Outdoor animator
Also known as: climbing instructor, rafting instructor, riding instructor, canoeing teacher, ski teacher, outdoor activities trainer
About this occupation
Outdoor animators are responsible for planning and organising outdoor activities. They may at times be involved in aspects of administration, front office tasks and tasks related to the activity base and maintenance of equipment. The workplace of an outdoor animator is mostly “in the field”, but can also take place indoors.
A specialisation of activity leader.
Essential skills and knowledge
- react acordingly to unexpected events outdoors
- implement risk management for outdoors
- animate in the outdoors
- empathise with outdoor groups
- research outdoor activities
- manage groups outdoors
- manage outdoor resources
- give feedback on changing circumstances
- structure information
- manage feedback
- plan self-organisation
- monitor use of outdoor equipment
Typical tasks and preparation
From the related US occupation profile Recreation Workers (O*NET 39-9032.00). Linked by an official crosswalk: related, not identical; details vary by country.
- Enforce rules and regulations of recreational facilities to maintain discipline and ensure safety.
- Organize, lead, and promote interest in recreational activities, such as arts, crafts, sports, games, camping, and hobbies.
- Assess the needs and interests of individuals and groups and plan activities accordingly, given the available equipment or facilities.
- Manage the daily operations of recreational facilities.
- Administer first aid according to prescribed procedures and notify emergency medical personnel when necessary.
- Complete and maintain time and attendance forms and inventory lists.
- Typical education (US)
- Bachelor's Degree
- Preparation
- Job Zone 4 of 5
- Interests
- Social, Enterprising, Realistic
Top skills: Active Listening, Speaking, Social Perceptiveness, Coordination, Service Orientation, Monitoring
US median pay: US$36,560 a year (2025), 331,490 employed. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Subjects this work relies on
How important each subject's knowledge is in the job itself, rated by people doing it (1 to 5).
- English or Literature in EnglishO*NET: English LanguageVery important (4.1)
- Government and PoliticsO*NET: Law and GovernmentImportant (3.4)
- PsychologyO*NET: PsychologyImportant (3.2)
- Computer StudiesO*NET: Computers and ElectronicsImportant (3.0)
- Mathematics or StatisticsO*NET: MathematicsImportant (3.0)
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Preparation needed
Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed
- Most common education (US)
- Bachelor's Degree
- Education
- Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
- Experience
- A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Related occupations
Occupations O*NET links to this one by similar work, skills and knowledge.
- Recreational Therapists
- Social and Community Service Managers
- Entertainment and Recreation Managers, Except Gambling
- Rehabilitation Counselors
- Instructional Coordinators
- Social and Human Service Assistants
- First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers
- Residential Advisors
- Fitness and Wellness Coordinators
- Training and Development Managers
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.