The Great Outdoor Careers
By Katelyn Allen on Monday, October 28, 2024
From entrepreneurs and influencers to state park rangers and graphic designers, the Natural State is growing a crop of fulfilling jobs rooted in a love of recreation. Meet 10 Arkansans creating careers from their love of nature.
The Great Outdoor Careers
Climbing to the Top with Joseph Rouse
17-year-old Joseph is the creator and founder of SLAPCHALKS®, groundbreaking athletic attire designed to make chalking while rock climbing more accessible.
Pedro Somarriba Climbs to Entrepreneurship
Meet Pedro, the founder of Metered Rope and Arkansas Rock Climbing Guides.
Entrepreneur Catherine Handley Makes Waves on Buffalo National River
Buffalo River guide Catherine wants to positively impact Arkansas.
Taylor Cassat Hits the Mark with Hunting Land Access
Navy veteran Taylor founded SABO Outdoors to simplify private land rentals for hunters.
Anna Jacobs Gives the Razorback Greenway a Makeover
Anna’s designs transform trails in Northwest Arkansas.
Cyclist & Influencer Joseph Nguyen Steers Career Down a New Path
Joseph’s online persona grew to 23K seemingly overnight by combining two passions.
Rachel Ozler Makes Sure All Bikes are Welcome
Executive director of the nonprofit All Bikes Welcome sets the standard that racial equality and diversity are the norm in Northwest Arkansas.
Arkansas Park Rangers Turn Hobby into Career
Park Rangers Sam and Cathy work to make sure visitors have a wonderful experience while visiting and learning something new about Arkansas wildlife.
Lorraine Woodward Crafts a Mission-Minded Tourism Career
Lorraine's Conway-based business makes Arkansas more “rentABLE.”
Jillian Woodruff Works to Keep Hunters Safe
Jillian presented a business plan for Waderbuddy, a safety balance stabilizer meant to give duck hunters an extra hand when taking their waders.
Resources
Put Your Big Ideas to Work
These Arkansas schools offer degrees in entrepreneurship:
- University of Arkansas
- University of Central Arkansas
- Southern Arkansas University
- NorthWest Arkansas Community College
- Arkansas State University
- University of Arkansas - Pulaski Technical College
- University of Arkansas at Little Rock
- University of Arkansas
- Community College at Batesville
Have an Idea for an Outdoorsy Biz?
TRY: Greenhouse Outdoor Recreation Program
WHY? This University of Arkansas’ Office of Entrepreneurship & Innovation program is specifically for aspiring entrepreneurs in outdoor recreation, aiming to turn their business ideas into reality. Participants attend workshops, networking events, and get one-on-one consulting and legal services (among other things). New Incubator Intensives are now offered in four key regions near state parks—Queen Wilhelmina, Petit Jean, Pinnacle Mountain, and West Delta Heritage Trail.
SUCCESSES: Read more in the linked profiles above about Joseph Rouse, Pedro Somarriba and Taylor Cassat for stories of young pros whose ideas became reality with this program.
Trail Careers You Might Want to Consider
- Trail Designer and Planner
- Trail Builder and Maintenance
- Trail Manager
- Outdoor Guide
- Trail Conservationist
“Mountain Biking Capital Of The World”
Northwest Arkansas has 322 miles of natural surface trails for mountain biking and 162 miles of paved paths, connected by the Razorback Regional Greenway. Read more here.
Degrees & Certificates for Students Considering Parks-Related Careers
- Park Administration | Arkansas Tech University
- Outdoor Recreation | Arkansas Tech University
- Outdoor Leadership Concentration | Lyon College
- Outdoor Leadership | University of Arkansas
- Outdoor Products & Services Certification | University of Arkansas (Sam Walton College of Business)
- Environmental Science | University of Central Arkansas and Harding University
Trailblazer Programs In Arkansas
Don’t want to be stuck behind a desk for the rest of your life? Here are 10 outdoor programs offered at Arkansas colleges and universities so you can avoid a 9-to-5 fate!
Arkansas Trail Management Institute At ATU
This Arkansas Tech University program trains in trail building, maintenance, use, and safety and sustainable design concepts.
Trails Trade School At NorthWest Arkansas Community College
The first class began Fall 2024, where students are trained in three programs: bicycle technician, trail technician and construction technology.
Outdoor Leadership Minor at UA
Launched in 2022 at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville, the program gives students real-world experience with local organizations in the outdoor industry.
Planning & Administration Track for Environmental Science at UCA
Bridging the gap between environmental scientists gathering data in the field and administrators implementing policies – students will learn how to present data to government agencies, citizen committees, corporate CEOs and the general public.
Conservation Fisheries Bachelor’s Degree at ASU
Created for students interested in aquatic ecosystems. Students study fish biology and behavior, and sustainable management of fish populations, with hands-on training.
Outdoorsy Internships in Arkansas
Arkansas Game & Fish Internship Program
Offers 400 hours of work and pays $12.75/hour. Summer applications close every March.
Arkansas Environmental Education Association
Offers resources and links to internships and job opportunities with Arkansas outdoor programs and organizations.
Northwest Arkansas Land Trust
Spring and Fall internships are available year-round.
Little Rock Zoo
Learn about conservation and zoology research from the State’s best professionals.
