Outdoor Recreation Officer Career Profile

What the role involves

Outdoor recreation officers organise and support activities that may include bushwalking, camping, paddling, climbing, mountain biking, orienteering, environmental education or other outdoor experiences. Some roles are hands-on guiding roles, while others focus more on program coordination, bookings, risk management, equipment, volunteer support or community participation.

A typical day may involve preparing activity plans, checking equipment, briefing participants, supervising outdoor activities, managing safety procedures, coordinating staff or volunteers, recording incidents, liaising with land managers and helping participants enjoy outdoor environments responsibly.

Typical employers

Outdoor recreation officer roles in Australia may be found with:

• outdoor education and school camp providers
• local councils and community recreation programs
• parks, reserves and nature-based visitor programs
• adventure tourism and eco-tourism operators
• youth, disability, wellbeing or community organisations
• sport and recreation organisations
• holiday programs, camps and outdoor centres
• not-for-profit environmental, conservation or outdoor organisations
• state or territory recreation, parks or outdoor education programs

Key tasks

• planning and delivering outdoor recreation activities or programs
• guiding or supervising groups in outdoor environments
• preparing risk assessments, activity plans and safety procedures
• checking, maintaining and organising outdoor equipment
• briefing participants on safety, behaviour and minimal-impact practices
• supporting outdoor education, eco-tourism or community recreation programs
• coordinating bookings, rosters, transport, permits or site access where required
• responding to changing weather, participant needs or emergency situations
• working with teachers, guides, volunteers, land managers or community groups

Skills and qualities

Outdoor recreation work suits people who enjoy leading groups, working outside and helping others participate safely in outdoor activities. Useful qualities include:

• strong communication and group leadership skills
• good judgement around safety, weather, terrain and participant ability
• interest in outdoor environments, recreation and minimal-impact practices
• physical fitness and confidence working outdoors
• first aid, emergency response and risk management awareness
• organisation skills for planning activities, equipment and logistics
• patience and confidence working with children, visitors or community groups
• teamwork with instructors, teachers, guides, rangers or volunteers
• ability to adapt when conditions or participant needs change

Qualifications and pathways

Outdoor recreation officer roles commonly require outdoor leadership, guiding, recreation, tourism, education or activity-specific training. Requirements vary depending on whether the role involves direct guiding, program coordination, children, remote areas, water-based activities or higher-risk outdoor activities.

• Certificate III in Outdoor Leadership
• Certificate IV in Outdoor Leadership
• Certificate III or IV in Tourism, where the role is linked to guiding or visitor experiences
• first aid, CPR, water safety, remote area first aid or activity-specific qualifications
• training in risk management, minimal-impact practices, outdoor education or interpretation
• working with children check, driver licence or other clearances, depending on the role

With experience, outdoor recreation officers may progress into senior outdoor leader, outdoor education coordinator, recreation program coordinator, camp manager, eco-tour guide, park visitor services officer or nature-based tourism manager roles.

Salary and job outlook

Outdoor recreation officer pay can vary depending on the employer, activity type, qualifications, level of responsibility, casual or permanent status, location, seasonality, weekend work and whether the role involves higher-risk outdoor activities or program coordination. Salary information changes over time, so it is best to check current Australian occupation, training and award resources before applying or negotiating pay.

Where jobs are usually found in Australia

Outdoor recreation jobs are found across Australia, especially in areas with national parks, reserves, rivers, coastlines, mountains, camp facilities, adventure tourism operators and outdoor education centres. Opportunities may be seasonal and can involve weekend, school holiday, regional or remote work.

Tips for getting started

• build experience through camps, youth programs, sport, guiding, volunteering or outdoor clubs
• complete first aid and any activity-specific safety qualifications relevant to the work
• develop confidence leading groups in different outdoor conditions
• learn minimal-impact practices and how to protect sensitive natural areas
• keep a log of outdoor leadership, guiding, camping or activity experience
• highlight experience with children, schools, community groups or visitors on your resume
• be open to seasonal, casual, regional or camp-based roles as entry points

Related environmental careers

• Eco-Tour Guide
• Park Ranger
• Environmental Education Officer
• Community Engagement Officer
• Conservation Officer
• Landcare Officer
• Nature-based Tourism Manager
• Visitor Services Officer