Outdoor guides need a range of hard skills to excel in their role. These include technical skills such as proficiency in using GPS, kayaks, and other outdoor equipment. They must also be aware of natural history and be able to teach others about it. Additionally, outdoor guides need to know how to handle emergencies, with certifications in CPR and first aid. They must also be able to manage risk and maintain safety procedures.
Beyond these hard skills, outdoor guides need strong soft skills. They must provide excellent customer service, often in challenging outdoor conditions. They need to be able to communicate effectively, both in teaching others about the natural world and in handling emergencies. They must also be able to establish trust and foster a learning environment, often in a short amount of time.
Below we've compiled a list of the most critical outdoor guide skills. We ranked the top skills for outdoor guides based on the percentage of resumes they appeared on. For example, 24.8% of outdoor guide resumes contained responder as a skill. Continue reading to find out what skills an outdoor guide needs to be successful in the workplace.
The eight most common skills for outdoor guides in 2024 based on resume usage.