Outdoor Sport and Recreation Guides
(NOC 6532)
in All Sales and ServiceOutdoor sport and recreational guides organize and lead trips or expeditions for sports enthusiasts, adventurers, tourists and resort guests. They work for private companies and resorts or may be self-employed.
Job Outlook
Undetermined
Read more
Compared to: All Sales and Service
This is not a large occupation in Nova Scotia so job opportunities may not be that frequent. With a moderate percent of workers being 55 years of age and older, retirements are expected to contribute somewhat to employment opportunities over the coming years. Outdoor Sport and Recreation Guides most commonly work full-time hours. Also, a fair portion of the workforce is self-employed, so having the option to "work for yourself" may appeal to some individuals’ interests/motivations.
The median employment income for 14% of Outdoor Sport and Recreation Guides who worked full-time, year-round in 2015 was $. Across all occupations in Nova Scotia, 59% of those who worked full-time year round had a median employment income of $43,600.
(Source: 2016 Census)
Hourly Pay
N/A
MinimumN/A
MedianN/A
MaximumAnnual Pay
N/A
Minimum$12,693
MedianN/A
MaximumCompared to: All Sales and Service
Hourly Pay
$12.55
Minimum$18.36
Median$22.50
MaximumAnnual Pay
$2,949
Minimum$16,629
Median$45,086
MaximumAbout the job
Nature of work
Outdoor sport and recreational guides organize and lead trips or expeditions for sports enthusiasts, adventurers, tourists and resort guests. They work for private companies and resorts or may be self-employed.
Job duties
Outdoor sports and recreation guides:
- Plan itinerary for trip or expedition and transport individuals or group to site.
- Put together and inspect necessary equipment and supplies like camping gear, hot air balloon, rafts, life jackets, fishing tackle and food.
- Lead individuals or groups and give advice on safety and emergency measures, techniques and the use of equipment.
- Give training for activities like canoeing, rafting and mountain climbing.
- Give advice on specific laws and regulations for activities like hunting, fishing and boating.
- Follow environmental guidelines and prevent violations.
- Give first aid in emergency situations.
- May prepare meals for group and set up camp.
Sample job titles
- balloon pilot
- canoeing guide
- dude wrangler
- fishing guide
- hiking guide
- horseback riding guide
- hunting and fishing guide
- outdoor guide
- outfitter
- rafting guide
- trapping guide
- zipline guide
Skills
You should be poised, organized, tactful, and patient. Interpersonal skills and the ability to deal comfortably with strangers are important. You should be resourceful and able to handle the unexpected. Knowledge of the travel business or the specific areas of tourism in which you work will be required. Good communication skills are also necessary. Knowledge of both official languages and/or an additional language is an asset and may be required. Guides should also have an understanding of safety requirements, environmental guidelines, and provincial regulations for hunting, fishing, and boating. Physical fitness and stamina are required for many outdoor sport and recreational activities.
Job requirements
- Knowledge of a specific land or body of water, proven ability in the guided activity, and relevant licences and certifications are needed for employment in this group.
- Hot air balloon pilots need 10 hours of ground school, 16 hours of pilot-in-command experience and a Balloon Pilot Licence issued by Transport Canada. Additional hours of pilot-in-command experience may be required by some employers.
- Certification in first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) may be required.
Other considerations
Outdoor sport and recreational guides usually work on a seasonal basis. Most people in this group are either self-employed or work for a small to medium-sized business.
By the numbers
Quick look
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Compared to: All Sales and Service
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Where will I likely work?
Halifax
Annapolis Valley
North Shore
Southern
Compared to: All NS Occupations
Halifax
North Shore
Annapolis Valley
Cape Breton
Southern
Top Industries of Employment
Construction
Transportation and warehousing
Arts, entertainment and recreation
Accommodation and food services
Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
What is the age of Employment?
25-34
45-54
15-24
35-44
55-64
65+
Compared to: All Sales and Service
15-24
45-54
25-34
55-64
35-44
Top levels of education
High school
N/ABachelor
N/AApprenticeship
N/ALess than high school
N/ACollege Diploma
N/ACompared to: All Sales and Service
High school
$15,705 median annual incomeLess than high school
$9,866 median annual incomeCollege Diploma
$20,644 median annual incomeBachelor
$21,262 median annual incomeApprenticeship
$21,234 median annual incomeEducation & training
Adult High School Siploma or Equivalent
High School ProgramThe Nova Scotia School for Adult Learning (NSSAL) administers, coordinates, and supports the development and delivery of adult education programs through learning partners in Nova Scotia. Our learning partners include the Nova Scotia Community College, Adult High Schools, Université Sainte-Anne, and community-based learning organizations that offer tuition-free programming across the province. NSSAL offers clear, accessible pathways from adult basic education to a high school credential or GED, empowering Nova Scotians to achieve their learning and employment goals.
Institutions providing this program
Various, NS
Various, NS
Employment requirements & contacts
Regulations
Right to Practice: This job is regulated in Nova Scotia. A licence shows that the holder has met provincial requirements and is required to legally do this work.