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Outdoor Industry Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Product Specialist - Guns

Columbia, MO ยท On-site

$55K - $71K/yr

If you want a career in the outdoor industry, MidwayUSA might be the place for you! About the Role * Select Guns and related products according to established category budget & overall company budget

Department Manager

Saint George, UT ยท On-site

$20 - $35/hr

Knowledge of outdoor industry trends and products. * Strong merchandising, organization, and problem-solving abilities. * Comfortable engaging customers and providing product expertise. * Ability to ...

River-Raft Guide

Asheville, NC ยท On-site

$15/hr

Whitewater Rafting, Whitewater Guides, Adventure Guides, Outdoor Guide, Outdoor Industry For 44 years French Broad Adventures has been a leader in the outdoor industry in Western North Carolina and ...

If you want a career in the outdoor industry, MidwayUSA might be the place for you! About the Role * Select Guns and related products according to established category budget & overall company budget

Product Specialist - Optics

Columbia, MO ยท On-site

$55K - $71K/yr

If you want a career in the outdoor industry, MidwayUSA might be the place for you! About the Role * Select products according to established category budget & overall company budget * Develop ...

Whitewater Rafting, Whitewater Guides, Adventure Guides, Outdoor Guide, Outdoor Industry For 44 years French Broad Adventures has been a leader in the outdoor industry in Western North Carolina and ...

SOLO Instructor

Bryson City, NC ยท On-site

$17 - $21/hr

For 53 years NOC has led the outdoor industry, taking more guests whitewater rafting and teaching more paddlers than any other outdoor recreation company. NOC also provides top-quality aerial and ...

Showing results 41-60

outdoor industry information

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How much do outdoor industry jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for outdoor industry in the United States is $21.42, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.31 and $24.28 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the outdoor industry?

The outdoor industry encompasses businesses and organizations involved in the production, sale, and promotion of products, services, and experiences related to outdoor recreation. This includes activities such as hiking, camping, climbing, cycling, water sports, and more. The industry covers a wide range of sectors, from gear and apparel manufacturing to guiding services and conservation efforts. It plays a significant economic role, supporting millions of jobs and encouraging environmental stewardship. Careers in the outdoor industry can be found in retail, product design, marketing, tourism, and nonprofit advocacy.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the outdoor industry?

Success in the Outdoor Industry typically requires knowledge of outdoor recreation, environmental stewardship, and relevant safety practices, often supported by certifications such as Wilderness First Aid or Leave No Trace. Familiarity with GPS navigation tools, outdoor gear, and reservation or permit systems is commonly expected. Strong soft skills include leadership, adaptability, and effective communication to guide groups and respond to dynamic outdoor conditions. These competencies are crucial to ensure participant safety, enhance customer experiences, and maintain environmental sustainability in varied outdoor settings.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in the outdoor industry, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in the outdoor industry often face challenges such as working in variable weather conditions, maintaining safety in remote locations, and adapting to seasonal fluctuations in demand. To address these, it's important to develop strong risk assessment and crisis management skills, stay current with safety certifications, and remain flexible in scheduling. Building a diverse skill set and networking within the industry can also help navigate periods of low demand and open up advancement opportunities.

What is the difference between Outdoor Industry vs Outdoor Retail Associate?

AspectOutdoor IndustryOutdoor Retail Associate
CredentialsVaries; often includes certifications in outdoor skills or salesTypically requires sales or customer service experience, certifications are optional
Work EnvironmentOutdoor settings, manufacturing, or design facilitiesRetail stores, customer service areas, outdoor gear sections
Employer & Industry UsageManufacturers, outdoor activity providers, gear designersOutdoor gear stores, sporting goods retailers, specialty outdoor shops
Common Search & ComparisonBroader industry focus on outdoor activities and productsSpecific retail sales roles within outdoor gear stores

The Outdoor Industry encompasses a wide range of roles including manufacturing, design, and outdoor activity services. In contrast, an Outdoor Retail Associate specifically works in retail settings selling outdoor gear and apparel. While both roles involve outdoor products, the industry role is broader, focusing on production and services, whereas the retail role centers on customer interaction and sales in outdoor stores.

More about outdoor industry jobs

What cities are hiring for Outdoor Industry jobs?

Cities with the most Outdoor Industry job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Outdoor Industry jobs?

The most popular types of Outdoor Industry jobs are:

What states have the most Outdoor Industry jobs?

States with the most job openings for Outdoor Industry jobs include:

Infographic showing various Outdoor Industry job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 78% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 8% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $44,544 per year, or $21.4 per hour.

Outdoor Gear and Operations/Logistics Specialist

Seeds Wilderness Therapy

Montrose, CO โ€ข On-site

Part-time

Re-posted 27 days ago


Job description

Are you passionate about the outdoors? Outdoor gear? People? Then this position will be a great fit for you! Seeds Wilderness Therapy is looking to hire a Gear and Operations Specialist to organize all gear, food, and operationaltasks.


Seeds Wilderness Therapy is a backpacking outfitter taking teenagers in crisis... and their families into the beautiful Uncompahgre Plateau in Montrose Colorado. Teens spend 40 days in the backcountry at a time revolving enrollment; the peer group itself is in the backcountry 24/7 and does not return to the front country.As students come to Seeds, we outfit them in all the technical clothing and gear. In addition, we also maintain staff group gear such as Garmin Inreach, Satellite phones, radios, Whisperlite stoves, and four-wheel drive trucks, and other gear for all of our field instructors.


This specialist position is to work with and maintain an inventory of all our backcountry gear and food. This position will directly report to the Logistic Manager but will support and assist the Field Director as well. (The Field Director is handling operational personnel while logistics handles transportation, inventory, and resupply.) Because of the complexity of the work we do, the specialist will be involved in many other supportive tasks as well.


Responsibilities and Expected Duties

    • Maintains organized gear, clothing, and food systems
    • Support and lead field resupply for restocking gear and food needs in the field each week
    • Assist the Logistics manager with shopping and/or purchasing/pick up of food or supplies.
    • Supports Field Director for with forest service permits, maintains existing agreements, and serves as a liaison between BLM and Forest Service representatives.
    • Participate in regular staff training throughout the year.
    • Errands, tasks, 4x4 driving, and other roles as assigned by Logistics Manager or Field Director.
    • Meet, greet, assist and transport the new students arriving into the program
    • Transports clients and/or employees adhering to state and federal law and established company transportation policies, procedures, and safety guideline
    • Conducts vehicle maintenance and safety inspections, reporting immediately any vehicle safety concerns.
    • Collaborates and participates as a team member.
    • Helps wash laundry as required.
    • Supports the field staff by assembling gear, supplies, etc, and transport in a timely manner.
    • Count and record inventory as directed.
    • Participate in daily prayer and staff devotions.
    • Other duties as assigned

      Skills

          • Off-road experience (preferred).
          • Ability to read maps and use a GPS, compass.
          • Experience driving vehicles with manual transmissions and 4x4 locking hubs(preferred).
          • Excellent Customer Service.


      Qualifications

          • 2+ years of working in an outdoor industry
          • Extensive knowledge of hard skills (i.e. ropes, cookware, backpacks, etc...)
          • Ability to work autonomously as well as part of a team
          • Valid, clean driving record.
          • 21 or older and can pass CO background check.
          • Fluent English - both oral and written
          • Ability to lift at least 50lbs, and be able to exert up to 100 pounds of force occasionally, and to be able to lift, bend, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects.
          • Must be able to stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, reach, stand, walk, push, pull, lift and grasp.
          • Must be able to stand up and move around most of the workday
          • Supports the company values


      ** This job becomes full time with including 1/2 time admin support.


      Perks:

      Seeds employees are extended all of seeds pro-deal agreements with various outdoor gear companies.