A Career in Outdoor Recreation (JTJS42009)

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• published: 11 Sep 2012
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New Zealanders are an outdoors loving bunch and with one of the best places in the world to enjoy, there are plenty of opportunities to turn that passion into a career. During the past 10 years, it's an industry that has grown hugely. Alex enjoys sport and being around people so a glimpse into the career of an outdoor recreation leader is just what she's looking for. Heading first to Waitomo Adventures in the heart of Waikato, Alex is soon in the midst of an adventure herself, abseiling into the Lost World, which is just one of the 50 major cave systems to be found in the area. Scott , Alex's mentor for the experience, explains the physical challenges are just one aspect of the role. Often people are outside their comfort zone so there is definitely some psychology involved in helping people overcome their fears and achieve an adventure goal. After completing the caving section of the adventure, Alex is then off to the Sir Edmund Hilary Outdoor Pursuits Centre on the Central Plateau where centre manager Kieran gives her a lesson on climbing and stopping yourself on a snow slope. The physical aspects of an outdoor recreation leader's job are a given however they also need to master survival skills and everything from reading maps and compasses to understanding weather forecasts. This is a great career if you have a passion for adventure and love sharing that with others. Find out more about this, and a huge variety of other careers, at http://www.justthejob.co.nz