Finding Your Perfect Outdoor Career
The outdoor industry is booming, with more career opportunities than ever before. From conservation scientists to adventure guides, from outdoor gear designers to environmental educators, the possibilities are endless. But with so many job boards out there, where should you focus your search?
We've analyzed and ranked the top 20 job boards specifically for outdoor industry professionals. Whether you're just starting out or looking to advance your career, this guide will help you find the right platform for your dream outdoor job.
The Top 20 Outdoor Job Boards
Get Outdoor Jobs
The premier job board exclusively for outdoor industry careers. Features comprehensive listings from conservation and outdoor recreation to adventure tourism and environmental science.
Conservation Job Board
Specializes in conservation, wildlife, and environmental protection positions. Great for professionals seeking roles in national parks, wildlife refuges, and conservation organizations.
Key Features:
- Strong conservation focus
- Government and nonprofit positions
- Seasonal opportunities
CoolWorks
Famous for seasonal jobs in amazing places. Offers positions at national parks, ski resorts, summer camps, and ranches across North America.
Key Features:
- Seasonal opportunities
- Housing often included
- Adventure-focused roles
OutdoorIndustry.org
Official job board of the Outdoor Industry Association. Features corporate and retail positions with major outdoor brands and retailers.
Key Features:
- Industry association backed
- Corporate opportunities
- Retail positions
Adventure Jobs
Focused on adventure tourism, guiding, and outdoor education. Ideal for those seeking hands-on outdoor leadership roles.
Key Features:
- Adventure tourism focus
- Guiding positions
- International opportunities
USA Jobs
Federal government job board with extensive outdoor and land management positions in agencies like the National Park Service, Forest Service, and BLM.
Key Features:
- Federal benefits
- Job security
- Diverse locations
Environmental Career Center
Comprehensive environmental job board covering everything from field technicians to environmental consultants and sustainability managers.
Key Features:
- Environmental science focus
- Consulting roles
- Corporate sustainability
Texas A&M Natural Resources Job Board
Free job board with natural resources, wildlife, and conservation positions. Updated regularly by the university's ecosystem science department.
Key Features:
- Free to use
- Academic partnerships
- Entry-level friendly
The Nature Conservancy Careers
Direct hiring portal for one of the world's largest conservation organizations. Offers roles in science, land management, and program coordination.
Key Features:
- Direct employer
- Global opportunities
- Conservation impact
Outdoor Prolink Job Board
Industry insider job board with pro deals for outdoor professionals. Features retail, sales, and brand marketing positions.
Key Features:
- Industry pro deals
- Brand connections
- Career networking
BackcountryJobs.com
Specialized in wilderness, backcountry, and remote outdoor positions. Perfect for those seeking work in remote and wild places.
Key Features:
- Backcountry focus
- Remote positions
- Wilderness careers
GoodWork
Focused on mission-driven outdoor and environmental nonprofits. Features fundraising, program management, and advocacy roles.
Key Features:
- Nonprofit focus
- Mission-driven work
- Advocacy positions
American Hiking Society Jobs
Hiking and trail-specific opportunities including trail crew positions, conservation corps, and hiking guide roles.
Key Features:
- Trail work focus
- Conservation corps
- Outdoor education
Mountain Jobs
Ski resort and mountain community employment. Covers ski instruction, resort operations, and mountain hospitality.
Key Features:
- Ski industry jobs
- Mountain lifestyle
- Seasonal bonuses
RecreationJobs.com
Recreation and hospitality positions at campgrounds, RV parks, and outdoor resorts. Great for retirees and lifestyle seekers.
Key Features:
- Campground work
- RV-friendly
- Flexible schedules
Idealist
Nonprofit job board with strong environmental and outdoor education sections. International opportunities available.
Key Features:
- Nonprofit careers
- International scope
- Social impact
LinkedIn Jobs
Major professional network with growing outdoor industry presence. Good for corporate, marketing, and management roles.
Key Features:
- Networking opportunities
- Corporate positions
- Career advancement
Indeed Outdoor Jobs
General job board with outdoor-specific searches. Aggregates listings from multiple sources.
Key Features:
- Large volume
- Salary information
- Company reviews
Association of Outdoor Recreation and Education
Academic and outdoor education focus. Features experiential education, outdoor program management, and youth development roles.
Key Features:
- Education focus
- Youth programs
- Leadership development
ZipRecruiter Outdoor
AI-powered job matching for outdoor positions. Aggregates listings and provides application tracking.
Key Features:
- AI matching
- Application tracking
- Mobile friendly
Tips for Your Outdoor Job Search
Cast a Wide Net
Don't limit yourself to just one job board. The best outdoor opportunities often appear on specialized boards first. Check multiple platforms regularly for the widest selection.
Set Up Alerts
Most job boards offer email alerts for new postings. Set up alerts for your target positions and locations so you're among the first to apply when new opportunities arise.
Tailor Your Resume
Outdoor employers value hands-on experience and passion for the outdoors. Highlight relevant certifications, outdoor skills, and experiences that show your commitment to outdoor work.
Network Actively
Many outdoor jobs are filled through networking. Attend industry events, join professional associations, and connect with outdoor professionals on LinkedIn and at trade shows.