Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Certification
Languages
Field Experience and Engagement
Leadership
Timeline
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Carter Watsabaugh

Carter Watsabaugh

Outdoor Profesional
Jackson,WY

Summary

Professional guide with solid experience in leading and educating diverse groups. Strong ability to adapt to changing environments while maintaining focus on team collaboration and achieving goals. Possesses excellent communication, problem-solving, and organizational skills, along with deep understanding of regional history and geography. Known for reliability and flexibility, consistently delivering impactful experiences.

Overview

6
6
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Founder & Owner of Small Business

Second Ascent Ropes
01.2025 - Current
  • Repurpose retired climbing ropes into handcrafted belts, dog leashes, bracelets, and other upcycled accessories.
  • Oversee all business operations including product design, marketing, e-commerce, customer service, and order fulfillment.
  • Manage budgeting, pricing strategies, and financial planning to ensure profitability.
  • Build brand identity through logo design, packaging, and in-person/online sales.
  • Advance sustainability in the outdoor industry by reducing waste through creative upcycling initiatives.

Outdoor Program Staff

University of Wyoming Outdoor Program
11.2024 - Current
  • Design and set diverse climbing routes at Half Acre Climbing Gym, balancing accessibility with challenge for all ability levels.
  • Tune, wax, and repair skis to ensure safe, high-quality equipment for students and community members.
  • Assist customers with equipment selection, fittings, and technical advice to support positive recreation experiences.
  • Conduct safety checks and maintenance on climbing walls, holds, and ski equipment to minimize risk.
  • Collaborate with staff to provide recreation services that promote outdoor participation and skill development.

Trip Leader

Wilderness Adventures
06.2025 - 08.2025

Worked as a trip leader for a historic, trip-based youth program based out of Jackson Hole.

  • Was solely responsible for leading multi-week outdoor youth trips across the Mountain West, working 24/7 to ensure health, safety, leadership development, and overall participant welfare.
  • Managed a $6,500 summer budget, covering all transportation, lodging, food, and activities while coordinating with subcontractors and vendors.
  • Oversaw trip logistics including scheduling, lodging confirmations, transportation, and daily operations for students and staff.
  • Mitigated risks and responded to crises, continuously analyzing activities for safety and implementing appropriate emergency responses.
  • Served as guide, teacher, and mentor by fostering growth experiences for students while challenging them in the outdoors.
  • Maintained strong communication with the main office for check-ins and reports to parents

Resident Assistant

University of Wyoming Housing and Residence Life
08.2023 - 01.2025
  • Mentored first-year students as a Cowboy Coach, providing feedback and supporting academic and personal growth.
  • Organized and led community-building events for 10–1,500 residents, collaborating with fellow RAs and campus partners.
  • Managed the Outdoor Recreation residence hall floor by budgeting, planning, and leading trips and events with the UW Outdoor Program.
  • Enforced housing policies and mediated interpersonal conflicts to maintain a safe and respectful living environment.
  • Built an inclusive, engaging community where residents felt welcomed and encouraged to participate in floor activities.

Shift Supervisor

Haagen Dazs
05.2021 - 08.2024
  • Mentored and trained new staff members while overseeing daily shift operations.
  • Delivered excellent customer service by greeting guests, recommending flavors, and achieving a 60% upselling rate.
  • Managed cash register operations, including opening/closing procedures and accurate drawer balancing.
  • Ensured a positive customer experience and upheld the Häagen-Dazs brand image through professionalism and service quality.

Restaurant Busser

Gun Barrel Steak and Game House
06.2021 - 07.2024

Winter Activities Attendant

Snow King Mountain
11.2020 - 02.2021
  • Facilitated daily activities like tubing and lift operations for guests, ensuring high levels of engagement and satisfaction.

Summer Camp Counselor

Teton County Parks and Recreation
06.2019 - 08.2020
  • Cared for a group of 30 children, 50 hours a week, ages 5-12 over the summer
  • Collaborated with fellow counselors to plan day activities throughout Grand Teton National Park and local locations
  • Facilitated a fun and inclusive environment while ensuring the children's safety and challenging them to build their confidence
  • Dealt with camper conflicts and resolved issues that arose with behavior or other campers

Education

Bachelor of Science - Outdoor Recreation and Tourism Management

University of Wyoming
05.2026

Skills

  • Effective team leadership
  • Equipment servicing and upkeep
  • Proficient time management
  • Environmental stewardship
  • Event coordination
  • Budget management
  • Physical fitness
  • Navigation expertise
  • Experienced frontcountry and backcountry chef
  • Risk Management & Safety Awareness

Accomplishments

Led a 42-day independent frontcountry and backcountry expedition through the Mountain West with six students (ages 17–19), managing a $6,500 budget while facilitating group dynamics, leadership development, and technical skills instruction.

Assisted in guiding multiple small groups up the Grand Teton with 4 successful summits.

Certification

  • Wilderness First Responder - Longleaf Wilderness Medicine (Exp. January 2027)
  • Basic First Aid and CPR - Longleaf Wilderness Medicine (Exp. January 2027)
  • Green Dot Student Bystander and Violence Prevention Training (August 2024)
  • P2 USHPA Paragliding Pilot (August 2023)
  • Wyoming State Seal of Biliteracy for Spanish (2022)
  • American Avalanche Institute Avalanche Level 1 (December 2020)

Languages

English
Native or Bilingual
Spanish
Limited Working

Field Experience and Engagement

Semester At Sea Study Abroad (January 2024 - April 2024):

  • Traveled by ship to 10 countries over three continents
  • Gained experience understanding different cultures through personal experience and academic study
  • Planned travel itineraries for small groups and solo

Wyoming Tourism Industry Familiarization Tour (October 2024)

  • Participated in a three-day two-night trip to Cody, Yellowstone, Jackson, Dubois
  • Networked with over 40 industry professionals in outdoor recreation, tourism, and hospitality

Brush Creek Ranch Tour (October 2024)

  • Toured the ranch facilities and learned about the management of luxury resorts and employment

Participated in the UW Outdoor Recreation Summit (May 2025)

Leadership

  • Manager and leader of the University of Wyoming Outdoor Recreation LLC (August 2023 - December 2024)
  • Captain of the University of Wyoming Climbing Club (August 2023-Current)
  • President of the University of Wyoming Club Racquetball Team (August 2023 - September 2025)

Timeline

Trip Leader

Wilderness Adventures
06.2025 - 08.2025

Founder & Owner of Small Business

Second Ascent Ropes
01.2025 - Current

Outdoor Program Staff

University of Wyoming Outdoor Program
11.2024 - Current

Resident Assistant

University of Wyoming Housing and Residence Life
08.2023 - 01.2025

Restaurant Busser

Gun Barrel Steak and Game House
06.2021 - 07.2024

Shift Supervisor

Haagen Dazs
05.2021 - 08.2024

Winter Activities Attendant

Snow King Mountain
11.2020 - 02.2021

Summer Camp Counselor

Teton County Parks and Recreation
06.2019 - 08.2020

Bachelor of Science - Outdoor Recreation and Tourism Management

University of Wyoming