Making a Living Off the Land

In the Inland Northwest, many people have a deep passion for the great outdoors and the beauty of the lakes, mountains and trees that envelop our region. But most don’t consider that their passion can be more than just personal enjoyment; it can be a way to earn a paycheck.

“I see students come through our program that have found a way to live their dreams—to work outdoors and help others develop the same passion for the endless outdoor recreation opportunities in this region,” said North Idaho College Instructor Paul Chivvis, who heads instruction for students working toward an Outdoor Leadership Technical Certificate.

At NIC, the Outdoor Leadership Technical Certificate can be earned in one year. Students can select from electives in wilderness backpacking, mountaineering, outdoor navigation, first aid, terrain park management and more. Part of the program core coursework provides training in event planning and management and even marketing to help students leap into the coordinator role for their organization.

Career Options

With an Outdoor Leadership Technical Certificate, you can become a Guide/Outfitter in the following areas:

• Whitewater Rafting

• Mountaineering

• Biking

• Kayaking

• Backcountry Skiing

• Hunting

• Fishing

• Therapeutic Recreation

• Ski Resort Operations

• Youth Camps

• Recreation Facilities

• Wilderness Interpretation

• Trail Building and Design

• Park Ranger

• Challenge Course Facilitation

• Corporate Team Building

Information: Recreation Management Instructor Paul Chivvis at (208) 676-7169 or paul_chivvis@nic.edu.

Outdoor Pursuits is an outdoor recreation program for students and community members alike. Outdoor Pursuits exercises both body and mind through wilderness-based, environmentally sound outdoor adventures by offering activities that foster educational growth through self-awareness, teamwork and risk taking. From surfing the oceans of the Oregon Coast to hiking Hell’s Canyon in Idaho and even weeklong whitewater rafting trips camping alongside the St. Joe River, Outdoor Pursuits leads once-in-a-lifetime trips for all outdoor interests. A wide variety of clinics, camps, and outdoor rentals offers something for everyone.

Learn a new hobby and enjoy the summer in North Idaho. Rentals available at the NIC Boathouse on NIC’s Yap-Keehn-Um Beach:

- Stand-Up Paddleboards

- Whitewater Rafting Equipment

- Sailboats

- Kayaks

- Canoes

Information: www.nic.edu/op

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