15 Amazing Jobs For Those Outdoor Enthusiasts to Try Out
Growing up in the Midwest meant long summer days outside and lots of after-school sports. I loved being outside for work or play, but I always got into trouble for not changing out of my school clothes.
Being an outdoor-loving person has stayed with me into my adult years. Although I spend a lot of time indoors now to fulfill family needs, my love of the outdoors hasn’t changed.
For many, choosing employment that gets them outside is vital to their work-life balance.
If you love being outdoors and prefer to find work that allows you to indulge in nature and outdoor time as much as possible, enjoy this list of our favorite jobs that incorporate outdoor activities into salaried working positions.
1. Arborist
When I was little, my parents used to get a note from the Arbor Foundation every year, and I figured it was just a “save the trees” sort of notice. However, being an arborist is about more than just saving trees.
Arborists earn an average of $62,808 annually to cultivate and study wooded plants like trees and shrubs. They also trim and prune trees that may interfere with electrical lines or public sidewalks. They ensure trees and other plants get enough water, especially during drought conditions.
2. Surveyor
Surveyors have always fascinated me. The equipment they use seems sophisticated. And honestly, if they accidentally made my yard bigger than it actually is, I wouldn’t complain.
However, surveyors are responsible for outlining and setting property boundaries and reporting their findings to local housing authorities so that the price of properties that go up for sale is accurate. No one wants their neighbor’s fence to encroach on their property.
3. Geologist
Geologists make decent money studying rocks, minerals, and fossils in the Earth’s crust. They average $66,796 yearly to exploit their chemistry, physics, and biology expertise to observe different rock formations.
They also test different liquid, rock, mineral, and soil samples and document their findings to help design geological maps and charts.
4. Petroleum Engineer
If you thought crude oil extraction was just about the crew that runs the drill into the ground, you’d be wrong.Extracting gasoline, petroleum, and natural gas (among other chemicals) from crude oil takes a petroleum engineer.
Along with ensuring maximum production for profitability, a petroleum engineer also visits drilling sites to make sure crews are following proper extraction methods. Their average compensation is $96,592 a year for their work.
5. Landscape Architect
Being a landscape architect is about more than just placing plants and laying sod. As an architect, you’ll be in charge of the entire plan for your client. You’ll meet with them, design a layout for the space they have, check that it meets with their approval, sign off on the design, and oversee the execution of the design.
For the average $71,211 you’ll make yearly, you’ll also deal with cost estimates and finalize specifications to ensure an aesthetically pleasing and functional outcome for your client.
6. Marine Biologist
Marine biologists do not make millions, but they give purpose and life to the beautiful creatures that live in our oceans. Whether naming a new species or documenting whale migration patterns, marine biologists have their work cut out to study, monitor, and protect sea creatures and their habitats.
With all its variables, this critical job will net a marine biologist an average of $46,773 yearly. However, if you have a biology degree and want to specialize in a field that means something to the next generation, this is it.
7. Zoologist
Much like a marine biologist studies sea creatures, a zoologist studies land animals and other wildlife to learn abouthow they interact with the Earth they inhabit. Ecosystem studies are also a big part of their observational range.
With an average income of $62,290, you’ll get to research breeding and conservation data, monitor populations, and keep an eye on invasive species. You’ll need at least a bachelor’s degree for entry-level work and a doctorate if you want to lead an independent research team.
8. Hydrologist
As you might expect, a hydrologist studies how water moves across and through the Earth. You’ll study the impact of precipitation on rivers and groundwater while studying the atmospheric conditions that cause water to evaporate or find an ocean outlet.
Right now, hydrologists, who make around $79,370, are focusing on how water impacts its environment and how issues like climate change and drought affect water quality and quantity.
You’ll need at least a bachelor’s degree for this job, although many applicants acquire a master’s degree.
9. Agricultural Engineer
Far beyond working with the plants that go in the ground, agricultural engineers help solve problems with power supplies, machinery efficiency, and agricultural processes. These engineers often work in farming, food processing, or forestry. Sometimes, they focus on animal programs, paying attention to animal feed, housing, comfort, and productivity.
They may also study other areas like food packaging, production, and processing to get a better idea of how to utilize storage methods to help food last longer. With a bachelor’s degree in agricultural engineering or biological engineering, you can expect to earn at least $77,110.
10. Cartographer
As a cartographer, you use technology to update inadequate maps and mapping systems. To do their job properly, cartographers will often use ground surveys, reports, aerial photographs, and satellite image information to help them mark maps correctly.
To maximize your income potential and make at least $64,430, you’ll need a bachelor’s degree in cartography, geography, geomatics, or surveying.
11. Farmers and Ranchers
If you don’t know by now that farmers and ranchers make the world go around, turn off your phone and go outside. No matter what sort of farmer or rancher you are, the mere fact that you put food on others’ tables is enough to double the average salary they make of around $69,620.
Suppose you’re managing a farm or ranch. In that case, you’re responsible for maintaining the integrity of the farm equipment, including fencing, animal shelters, water containers, feed, and other areas of the farm or ranch.
12. Food Scientist
You’ll need at least a bachelor’s degree to work in food science, where scientists research ways to improve crop and animal production. Food scientists also look for ways to improve food processes, packaging, and delivery while working on sustainability issues and new food products.
To cover all the man hours you put in, the research you complete, and the reports you file, your employer will compensate you with a salary close to or more than $64,020.
13. Conservation Specialist
As a conservation specialist, you’ll manage the overall land quality of forests, parks, rangeland, and other natural resources. You’ll work with other government agencies to ensure the protection and conservation of precious habitats in compliance with government regulations.
To earn at least the median pay rate of $61,310 a year, you’ll need a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in forestry or a related field. You’ll also need to be good at negotiating both forest harvesting and land-use contracts. You’ll also be responsible for improving forestry land by collaborating with other organizations to protect the environment.
14. Solar Installer
If you’ve ever wanted to know more about solar power, become a solar installer. You’ll learn how to install and maintain solar photovoltaic systems on the roofs of homes and businesses. You’ll also be able to adequately assess rooftops before panel installation. You’ll be able to assemble and cut materials to fit the roofs you work with.
Because you’ll learn all the different elements of solar installation, including repairing damaged solar panels, you’ll earn an average of $62,622.
15. Astronomer
Possibly one of the highest-paying jobs that utilize the great outdoors, astronomers make a nice median salary of $105,680. You’ll need a Ph.D. for this job, but you’ll get to study the sky, planetary bodies, stars, galaxies, and other majestic celestial bodies. You’ll get to use huge and massively expensive telescopes and see further than most of the human population.
You may also study the technology, electronics, communication, and navigation instruments that allow humans to see stars millions of miles away.
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