[{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org","@type":"BlogPosting","mentions":[{"@type":"Thing","name":"wiki-zoologist-r","sameAs":["https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Zoologist","kg:\/g\/120qdh72","https:\/\/www.wikidata.org\/wiki\/Q350979"],"@id":"https:\/\/www.wikidata.org\/wiki\/Q350979"},{"@type":"Thing","name":"wiki-geologist-r","sameAs":["kg:\/m\/036n1","https:\/\/www.wikidata.org\/wiki\/Q520549","https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Geologist"],"@id":"https:\/\/www.wikidata.org\/wiki\/Q520549"},{"@type":"Thing","name":"wiki-timber-harvesting","sameAs":["https:\/\/www.wikidata.org\/wiki\/Q845249","https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Logging","kg:\/m\/0hv6w"],"@id":"https:\/\/www.wikidata.org\/wiki\/Q845249"},{"@type":"Thing","name":"wiki-park-ranger-r","sameAs":["https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Park_ranger","kg:\/g\/155q59p8","https:\/\/www.wikidata.org\/wiki\/Q1479935"],"@id":"https:\/\/www.wikidata.org\/wiki\/Q1479935"},{"@type":"Thing","name":"wiki-landscape-architect-r","sameAs":["https:\/\/www.wikidata.org\/wiki\/Q2815948","https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Landscape_architect","kg:\/m\/0196s4"],"@id":"https:\/\/www.wikidata.org\/wiki\/Q2815948"},{"@type":"Thing","name":"wiki-marine-biologist-r","sameAs":["https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Marine_biologist","https:\/\/www.wikidata.org\/wiki\/Q3640160"],"@id":"https:\/\/www.wikidata.org\/wiki\/Q3640160"},{"@type":"Thing","name":"wiki-environmental-scientist-r","sameAs":["https:\/\/www.wikidata.org\/wiki\/Q16529590","https:\/\/www.bls.gov\/ooh\/life-physical-and-social-science\/environmental-scientists-and-specialists.htm","kg:\/g\/1q6j2x2sf"],"@id":"https:\/\/www.wikidata.org\/wiki\/Q16529590"},{"@type":"Thing","sameAs":["kg:\/m\/010f5kz9","https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Conservation_scientist","https:\/\/www.wikidata.org\/wiki\/Q17001827"],"name":"wiki-conservation-scientist-r","@id":"https:\/\/www.wikidata.org\/wiki\/Q17001827"},{"@type":"Thing","url":"https:\/\/www.wikidata.org\/wiki\/Q27146860","name":"wiki-geotechnical-engineer","@id":"https:\/\/www.wikidata.org\/wiki\/Q27146860"},{"@type":"Thing","url":"https:\/\/www.wikidata.org\/wiki\/Q116254310","name":"wiki-wildland-firefighter","@id":"https:\/\/www.wikidata.org\/wiki\/Q116254310"}],"mainEntityOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/jobbloghq.com\/career-blog\/exciting-jobs-working-outdoors\/"},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","url":"https:\/\/jobbloghq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/civil-engineer-2.jpg","name":"Exciting Jobs Working Outdoors","height":"960","width":"1440","@id":"https:\/\/jobbloghq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/civil-engineer-2.jpg"},"url":"https:\/\/jobbloghq.com\/career-blog\/exciting-jobs-working-outdoors\/","dateModified":"2024-09-18","name":"Exciting Jobs Working Outdoors","headline":"Exciting Jobs Working Outdoors","author":{"@type":"Person","url":"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/nicole-vesota\/","name":"Nicole Vestoa","sameAs":"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/nicole-vesota\/","@id":"https:\/\/jobbloghq.com\/author\/nicole-vesota\/"},"articleBody":"Looking for jobs in outdoors that align with your skills and interests? This article explores practical career paths beyond the office, from environmental science to adventure sports. Here, you\u2019ll find key information on necessary qualifications, potential salaries, and the fulfilling lifestyles these jobs offer workers. Whether you\u2019re a nature enthusiast, an adrenaline seeker, or a hands-on builder, read on to explore how an outdoor job can transform your workday into a breath of fresh air.\nKey Takeaways\nOutdoor-friendly careers in math and science, like environmental scientists, geologists, marine biologists, and geotechnical engineers, combine high-paying opportunities with the passion for the environment and offer a balance between fieldwork and scientific analysis.\nJobs that cater to the \u2018green thumb\u2019 such as landscape architects, farm workers, ranchers, and conservation scientists, not only allow individuals to work hands-on with nature but also play a crucial role in the sustainable management and enhancement of our natural land.\nAdventure-packed outdoor jobs, including roles such as wildland firefighters, park rangers, zoologists, wildlife biologists, and outdoor adventure instructors, offer dynamic work experiences for those seeking excitement and fulfillment in natural settings.\nOutdoor-Friendly Careers for Math and Science Lovers\nWhen you think of outdoor jobs, your mind might immediately leap to roles like construction worker or park ranger. But what if we told you that you can indulge your love for math and science while working in the great outdoors? Yes, outdoor-friendly careers for math and science lovers really do exist! From environmental scientists to geotechnical engineers to surveying technicians, these roles offer the opportunity to apply your scientific knowledge while enjoying the benefits of working outside.\nEnvironmental Scientist\nAs an environmental scientist, you have the unique opportunity to work alongside environmental engineers to:\nProtect our planet and human health\nClean up polluted areas\nAdvise policymakers on environmental issues\nWork with industries to reduce waste\nCompile and analyze environmental data from air, soil, water, and food\nIdentify and mitigate environmental threats\nYour mission is to make a positive impact on the environment and ensure a sustainable future by responsibly utilizing natural resources.\nA bachelor\u2019s degree in a natural science is a requisite to start your career in environmental science. Want to enhance your prospects even more? Consider a graduate program in environmental education or research, which can be for environmental organizations or conservation groups. The job outlook for this occupation is bright, with the US Bureau of Labor Statistics showing a 6% projected growth through 2032 . And the median annual salary? A cool $71,130. Not bad for a job where you get to work outdoors and make a difference in the world, right?\nYour expertise in environmental science can be applied in public policy and regulation, particularly within state and federal departments like the Department of Environmental Protection and the Environmental Protection Agency.\nGeologist\nA career as a geologist could be a perfect fit if you\u2019re fascinated by the earth and its history. By studying the composition, structure, and physical features of the earth\u2019s surface \u2013 and beyond \u2013 you can play a vital role in observing the earth\u2019s past, predicting its future, and understanding its present. Your tasks might include conducting field studies, analyzing aerial photographs, performing laboratory tests, and preparing scientific reports.\nTo become a geologist, you\u2019ll typically need at least a bachelor\u2019s degree for entry-level roles. For more advanced positions, many geologists possess a master\u2019s degree. So, if you\u2019re ready to combine your love for science with the thrill of working outdoors, why not consider a career as a geologist, starting with obtaining a bachelor\u2019s degree?\nMarine Biologist\nAs a marine biologist, you would spend your days:\nunraveling the mysteries of the ocean\nstudying a broad scope of aquatic organisms, from tiny plankton to massive whales\nconducting fieldwork, collecting data and specimens\nteaching about marine life\nassessing the impact of human activities on marine ecosystems health\ncontributing to the monitoring and management of marine populations\nThe best part? You get to make a difference in understanding and protecting our oceans.\nWith a career as a marine biologist, you\u2019re not just working outdoors; you\u2019re embarking on a thrilling adventure that takes you beneath the waves. If you\u2019re passionate about marine life and eager to make a difference, dive into a career as a marine biologist!\nGeotechnical Engineer\nIf the idea of working outdoors, getting your hands dirty, and contributing to the construction of the world\u2019s structures appeals to you, a career as a geotechnical engineer could be ideal. In this role, you\u2019ll:\nEvaluate soil to determine its appropriateness for foundational support\nParticipate in projects like tunnel, roadway, retaining wall, and earthen dam design\nConduct site assessments and laboratory tests\nDesign structures\nManage construction operations\nGenerate and present detailed reports\nDevelop solutions for managing and remediating contaminated sites\nConsider a career as a geotechnical engineer and make a difference in construction projects of all kinds.\nThe median annual wage for geotechnical engineers was around $65,672 in 2019, with a potential salary range from less than $54,203 to more than $73,898. Geotechnical engineers typically work a combination of office settings and outdoor construction sites, often working over 40 hours a week to meet project deadlines.\nThe demand for civil engineers, including geotechnical engineers, is projected to grow faster than the national average through 2032 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, thanks to population growth and the need to improve the United States\u2019 aging infrastructure.\nJobs for the Green Thumb\nDo you find peace and joy in working with plants and landscapes? If so, there\u2019s a world of outdoor jobs waiting for you. From landscape architects to conservation scientists, these \u201cgreen thumb\u201d careers offer the opportunity to connect with nature in a meaningful way. And the best part? These jobs aren\u2019t just for hobby gardeners \u2013 they\u2019re for anyone who\u2019s passionate about the environment and eager to make a difference. Some examples of outdoor jobs for plant and nature lovers include:\nLandscape architect\nHorticulturist\nArborist\nBotanist\nPark ranger\nEnvironmental scientist\nEcologist\nConservation biologist\nConsider exploring these outdoor careers if you have a love for plants and a desire to work in the great outdoors.\nLandscape Architect\nAs a landscape architect, you would spend your days:\nCreating outdoor spaces that are both aesthetically pleasing and functional\nDesigning everything from parks and gardens to green roofs\nMeeting with clients\nPreparing site plans and cost estimates\nSelecting materials\nAnalyzing environmental reports to ensure sustainability\nTo pursue a career in landscape architecture, you will need to obtain a bachelor\u2019s degree in landscape architecture as well as a state-issued license. These qualifications are necessary to practice as a professional landscape architect. If you\u2019ve always dreamed of combining your love for design with your passion for the outdoors, a career as a landscape architect could be the perfect fit.\nFarmer, Rancher, or Agricultural Manager\nThe role of a farmer or rancher, including other agricultural managers, goes beyond simply sowing seeds and reaping crops. As a farmer, rancher, or agricultural manager, you\u2019re responsible for overseeing livestock and crop production, maintaining farm facilities, determining product prices, and executing sales. You won\u2019t necessarily need a college degree, but you\u2019ll need a robust set of skills, including mechanical proficiency for using farm equipment, analytical skills, and a strong work ethic.\nWith a median annual wage of approximately $69,620, jobs in agriculture management can be as economically rewarding as they are fulfilling. While the data shows a projected job growth through 2026 of -1%, indicating a slight decline, farmers, ranchers, and agricultural managers still play a critical role in planning, coordinating, and carrying out operations on farms and agricultural facilities. If you love working with plants and animals and don\u2019t mind getting your hands dirty, a career in farming, ranching, or agriculture management might be right for you.\nConservation Scientist\nA career as a conservation scientist could be ideal if you\u2019re passionate about protecting the environment. As a conservation scientist, you can play a vital role in managing land quality, developing forestry plans, and implementing habitat protection measures to ensure environmental sustainability. With data showing a projected job growth of 8% through 2026, there\u2019s a steady demand for workers in this field.\nThe median annual pay for conservation scientists is on average $61,310, reflecting the importance of their work in land preservation and environment management. To become a conservation scientist, you\u2019ll need a bachelor\u2019s degree in forestry or a related field, establishing a strong foundation in sustainable land management.\nConsider a job in conservation science if you\u2019re eager to contribute to the well-being of our planet while working in the great outdoors.\nTimber Harvester\nIf you\u2019re someone who thrives in the great outdoors, a career in timber harvesting might be the perfect fit for you. This job lets you trade in the confines of an office for the fresh air of the forest, working hands-on in beautiful, natural environments. As a timber harvester, you\u2019ll be responsible for selecting and cutting down trees, processing them for transport, and managing forest areas to promote healthy growth.\nHarvesting timber combines physical activity with the satisfaction of helping manage and sustain healthy forests. If you enjoy problem-solving, working with your hands, and being surrounded by nature. This career offers both rewarding challenges and the chance to make a real impact on the environment.\nAdventure-Packed Outdoor Jobs\nCrave an adrenaline rush with your morning coffee? Dream of turning your love for adventure into a paycheck? Then buckle up, because adventure-packed outdoor careers, including the perfect outdoor job for you, are just the ticket! From wildland firefighters to outdoor adventures instructors, these exciting careers offer the chance to turn every workday into an adventure.\nWildland Firefighter\nA career as a wildland firefighter could be ideal if you\u2019re brave, fit, and prepared to take on challenges. Your mission? To fight forest fires in forests and other wildlands. This is no ordinary job. You\u2019ll need to perform under strenuous conditions such as smoke, high temperatures, shifting weather conditions, and steep terrain. You may also be responsible for driving fire vehicles and equipment to the scene.\nDon\u2019t expect to get rich in this job. The US Forest Service median pay, from entry level positions to maximum years of experience, is an average of $18 to $29 per hour. There is a growing movement to increase the pay rate for this job, and the forest service has an entire section of their website devoted to the latest updates in career news.\nBesides firefighting, you\u2019ll also work to prevent future fires. You can boost your chances of becoming a wildland firefighter by having prior experience as a volunteer firefighter, a degree in fire science, or EMT certification. If you\u2019re ready to put your courage and stamina to the test, perhaps a career as a wildland firefighter is right for you.\nPark Ranger\nIf you love the being outside and have a passion for educating others about it, a job as a park ranger could be your perfect match. As a park ranger, you get to:\nLead outdoor recreational activities, such as educational programs and guided tours for park visitors\nWork in beautiful natural settings\nProtect and preserve the environment\nEnforce park rules and regulations\nProvide information and assistance to park visitors\nTo become a park ranger, you\u2019ll typically need a minimum of a high school diploma or equivalent, along with some on-the-job training.\nWith a median pay of around $14.06 per hour, park rangers are paid to share their love of nature with the public. So, if you\u2019re passionate about parks and eager to inspire others to appreciate the great outdoors, a job as a park ranger could be your perfect match.\nZoologist or Wildlife Biologist\nA career as a zoologist or wildlife biologist could be the path for you if you\u2019re passionate about animals and enjoy an outdoor work environment. In this role, you\u2019ll:\nStudy a broad scope of animals, from tiny insects to large mammals\nBe involved in research projects\nSpend time in both offices and outdoor settings, studying animals in their natural habitats\nZoologists and wildlife biologists typically begin their careers with a bachelor\u2019s degree and may require a master\u2019s degree for higher-level positions. Leading research projects usually require a Ph.D. in zoology or wildlife biology. With an average annual salary of $70,600 and data showing positive job growth projections, a career as a zoologist or wildlife biologist is a rewarding way to combine your love of animals with your love of nature.\nAdventure Instructor\nBecoming an outdoor adventures instructor could be your dream occupation if you enjoy teaching others and sharing your passion for adventure. These employment opportunities offer a far from average work day for the most adventurous workers. Some of the activities you might consider guiding:\nhiking\nsea kayaking\nskiing\nhorseback riding\nhunting\nfishing trips\nYour primary role will be to create an enjoyable and safe outdoor experience for participants.\nAs an outdoor adventures instructor, you\u2019ll need to be well-versed in regulations and safety procedures, and possess strong communication skills. There may be some on the job training involved. You\u2019ll need the ability to develop coaching methods and lesson plans, and may also maintain certain types of equipment.\nIf you\u2019re ready to turn your love for adventure into a rewarding career, why not becoming an outdoor adventures instructor?\nConstruction and Trade Jobs\nIf you love building and creating with your hands, construction trades workers and trade jobs could be a perfect match for you. Are you drawn to the idea of seeing the physical results of your hard work? If you answered yes, then construction and trade jobs in the great outdoors could be a perfect match for you. From masons to survey technicians, these hands-on jobs offer the chance to apply practical skills in outdoor settings.\nMason\nThe work of a mason is likely behind any beautifully constructed wall or pathway you\u2019ve admired. Masons build and repair outdoor structures using a variety of materials and equipment, including bricks, concrete, and stones. To become a mason, you\u2019ll typically need a high school diploma and further training through an apprenticeship program.\nWith an average pay of approximately $23.63 per hour, masons are well-compensated for their skilled work. So, if you\u2019re ready to leave your mark on the world, why not consider a job as a mason?\nConstruction Trades Workers\nAs a construction laborer, you would play a pivotal role in building projects. Your responsibilities would include:\nPreparing construction sites and equipment\nLoading and unloading materials\nDigging trenches\nOperating and maintaining construction equipment and machinery\nAssisting skilled tradespeople such as electricians and carpenters\nThese tasks would involve working in various aspects of the construction process and contribute to the successful completion of projects.\nOn-the-job training is a hallmark of the construction laborer role, allowing you to learn a variety of construction skills without formal education. Workers may need a high school diploma to get started, but this can vary by role. As you gain experience, you may also learn specialized skills and equipment such as pouring concrete, setting up scaffolding, and installing piping systems.\nIf you\u2019re ready to roll up your sleeves and get to work, a job as a construction laborer could be right up your alley, especially considering the labor statistics in construction industries.\nSurveyor or Survey Technician\nA career as a surveyor or survey technician could be ideal if you have a keen eye for detail and a love for outdoor activities. In this role, you\u2019ll:\nMeasure the earth and its features for gathering data, including geographic data, used to create topographic maps\nBlend fieldwork with office tasks\nSpend long periods standing or walking in various weather conditions\nSurveying technicians typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, along with on-the-job training. Surveyors, on the other hand, require a bachelor\u2019s degree and a license. With an annual wage of $68,540 on average, a career as a surveyor can be both rewarding and lucrative.\nOther Outdoor Jobs\nGeotechnical and Environmental Drilling\nIndividuals who do geotechnical or environmental drilling could end up on a rig in the middle of the ocean, on an amphbious machine that travels in both land and water, or in a number of other environments and terrains that require their services. Every day might be different.\nDrilling operators work closely with geotechnical engineers to ensure they obtain the soil samples needed for each specfic project. Workers in this career field may also operate ground penetrating radar equipment to provide information needed for site assessments or locate structures underground in a non-destructive manner.\nIndividuals in this field can also move into the field of geotechnical engineering with the right education and experience.\nSeasonal Occupations\nIf you\u2019re interested in a job outside that\u2019s entry level, doesn\u2019t require a formal education, and offers employment that\u2019s not year round, consider applying for a job at an outdoor venue or attraction.\nThe following jobs are frequently hiring seasonal workers, and usually offer training for employment opportunities:\nGolf courses\nAmusement parks\nOutdoor concert venues\nZoos\nBotanical gardens\nBeaches\nFarms\nOutdoor equipment rental\nThe possibilities are endless! If you don\u2019t have a strict salary requirement or schedule in mind, check out a job at an outdoor venue near you.\nGovernment Jobs\nTake a look at your city, county, or state job board, and you\u2019ll likely find a slew of jobs that focus on working outside. These jobs also typically involve spending at least part of your time indoors, so they\u2019re great for workers who are interested in being outside some of the time, but not all of the time. You might be helping to maintain local sidewalks one day, and researching park signage the next. Some examples:\nWaste disposal\nSnow removal\nCity maintenance\nParks and recreation instructors\nPublic safety\nLifeguard\nMail carrier\nDNR (Department of Natural Resources)\nEmployment in government \u2013 whether local or national \u2013 typically comes with added benefits, too. So while the salary might not look like much, combined with benefits, it just may be the right fit for you.\nTips for Pursuing an Outdoor Career\nIf you\u2019re ready to chase an outdoor career, you might wonder where to begin. Here are some steps to get you started:\nNetwork with organizations like the Association of Outdoor Recreation and Education (AORE), which holds annual conferences with workshops and networking events.\nRefer to the Occupational Outlook Handbook for detailed descriptions of outdoor occupations, certification requirements, and job outlook.\nUtilize online resources like OutdoorIndustryJobs.com for job listings.\nCreate profiles on sites like Monster and sign up for job alerts.\nConsider getting a degree in an environment or science related field.\nKeep in mind that the pursuit of an outdoor career is an adventure itself. Embrace the journey and relish the ride!\nSummary\nIn conclusion, outdoor jobs offer a wide range of exciting opportunities for people from all walks of life. Whether you\u2019re a math and science lover, a green thumb, an adventure seeker, or a hands-on builder, there\u2019s an outdoor job that\u2019s perfect for you. From environmental scientists to adventure instructors, these jobs not only offer workers the chance to work in nature, but also the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the world. So why wait? It\u2019s time to step outside the office, breathe in the fresh air, and embark on a rewarding career in the great outdoors!\nFrequently Asked Questions\nWhat are some of the top-paying outdoor jobs for math and science lovers?\nIf you\u2019re a math and science lover, consider exploring top-paying outdoor jobs like environmental scientist, geologist, marine biologist, or geotechnical engineer. These occupations offer opportunities to work in natural environments and apply scientific knowledge to real-world challenges.\nWhat jobs are available for people who love working with plants and landscapes?\nIf you love working with plants and landscapes, job options include landscape architects, farm workers, ranchers, agricultural managers, or conservation scientists, to name a few. These jobs offer employment opportunities to work closely with nature and make a positive impact.\nAre there adventure-packed jobs that offer exciting and active outdoor career options?\nAbsolutely, adventure-packed outdoor jobs such as wildland firefighting, park ranging, and wildlife biology offer exciting and active career options for workers who love being adventurous and spending time outside.\nWhat types of construction and trade jobs can be done outside?\nYou could consider roles like masons, construction laborers, and surveyors or survey technicians if you\u2019re looking for construction and trade jobs that can be done outdoors. These roles offer a great opportunity to work outside and enjoy nature.\nHow can I start pursuing an outdoor career?\nStart by networking with organizations like the Association of Outdoor Recreation and Education and utilizing online employment resources like OutdoorIndustryJobs.com for job listings. 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