Ditch the Cubicle: 9 Jobs for People Who Love The Outdoors
Simply Hired Staff
Do you ever feel antsy when you’re in your office or cubicle too long? Perhaps that indoor corporate environment isn’t the best fit for you. If you thrive in an outdoor and more hands-on work environment, it can be difficult to establish a new career when the majority of opportunities are in office work.
Understanding a best-fit career takes an understanding of how you can set yourself up for success. As part of a series of posts to Simply Hired’s blog, we’ll be looking at a particular trait people possess and the jobs it prepares them for. In this post we’re focusing on people who enjoy being outside. If you get satisfaction from being surrounded by Mother Nature and have a particular interest in design, physical activity or science, perhaps one of these jobs is a good fit for you.
1. Landscape Designer, $54,000
Landscape designers are responsible for outdoor spaces such as parks, gardens or even backyards. Although this profession has similar responsibilities to landscape architecture, landscape design is a discipline that focuses on artfully bringing nature and culture together. Those with a green thumb and an artistic eye will do well as a landscape designer. These professionals work both in offices and on-site where their concepts will be implemented.
2. Photographer, $30,000
Photography is a profession where you can spend a lot of time outdoors. If you are a landscape photographer, wildlife photographer or even wedding photographer you have the opportunity to capture the beauty of the natural world with your camera lens. The benefit of this line of work is that you can choose your level of involvement, varying from part-time gig to full-time worker.
3. Camp Counselor, $44,000
A job as a camp counselor defies all types of traditional work methods. For example, you generally work with people half your age or younger. In this profession you have the pleasure of a varied environment and interaction with diverse set of people. It takes people skills, a knack for organization and planning and a lot of composure to excel at this job. Opportunities as a camp counselor can be part-time, seasonal or year-round.
4. Ski Instructor, $34,000
If you are skilled in skiing or other recreational sports, you can work as an instructor. In the particular case of ski instructor, you can work with people of all ages and varying levels of expertise. You also will find yourself surrounded by snow and the open mountain for a majority of your time on the job. People who love to ski, who can handle the physical activity required and who work well with people of all ages are great fits for this job.
5. Park Naturalist, $53,000
Park naturalists, also known as park rangers, are protectors of the wild. They preserve the natural integrity of parklands, from national to local. This is a particularly green occupation that requires maintenance, administration, communication and leadership skills. In addition to park upkeep, park naturalists protect both the natural environments in which they work as well as visitors.
6. Greenhouse Manager, $61,000
If you don’t find interacting with many people ideal, consider becoming a greenhouse manager. Those with a passion for horticulture and the care of plants will find this job particularly enjoyable. Responsibilities include the nurturing, maintenance, breeding, fertilizing and harvesting of plants. Although not truly an outdoor job, this role provides a workspace filled with plants.
7. Conservationist, $47,000
If you are an advocate for the protection of the Earth’s natural resources, environment and biodiversity, you may want to consider becoming a conservationist. These professionals work with landowners and organizations to examine natural resources and instruct others on how to minimize harm to the environment. Conservationists need physical endurance as they work in labs and outdoors.
8. Oceanographer, $70,000
Sail the seas and study of the ocean as an oceanographer. This line of work is all about the big blue. You can get your feet wet (literally) by exploring the ocean while on the lookout for atmospheric and hydrological changes. One perk is that as an oceanographer you aren’t tied to any one industry because these professionals are employed by the oil and energy, green, construction sectors and more. You can also specialize in several subcategories, which brings us to the last occupation…
9. Marine Biologist, $46,000
Marine biology is a particularly cool field, great for individuals who take interest in underwater life. People in this occupation perform a variety of research tasks on the deep blue sea. Much of the time marine biologists spend in the field is focused around gathering data through observing plant populations and wildlife interactions that take place in the sea. A passion for marine life makes this career a great option for those who desire to work outdoors.
All salaries via Simply Hired’s salary estimator.
