Outdoor Recreation and Conservation Careers Toolkit

There are many opportunities for a career in the outdoors. Here you can become familiar with the many types of careers that exist in both outdoor recreation and conservation. This may help you decide what kind of career you could pursue.

INTRODUCTION

Introduction and OverviewGUIDE Introduction and Overview to Outdoor Recreation and Conservation Careers

Want to work in the outdoors but not sure where to start? Use this guide to learn about the many opportunities that exist in outdoor recreation and conservation.

Guide Case StudiesGUIDE Case Studies for Outdoor Recreation and Conservation Careers

Learn about different career options from real life examples of people with outdoor recreation and conservation careers. This guide introduces many of the different outdoor and recreation fields that one might focus on to pursue a career in the outdoors.

GOVERNMENT OUTDOOR CAREERS

Pursuing a government job can be a great choice. There are many fields and jobs to choose from in the outdoors and recreation. This section will introduce both federal and regional government opportunities and help you navigate the sometimes-complex process of applying for a government job.

Guide Federal and RegionalGUIDE Federal and Regional Government Outdoor Fields of Occupation

This guide introduces many of the different outdoor and recreation fields that one might focus on to pursue a career in the outdoors.

Guide federal governmentGUIDE Federal Government Agencies: Outdoor Career Opportunities

Get an overview of the federal agencies that provide a variety of outdoor career opportunities.

Guide Regional Government AgenciesGUIDE Regional Government Agencies: Outdoor Career Opportunities

This guide takes a look at close to home outdoor career opportunities that can be found locally and on a statewide level.

Guide Finding and ApplyingGUIDE Finding and Applying for a Government Job

Government jobs often have their own unique hiring process which is different that the hiring process for other sectors. This guide will help you understand and navigate this process.

GUIDE Navigating the USAJobs.com site

Understanding USA Jobs is an essential part of applying for a job with the federal government. This guide will walk you through the process step-by-step and give you tips and tricks to help demystify the process.

Guide Creating a ResumeGUIDE Creating a Resume and Resources for Federal Government Jobs

Resumes and cover letters for government jobs are unlike traditional job openings. Use this guide to help you navigate this unique landscape so you can put your best foot forward.

NONPROFIT, EDUCATION,
AND FOR PROFIT OUTDOOR CAREERS

While the government sector provides many outdoor career opportunities, there are a few more important sectors you should consider. The nonprofit, education, and for profit sectors offer great career opportunities to share your passion for the outdoors with others. Despite offering similar career options they are very different than working for the government.

Guide Nonprofit and EducationGUIDE Nonprofit and Education Outdoor Career Opportunities 

This guide will help you understand and navigate the many career opportunities within the nonprofit and education sectors that will allow you to work in or for the outdoors.

Guide for Nonprofit SectorGUIDE For Profit Sector Outdoor Career Opportunities

There are many opportunities to work for companies in the outdoor recreation and natural resource sectors. This guide provides descriptions of potential positions and employers, example careers, and education and experience necessary to pursue a career in these sectors.ill allow you to work in or for the outdoors.

Guide Resources for Starting and Outdoor CareerGuide Resources for Starting an Outdoor Career

This toolkit covers the basics you need to apply for and get the job you want. Get advice on resumes, cover letters, interviewing techniques and more.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Now that you have decided you want a career in the outdoors, how do you put your best foot forward? This section provides additional resources.

Finding and ApplyingVIDEO (00:14:01) Finding and Applying for Jobs in the Federal Government

United States Office for Personnel Management (OPM)

Learn how to search and apply for jobs with the Federal Government using USAJOBS, the main website for Federal employment information. This video is provided by USAJobs.gov OPM.

Resume WritingWEBINAR (00:55:19) Resume Writing for USAJobs.gov

The American Military Partner Association (AMPA)

This webinar gives detailed information how to write a federal resume. It provides many very specific examples as well as “tips and tricks”.

A How-To-GuideSAMPLE “A How to guide for pursuing a career in natural resources”

Colorado Alliance for Environmental Education and the Colorado Youth Corps Association

This comprehensive guide focuses on Natural Resource Careers in Colorado, but has lots of valuable information that is relevant to anyone wanting to pursue a career in natural resources, and working with federal, state and local governments.

Webinar USAJobs.govWEBINAR (00:20:27) USAJOBS.GOV

This webinar provides a detailed look into the application and hiring process for the US Government. You can learn how to search and apply for jobs with the Federal Government using USAJOBS, the main website for Federal employment information. The webinar is provided by Keaton Welch, Graduate Teaching Assistant from Ohio University / Patton College of Education, Department of Recreation & Sport Pedagogy.