What outdoor jobs are available in San Diego?

San Diego offers beach lifeguards, ocean safety instructors, coastal park rangers, marine educators, surf instructors, kayak guides, conservation technicians, outdoor retail positions, environmental educators, and recreation programmers across beaches, bays, and coastal preserves.

Is San Diego good for year-round outdoor employment?

Excellent. San Diego's Mediterranean climate provides year-round outdoor employment without seasonal gaps. The weather enables consistent beach, ocean, and park operations 12 months annually.

What certifications do I need for San Diego outdoor jobs?

Common certifications include lifeguard credentials, Wilderness First Responder, surf rescue certification, boating safety, SCUBA certification, Leave No Trace Trainer, and marine-specific qualifications. Many positions require California state certifications.

How competitive is the outdoor job market in San Diego?

Competitive due to high quality of life and desirable location. However, consistent demand exists across parks, beaches, marine programs, and outdoor retail. Building certifications and local connections improves opportunities significantly.

Are there outdoor industry jobs beyond recreation in San Diego?

Yes, San Diego hosts outdoor brand offices, marketing agencies, outdoor media companies, marine technology firms, and conservation organizations. The outdoor industry presence extends beyond traditional guiding and retail.

Can I make a living wage with outdoor jobs in San Diego?

San Diego's high cost of living is a consideration. However, full-time positions with cities, counties, or established organizations typically offer $43K-$70K+ with benefits. Many outdoor professionals supplement with multiple seasonal roles or advance into management.

Outdoor Jobs in San Diego | Get Outdoor Jobs

Active Jobs

42+

Top Industry

Coastal Recreation & Marine

Avg Salary Range

$43K - $70K

Job Search Results

Showing 1–7 of 7 jobs

Active filters:

Country: US

FEATURED

Woods Boss

Northwest Youth Corps

Eugene, Oregon, UN

2 weeks ago

Temporary

USD 975 - 1,040

DATES: Training: 5/4/26-5/12/26 Session: 5/12/26-8/29/26 COMPENSATION: Training rate: $700/week. Session rate: $975 per week; $1007.50/week returner OR current WFR or WEMT certiﬁcation; $1040/week...

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FEATURED

Conservation Crew Leader- Summer Youth Crews

Northwest Youth Corps

Eugene, Oregon, UN

2 weeks ago

Temporary

POSITION: Conservation Crew Leader – Summer Youth Crews DATES: Leader Training: May 28- June 10, 2026 Session 1: June 13- July 18, 2026 Session 2: July 25- August 29, 2026 LOCATION: Start/end in...

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FEATURED

Bicycle Program Assistant Manager

Boston University

Boston, MA, US

3 weeks ago

Full-time

USD 47,000 - 53,000

The Bicycle Program Assistant Manager is a teaching position based in the Boston University Cycle Kitchen (BUCK). They are responsible for teaching safe bicycling and bike repair through hands-on...

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FEATURED

Conservation Crew Leader – Summer Young Adult Crews

Northwest Youth Corps

Eugene, OR, UN

4 weeks ago

Temporary

USD 910 - 975

LOCATION: Starts and ends in Eugene, OR. Crews spend their session working and camping on public lands and in communities across Oregon, Washington, and/or Idaho.

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Digital Merchandising Assistant

GOVX

San Diego, California, US

2 weeks ago

FULL_TIME

USD 38,896 - 42,640

As a Digital Merchandising (DM) Associate, you will be responsible for supporting the Digital Merchandising team in loading and managing the product catalog, maintaining accurate and up-to-date...

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Adventure Guide

arc After School and Experiential Education

San Diego, California, US

2 weeks ago

PART_TIME

USD 41,600 - 49,920

Job DetailsJob Location: San Diego Office - San Diego, CA 92108Position Type: Part TimeSalary Range: $20.00 - $24.00 HourlyJob Category: EducationMake a Difference Today! Do you thrive in the great...

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Summer Camp Education Program Aide - Part Time Seasonal - San Diego Zoo

San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance

San Diego, California, US

3 weeks ago

San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is an international, nonprofit conservation organization with two front doors: the San Diego Zoo and the San Diego Zoo Safari Park.

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Shop Service Manager, Bike & Snow

REI (Recreational Equipment Inc.)

San Diego, California, US

4 weeks ago

FULL_TIME

USD 65,062 - 81,390

Overview REI Co-op is united around discovering, building and celebrating better ways of working in this world, all so that folks can find and pursue a love of the outdoors.

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Southern California Forest Ecology Field Technician

San Diego State University Research Foundation

San Diego, California, US

4 weeks ago

TEMPORARY

Overview The pay rate for this position is $22.70 per hour depending upon qualifications and is non-negotiable. The Soil Ecology and Restoration Group (SERG) is a non-profit organization under the...

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Southern California Forest Ecology Crew Leader

San Diego State University Research Foundation

San Diego, California, US

4 weeks ago

TEMPORARY

Overview The pay rate for this position is $25.00 per hour depending upon qualifications and is non-negotiable. The Soil Ecology and Restoration Group (SERG) is a non-profit organization under the...

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Outdoor Careers in San Diego

San Diego's 70 miles of coastline, year-round perfect weather, and thriving outdoor industry create exceptional outdoor career opportunities. From beach lifeguards to marine biologists, coastal park rangers to outdoor retail professionals, the city offers diverse paths in ocean conservation, outdoor recreation, environmental education, and the outdoor industry. Proximity to mountains, deserts, and beaches provides unmatched outdoor lifestyle alongside career opportunities.