later on and have been loving it ever since. I do wish, however, I had known about this type of work because I could have taken a few extra classes and field work to prepare myself better.

What advice would you give to someone considering this career path?

You won't make a lot of money, and it can be frustrating (sometimes we survey the most beautiful areas only to see them get developed a year later), but if you like being outside and don't mind hiking 10 miles a day in some rugged terrain, being an environmental consultant is a great career path. I recommend starting with a good job at a "big" firm to get the experience you need, then moving over to a smaller, more specialized firm where you will get to work on some fun projects and have more diversity in your schedule and work locations. Sometimes the big companies can pigeon-hole biologists into the same thing day in and day out.

FACT

The EPA has started warning of “sick building syndrome” in response to research showing circulated office air can be up to 100 times dirtier than outdoor air.

Marina Cvetic, Winemaker

What is the best part of your career as a winemaker/grower?

The best part of my job is that it's a reflection of both my passion and my family, so much that it doesn't feel like a "job" at all. By turning to a career in wine, I got to work side by side with my personal hero, best friend and husband, Gianni Masciarelli. He was so inspired to change the world's perception of Abruzzo wines and in turn inspired me to carry on working towards fulfilling that goal. Each day we work to continue his legacy, and it's the most rewarding feeling I could imagine.

What do you know now that you wish you when you were embarking on this career?

The vineyard taught me two of the most important lessons of my life: to be patient and wait to get what you want and to never take anything for granted. Agriculture gives you the chance to feel in touch with the powerful forces that drive our lives. When you work with the vines, you learn every vintage is different from the next. You need to adjust to nature because nature is not going to adjust to you — and you may not get what you expected, for better or worse.

What advice would you give to someone considering a career as a winemaker?

Winemaking is hard work, both physically and mentally, but it's extremely rewarding to have a finished product to share and be proud of. Be ready to adapt. Winemaking is a life-long learning process! It's important to respect your mentors and traditions, but know that every vintage is different from the next, both in the vineyard as much as in the cellar. Don't be afraid to inject your own personal style into the process - that's what will make your wines unique and truly special - to reflect the personality of the people who make it.

FACT

Research has shown those who work for 10 hours or more per day have a 60 percent increased risk of cardiovascular issues.

Funding the Dream:
Educational/Scholarship Assistance

Students aspiring to careers in the outdoors can take advantage of multiple avenues of tuition assistance, available as general funds at the federal and state level and as degree-specific funds at the institutional and organization level. With the average cost of a public degree totaling $36,556 and private degrees costing $124,924 for the 2014-15 academic year, students can use all the help they can get. This is especially true for outdoor careers, where it may take a few years to truly find your footing. The resources below are designed to help students learn about scholarships and funding initiatives available to them.

American Fisheries Society

This organization offers a variety of scholarships, including the J. Francis Allen scholarship for women pursuing fishery careers.

American Mountain Guides Association

AMGA provides a list of scholarships available to students pursuing careers as mountain guides.

Beneath the Sea

This nonprofit has five different scholarships available to students interested in studying and preserving the ocean environment.

California Student Aid Commission

The CSAC is a great example of a group with funding available specifically to state residents, regardless of area of study.

Federal Work-Study

In addition to grants and loans available via the federal government, work-study programs allow students to take on part-time jobs in exchange for funding. With a multitude of options available, students may even be able to find a work study opportunity related to their degree.

Federal Student Aid

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid should be the first stop for all students. These funds are awarded based on financial need, regardless of intended area of study.

International Association of Fire Fighters

IAFF offers two scholarships for individuals enrolled in postsecondary programs who aspire to be fire fighters.

Mosaic Outdoor Clubs of America

MOCA is devoted to encouraging Jewish youth to pursue careers related to the outdoors. This is accomplished in part through their annual scholarship program.

National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators

NASFAA provides an interactive map, allowing students to find tuition assistance programs available at the state level.

National Outdoor Leadership School

NOLA has scholarships available, both to current students and those already working in the field who wish to build their leadership skills.

Railway Tie Association

This organization offers the John Mabry Forestry scholarship for students with demonstrated interest in furthering the field of forestry.

Sierra Club

This environmentally conscious organization has a comprehensive list of private and organizational scholarships aimed at those who wish to pursue green jobs.

University of Montevallo's Outdoor Scholars.

Montevallo is just one of many institutions offering scholarships to students intent on working in nature and pursing degrees related to the outdoors.

Washington State University

Offered through the Department of Viticulture and Enology, WSU has multiple scholarships for students pursuing careers as winemakers.

Wilderness Education Association

WEA offers numerous scholarships to individuals seeking to be leaders, educators and instructors in the world of outdoor pursuits.

FACT

Individuals who spend their days typing have dramatically increased risk of developing carpal tunnel syndrome.

Natural Connection:
Resources for Outdoor Careers

The most successful professionals working in outdoor pursuits will quickly tell you patience is a major component of seeing your dreams come to fruition. With many jobs offered seasonally or on a contract basis, it may take a few years to truly establish yourself in the field. The resources below provide insight on the types of jobs available and offer valuable job board listings.

Alaska Fishing Jobs Center

If a career in fisheries is of interest, this website should be your first stop. In addition to a job board, the site also provides profiles of individuals currently working in the field.

American Society of Landscape Architects

In addition to resources for both job seekers and employers, ASLA has a number of helpful articles about the state of the industry.

American Fisheries Society

Offering a range of jobs related to fisheries through America, those interested in these types of careers will find a wealth of resources.

American Mountain Guides Association

Individuals interested in pursuing certification or professional development opportunities to be more competitive job candidates will find many resources via AMGA.

Association of Outdoor Recreation and Education

AORE has numerous resources to help in the job search, ranging from a career center to resume building assistance.

Ecojobs

As the world begins to place greater importance on environmental conservation and stewardship of natural resources, more professionals are needed to fill new roles. This website offers the latest listing of related jobs.

National Park Service

Wildland firefighters are unique individuals who exhibit both bravery and a passion for saving natural landscapes. If this sounds like you, perhaps a career with the NPS is the right fit.

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

If a career in marine biology is appealing, the NOAA offers a comprehensive guide detailing common tasks in the field, educational requirements and the types of jobs available.

National Recreation and Park Association

NRPA maintains an active national job board of careers located in national parks.

National Ski Patrol

Those interested in cruising the slopes to ensure all is well and everyone is safe can find listings for jobs in the eastern portion of America.

Outdoor Ed

This site offers a regularly updated national job board for positions related to outdoor education programs.

Outdoor Industry Association

Wondering what the career outlook is for the outdoor industry? This helpful report gives an in-depth look of what to expect in the coming years.

Outdoor Industry Jobs

As the name implies, this helpful website offers a job board, weekly newsletter and insider looks at a variety of outdoor careers.

Skiing Jobs

If a career on the slopes sounds appealing, visit Skiing Jobs and take advantage of their job board that aggregates positions from around the country.

Society for American Archaeology

Individuals interested in learning more about what a career as an archaeologist may entail can take advantage of this exhaustive FAQ section about prospective roles.

U.S. Department of State

This governmental website offers an exhaustive list of job sites related to adventure, outdoor and sports-related careers.

U.S. Forest Service

Interested in a forestry career with the federal government? If so, this website is all you'll need to get started.

Viticulture & Enology, UC Davis

As part of their offerings for students and alumni, UC Davis has a list of jobs related to winemaking across the U.S.

Wine Institute

This California-based organization provides a helpful overview of the winemaking industry, covering different career areas and offering numerous resources.

Winery Site

This service operates as an online classifieds service for wine-related jobs across North America.

FACT

Scientists coined the phrase “sitting disease” for individuals who spend their days at a desk. Not only does sitting at work contribute to a sedentary lifestyle, research has shown this phenomenon increases the risk of death.

Flock Together:
Societies for Outdoor Professionals

One of the most effective ways of finding careers in outdoor-related professions is networking. By building connections with those actively working in the field, the chances of finding a position are greatly enhanced. One of the best ways to network is by joining a professional, member-based organization. The following section highlights some of the best societies and associations across the nation.

American Association of Landscape Architects

In operation since 1899, AMLA is the premier professional organization for licensed landscape architects.

American Association of Snowboard Instructors

AASI boasts a membership roster of more than 31,500 snowboarding professionals, all committed to sharing their love of the sport via educational programs.

American Fisheries Society

As the oldest and largest professional organization furthering the interests of fishers, the AFS is focused on educating its members about responsible and ethical fishing practices.

American Outdoors Association

Whitewater rafting guides and outdoor outfitters can take advantage of many different member benefits via AOA, including risk management tools, a searchable directory and an annual conference.

American Society for Enology and Viticulture

With more than 2,200 members, ASEV has established itself as a premier professional organization in its 65 years of existence.

American Wine Society

This organization has been in operation for nearly 50 years, with the sole goal of advancing the field of winemaking.

Archaeological Institute of America

AIA is one of the most respected organizations for furthering the interests of archaeologists via its magazine, journal, annual meeting and opportunities in the field.

Association of Outdoor Recreation and Education

AORE is a member-based organization for both students and professionals interested in the intersection of recreation and education.

International Association of Fire Fighters

IAFF is an inclusive organization furthering the interests of firefighters everywhere.

MarineBio Conservation Society

Marine biologists interested in the preservation of underwater life are often drawn to this membership organization, which offers a variety of helpful services and resources.

National Society of Professional Surveyors

NSPS is focused on connecting its members to one another in an effort to encourage professional dialogue about the industry. The organization also provides a number of professional certifications.

Outdoor Ed

Hailed as “the outdoor professional's resource,” this website provides a variety of helpful tools, including a job board, training opportunities and a conference.

Society for American Archaeology

This 7,000+ member organization is committed to furthering the interests of American archaeologists through advocacy, annual meetings, education and research-based publications.

Society of American Foresters

Offering an annual convention, certification programs and ongoing educational services, SAF exists to advance the careers of foresters across the nation.

Wilderness Education Association

Operating as a member-based association, WEA is focused on developing outdoor leaders and educators with a passion for sharing the great outdoors.

Related Careers at a Glance

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