Outdoor Adventure Leader
(Adventure Guide)
Fact Sheet
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Explaining the practical elements of skydiving |
An outdoor adventure leader instructs and guides individuals and groups in adventure activities in a variety of outdoor locations.
Activities include bicycle touring, bushwalking, canoeing, caving, cross country skiing, horse trekking, rafting, rock climbing and sailing.
Duties and Tasks
An outdoor adventure leader may perform the following tasks:
- plan and prepare the activities for both individual and group participation
- demonstrate the relevant body movements and skills required
- supervise and maintain control of the individuals and groups involved
- demonstrate the use of and maintain equipment required for the activities
- provide advice on safety measures and risk avoidance strategies
- respond to emergencies by providing first aid assistance and take appropriate further action if required
Quick Facts
School subjects that include some aspect of English provide a useful background to these jobs. In some cases an English-related subject is a pre-requisite for entry to courses that provide the training for the job.
School subjects that include some aspect of physical education provide a useful background to these jobs. In some cases a physical education subject is a pre-requisite for entry to courses that provide the training for the job.
The work environment in these jobs generally contains higher than average levels of dust, pollen, fumes, gases or other matter which are likely to aggravate respiratory illnesses such as asthma. Jobs where the environment is dusty or polluted are excluded.
These jobs are generally performed in an unusually hot, cold or humid environment, so may be unsuitable for people who have diabetes or other conditions aggravated by extremes of temperature or humidity. Jobs where work is performed in a hot, cold or humid environment are excluded.\par
Workers performing these jobs would usually be expected to spend more than three-quarters of their day outdoors, exposed to the weather. They may report back to an office, station, depot or other central site. Jobs requiring mainly outdoor work are excluded.
The main duties and tasks involved in these jobs require daily physical exertion, such as bending and twisting, lifting, climbing, pulling, pushing, carrying or other effort where physical fitness is required. People with heart, back or other conditions who should avoid physical strain may wish to avoid these jobs. Jobs requiring physical effort have been excluded.
Included are jobs providing health care diagnosis and treatment, such as general medicine, pharmacy, optometry, radiography, speech therapy, dental health, etc. Also covered are community and welfare services, such as social work, family and children services, and counselling, and personal services such as hairdressing and funeral services.
Included are jobs providing services in the hospitality and tourism industries, in areas such as accommodation, and food and beverage preparation.
These jobs involve WORKING WITH PEOPLE, to help, inform, teach or treat them. Activities include discussing personal issues, listening to people's problems, and providing advice, instruction, information or treatment to meet their needs.
These jobs involve WORKING WITH THINGS in the natural world, such as conservation, handling animals, raising crops or livestock, or sport. Activities include growing and caring for living things, or an involvement with sport, leisure or the environment.
Jobs in this group usually require completion of secondary education and/or completion of some further study of a vocational nature, such as a Diploma or an Advanced Diploma.
Work Conditions
Outdoor adventure leaders spend most of their working time outdoors. They are required to work in all weather conditions and in all types of terrain. Locations may include national parks, rivers, mountains, forests, at sea or underwater.
Personal Requirements
- high level of skill in one or more outdoor activities
- good planning and organisational skills
- good communication and interpersonal skills
- leadership skills
- physically fit
- patience and tact
- able to speak another language is an advantage