By skyforbes 
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Working in the outdoors doesn’t necessarily mean you have to work in the mountains or in some secluded area 2 hours drive from the city. Getting a good career doesn’t mean you have to work in the office too.
There are a lot of outdoor careers out there that allows you to work outside the office. Some of them pay quite well too. It also doesn’t mean you have to guide an expedition to climb up Mount Everest (eventhough that would be a pretty cool job).
Here are 28 of the best jobs for you great outdoor lovers.
28 of The Best Outdoor Jobs
Outdoor Job #1: Tree Trimmers and Pruners
Other names for this job might include Arborist, Brush Clearing Laborer, Climber, Crane Operator and Diagnostician. Click here to know everything about Tree Trimers and Pruners.
How often do they work outdoors?
Tree trimmers said 97% of the time they work outdoors.
Tree Trimmers and Pruners use sophisticated climbing and rigging techniques to cut away dead or excess branches from trees or shrubs to maintain right-of-way for roads, sidewalks, or utilities, or to improve appearance, health, and value of tree. Prune or treat trees or shrubs using handsaws, hand pruners, clippers, and power pruners. Works off the ground in the tree canopy and may use truck-mounted lifts.
- Supervise others engaged in tree trimming work and train lower-level employees.
- Operate boom trucks, loaders, stump chippers, brush chippers, tractors, power saws, trucks, sprayers, and other equipment and tools.
- Climb trees, using climbing hooks and belts, or climb ladders to gain access to work areas.
- Clean, sharpen, and lubricate tools and equipment.
The highest paying tree trimmers make between $44,070 to $55,700 per year.
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Outdoor Job #2: Farm and Ranch Managers
Other names for this job might include Accredited Farm Manager (AFM), Agricultural Crop Farm Manager, Agriculture Manager, Animal Husbandry Manager and Apiarist. Click here to know everything about Farm and Ranch Managers.
Find a college to become a farm manager here
How often do they work outdoors?
Farm managers said 92% of the time they work outdoors.
Farm Managers plan, direct, or coordinate the management or operation of farms, ranches, greenhouses, aquacultural operations, nurseries, timber tracts, or other agricultural establishments. May hire, train, or supervise farm workers or contract for services to carry out the day-to-day activities of the managed operation. May engage in or supervise planting, cultivating, harvesting, financial, or marketing activities.
- Inspect orchards or fields to determine crop maturity or condition or to detect disease or insect infestation.
- Direct crop production operations, such as planning, tilling, planting, fertilizing, cultivating, spraying, or harvesting.
- Monitor activities such as irrigation, chemical application, harvesting, milking, breeding, or grading to ensure adherence to safety regulations or standards.
- Plan crop activities based on factors such as crop maturity or weather conditions.
The highest paying farm managers make between $83,360 to $113,140 per year.
Outdoor Job #3: Fish and Game Wardens
Other names for this job might include Conservation Enforcement Officer, Conservation Officer, District Wildlife Manager and Wildlife Warden. Click here to know everything about Fish and Game Wardens.
Find a college to become a wildlife warden here
How often do they work outdoors?
Fish and game wardens said 91% of the time they work outdoors.
They patrol assigned area to prevent fish and game law violations. Investigate reports of damage to crops or property by wildlife. Compile biological data.
- Patrol assigned areas by car, boat, airplane, horse, or on foot to enforce game, fish, or boating laws or to manage wildlife programs, lakes, or land.
- Compile and present evidence for court actions.
- Investigate hunting accidents or reports of fish or game law violations.
- Protect and preserve native wildlife, plants, or ecosystems.
The highest paying fish and game wardens make between $64,870 to $76,510 per year.
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Outdoor Job #4: Surveying Technicians
Other names for this job might include Assistant Surveyor, CAD Technician, Chain Carrier and C Level Crew Chief. Click here to know everything about Surveying Technicians.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=videoseries
How often do they work outdoors?
Surveying technicians said 86% of the time they work outdoors.
They adjust and operate surveying instruments, such as the theodolite and electronic distance-measuring equipment, and compile notes, make sketches and enter data into computers.
- Adjust and operate surveying instruments such as prisms, theodolites, and electronic distance-measuring equipment.
- Perform calculations to determine earth curvature corrections, atmospheric impacts on measurements, traverse closures and adjustments, azimuths, level runs, and placement of markers.
- Record survey measurements and descriptive data using notes, drawings, sketches, and inked tracings.
- Search for section corners, property irons, and survey points.
The highest paying surveying technicians make between $54,500 to $68,160 per year.
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Outdoor Job #5: Emergency Medical Technicians
Other names for this job might include Ambulance Driver, EMT and Emergency Room Technician. Click here to know everything about Emergency Medical Technicians.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=videoseries
Find a college to become an EMT here
How often do they work outdoors?
EMTs said 85% of the time they work outdoors.
They assess injuries, administer emergency medical care, and extricate trapped individuals. Transport injured or sick persons to medical facilities.
- Administer first aid treatment or life support care to sick or injured persons in prehospital settings.
- Operate equipment, such as electrocardiograms (EKGs), external defibrillators, or bag valve mask resuscitators, in advanced life support environments.
- Perform emergency diagnostic and treatment procedures, such as stomach suction, airway management, or heart monitoring, during ambulance ride.
- Observe, record, and report to physician the patient’s condition or injury, the treatment provided, and reactions to drugs or treatment.
The highest paying emergency medical technicians make between $42,150 to $55,110 per year.
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Outdoor Job #7: Police Patrol Officers
Other names for this job might include Accident Prevention Squad Police Officer, Alcohol Law Enforcement Agent, Animal Cop and Border Guard. Click here to know everything about Police Patrol Officers.
How often do they work outdoors?
Police patrol officers said 77% of the time they work outdoors.
They patrol assigned area to enforce laws and ordinances, regulate traffic, control crowds, prevent crime, and arrest violators.
- Provide for public safety by maintaining order, responding to emergencies, protecting people and property, enforcing motor vehicle and criminal laws, and promoting good community relations.
- Record facts to prepare reports that document incidents and activities.
- Monitor, note, report, and investigate suspicious persons and situations, safety hazards, and unusual or illegal activity in patrol area.
- Identify, pursue, and arrest suspects and perpetrators of criminal acts.
The highest paying police patrol officers make between $76,160 to $96,110 per year.
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Outdoor Job #8: Ship Pilots
Other names for this job might include Area Relief Pilot, Bar Pilot, Barge Pilot and Canal Driver. Click here to know everything about Ship Pilots.
How often do they work outdoors?
Ship pilots said 73% of the time they work outdoors.
They command ships to steer them into and out of harbors, estuaries, straits, or sounds, or on rivers, lakes, or bays. Must be licensed by U.S. Coast Guard with limitations indicating class and tonnage of vessels for which license is valid and route and waters that may be piloted.
- Set ships’ courses that avoid reefs, outlying shoals, or other hazards, using navigational aids, such as lighthouses or buoys.
- Direct courses and speeds of ships, based on specialized knowledge of local winds, weather, water depths, tides, currents, and hazards.
- Steer ships into or out of berths or signal tugboat captains to berth or unberth ships.
- Prevent ships under their navigational control from engaging in unsafe operations.
The highest paying ship pilots make between $104,440 to $134,950 per year.
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Outdoor Job #9: Surveyors
Other names for this job might include City Surveyor, County Surveyor, Engineering Technician and Geodesist. Click here to know everything about Surveyors.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=videoseries
Find a college to become a surveyor here
How often do they work outdoors?
Surveyors said 70% of the time they work outdoors.
They make exact measurements and determine property boundaries. Provide data relevant to the shape, contour, gravitation, location, elevation, or dimension of land or land features on or near the earth’s surface for engineering, mapmaking, mining, land evaluation, construction, and other purposes.
- Verify the accuracy of survey data including measurements and calculations conducted at survey sites.
- Calculate heights, depths, relative positions, property lines, and other characteristics of terrain.
- Search legal records, survey records, and land titles to obtain information about property boundaries in areas to be surveyed.
- Prepare and maintain sketches, maps, reports, and legal descriptions of surveys to describe, certify, and assume liability for work performed.
The highest paying surveyors make between $77,230 to $95,800 per year.
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Outdoor Job #10: Commercial Divers
Other names for this job might include Deep Sea Diver, Dive Superintendent, Dive Supervisor and Divemaster. Click here to know everything about Commercial Divers.
Find a college to become a commercial diver here
How often do they work outdoors?
Commercial divers said 67% of the time they work outdoors.
They work below surface of water, using scuba gear to inspect, repair, remove, or install equipment and structures. May use a variety of power and hand tools, such as drills, sledgehammers, torches, and welding equipment. May conduct tests or experiments, rig explosives, or photograph structures or marine life.
- Communicate with workers on the surface while underwater, using signal lines or telephones.
- Take appropriate safety precautions, such as monitoring dive lengths and depths and registering with authorities before diving expeditions begin.
- Check and maintain diving equipment, such as helmets, masks, air tanks, harnesses, or gauges.
- Descend into water with the aid of diver helpers, using scuba gear or diving suits.
The highest paying commercial divers make between $62,190 to $88,470 per year.
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Outdoor Job #12: Animal Trainers
Other names for this job might include Agility Instructor, Animal Handler, Bronc Breaker and Canine Service Teacher. Click here to know everything about Animal Trainers.
How often do they work outdoors?
Animal trainers said 64% of the time they work outdoors.
They train animals for riding, harness, security, performance, or obedience, or assisting persons with disabilities. Accustom animals to human voice and contact; and condition animals to respond to commands. Train animals according to prescribed standards for show or competition. May train animals to carry pack loads or work as part of pack team.
- Cue or signal animals during performances.
- Talk to or interact with animals to familiarize them to human voices or contact.
- Conduct training programs to develop or maintain desired animal behaviors for competition, entertainment, obedience, security, riding, or related purposes.
- Observe animals’ physical conditions to detect illness or unhealthy conditions requiring medical care.
The highest paying animal trainers make between $40,010 to $57,170 per year.
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Outdoor Job #14: Ship Engineers
Other names for this job might include Barge Engineer, Chief Engineer, Deck Engineer and Deckhand. Click here to know everything about Ship Engineers.
Find a college to become a ship engineer here
How often do they work outdoors?
Ship engineers said 60% of the time they work outdoors.
They supervise and coordinate activities of crew engaged in operating and maintaining engines, boilers, deck machinery, and electrical, sanitary, and refrigeration equipment aboard ship.
- Monitor the availability, use, or condition of lifesaving equipment or pollution preventatives to ensure that international regulations are followed.
- Monitor engine, machinery, or equipment indicators when vessels are underway and report abnormalities to appropriate shipboard staff.
- Maintain electrical power, heating, ventilation, refrigeration, water, or sewerage systems.
- Record orders for changes in ship speed or direction and note gauge readings or test data, such as revolutions per minute or voltage output, in engineering logs or bellbooks.
The highest paying ship engineers make between $98,120 to $132,990 per year.
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Outdoor Job #16: Environmental Specialists
Other names for this job might include Air Analyst, Air Pollution Auditor, Air Quality Technician and Asbestos Abatement Technician. Click here to know everything about Environmental Specialists.
Find a college to become an environmental specialist here
How often do they work outdoors?
Environmental specialists said 43% of the time they work outdoors.
They perform laboratory and field tests to monitor the environment and investigate sources of pollution, including those that affect health, under the direction of an environmental scientist, engineer, or other specialist. May collect samples of gases, soil, water, and other materials for testing.
- Collect samples of gases, soils, water, industrial wastewater, or asbestos products to conduct tests on pollutant levels or identify sources of pollution.
- Record test data and prepare reports, summaries, or charts that interpret test results.
- Develop or implement programs for monitoring of environmental pollution or radiation.
- Discuss test results and analyses with customers.
The highest paying environmental specialists make between $56,270 to $71,860 per year.
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Outdoor Job #17: Real Estate Appraisers
Other names for this job might include Appraiser, Bank Appraiser, Commercial Real Estate Appraiser and Residential Real Estate Appraiser. Click here to know everything about Real Estate Appraisers.
Find a college to become a real estate appraiser here
How often do they work outdoors?
Real estate appraisers said 40% of the time they work outdoors.
They appraise real property to determine its value for purchase, sales, investment, mortgage, or loan purposes.
- Compute final estimation of property values, taking into account such factors as depreciation, replacement costs, value comparisons of similar properties, and income potential.
- Prepare written reports that estimate property values, outline methods by which the estimations were made, and meet appraisal standards.
- Collect and analyze relevant data to identify real estate market trends.
- Inspect properties to evaluate construction, condition, special features, and functional design, and to take property measurements.
The highest paying real estate appraisers make between $73,680 to $97,080 per year.
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Outdoor Job #18: Park Naturalists
Other names for this job might include Department of Natural Resources Officer (DNR Officer), Education and Information Coordinator, Education Specialist and Environmental Educator. Click here to know everything about Park Naturalists.
Find a college to become a park naturalist here
How often do they work outdoors?
Park Naturalists said 37% of the time they work outdoors.
They plan, develop, and conduct programs to inform public of historical, natural, and scientific features of national, state, or local park.
- Provide visitor services, such as explaining regulations, answering visitor requests, needs and complaints, and providing information about the park and surrounding areas.
- Conduct field trips to point out scientific, historic, and natural features of parks, forests, historic sites or other attractions.
- Prepare and present illustrated lectures and interpretive talks about park features.
- Perform emergency duties to protect human life, government property, and natural features of park.
The highest paying park naturalists make between $76,140 to $91,830 per year.
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Outdoor Job #19: Foresters
Other names for this job might include Area Forester, Environmental Protection Forester, Extension Forester and Fire Prevention Forester. Click here to know everything about Foresters.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=videoseries
Find a college to become a forester here
How often do they work outdoors?
Foresters said 35% of the time they work outdoors.
They manage public and private forested lands for economic, recreational, and conservation purposes. May inventory the type, amount, and location of standing timber, appraise the timber’s worth, negotiate the purchase, and draw up contracts for procurement. May determine how to conserve wildlife habitats, creek beds, water quality, and soil stability, and how best to comply with environmental regulations. May devise plans for planting and growing new trees, monitor trees for healthy growth, and determine optimal harvesting schedules.
- Monitor contract compliance and results of forestry activities to assure adherence to government regulations.
- Establish short- and long-term plans for management of forest lands and forest resources.
- Supervise activities of other forestry workers.
- Choose and prepare sites for new trees, using controlled burning, bulldozers, or herbicides to clear weeds, brush, and logging debris.
The highest paying foresters make between $70,660 to $84,980 per year.
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Outdoor Job #21: Land Conservationists
Other names for this job might include Agriculture Consultant, Aquatic Ecologist, Habitat Restoration Technician and Botany Technician. Click here to know everything about Land Conservationists.
Find a college to become a land conservationist here
How often do they work outdoors?
Land conservationists said 24% of the time they work outdoors.
They plan or develop coordinated practices for soil erosion control, soil or water conservation, or sound land use.
- Implement soil or water management techniques, such as nutrient management, erosion control, buffers, or filter strips, in accordance with conservation plans.
- Monitor projects during or after construction to ensure projects conform to design specifications.
- Advise land users, such as farmers or ranchers, on plans, problems, or alternative conservation solutions.
- Visit areas affected by erosion problems to identify causes or determine solutions.
The highest paying land conservationists make between $76,140 to $91,830 per year.
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Outdoor Job #22: Morticians and Funeral Directors
Other names for this job might include Certified Mortician, Embalmer, Funeral Arrangement Director and Funeral Arranger. Click here to know everything about Morticians and Funeral Directors.
Find a college to become a mortician here
How often do they work outdoors?
Morticians said 23% of the time they work outdoors.
They perform various tasks to arrange and direct funeral services, such as coordinating transportation of body to mortuary, interviewing family or other authorized person to arrange details, selecting pallbearers, aiding with the selection of officials for religious rites, and providing transportation for mourners.
- Obtain information needed to complete legal documents, such as death certificates or burial permits.
- Oversee the preparation and care of the remains of people who have died.
- Consult with families or friends of the deceased to arrange funeral details, such as obituary notice wording, casket selection, or plans for services.
- Plan, schedule, or coordinate funerals, burials, or cremations, arranging details such as floral delivery or the time and place of services.
The highest paying morticians make between $63,550 to $82,010 per year.
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Outdoor Job #23: Agriculture Technicians
Other names for this job might include Agronomist, Agronomy Consultant, County Extension Agent and Crop Specialist. Click here to know everything about Agriculture Technicians.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=videoseries
Find a college to become an agriculture technician here
How often do they work outdoors?
Agriculture technicians said 22% of the time they work outdoors.
They apply geospatial technologies, including geographic information systems (GIS) and Global Positioning System (GPS), to agricultural production or management activities, such as pest scouting, site-specific pesticide application, yield mapping, or variable-rate irrigation. May use computers to develop or analyze maps or remote sensing images to compare physical topography with data on soils, fertilizer, pests, or weather.
- Collect information about soil or field attributes, yield data, or field boundaries, using field data recorders and basic geographic information systems (GIS).
- Create, layer, and analyze maps showing precision agricultural data, such as crop yields, soil characteristics, input applications, terrain, drainage patterns, or field management history.
- Document and maintain records of precision agriculture information.
- Divide agricultural fields into georeferenced zones, based on soil characteristics and production potentials.
The highest paying agriculture technicians make between $59,530 to $75,970 per year.
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Outdoor Job #24: Animal Control Workers
Other names for this job might include Animal Attendant, Animal Control Officer, Animal Control Specialist and Animal Cop. Click here to know everything about Animal Control Workers.
How often do they work outdoors?
Animal control workers said 54% of the time they work outdoors.
They handle animals for the purpose of investigations of mistreatment, or control of abandoned, dangerous, or unattended animals.
- Investigate reports of animal attacks or animal cruelty, interviewing witnesses, collecting evidence, and writing reports.
- Capture and remove stray, uncontrolled, or abused animals from undesirable conditions, using nets, nooses, or tranquilizer darts as necessary.
- Examine animals for injuries or malnutrition, and arrange for any necessary medical treatment.
- Remove captured animals from animal-control service vehicles and place animals in shelter cages or other enclosures.
The highest paying animal control workers make between $42,360 to $53,190 per year.
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Outdoor Job #25: Roofers
Other names for this job might include Aluminum Shingle Roofer, Applicator, Commercial Roofer and Composition Roofer. Click here to know everything about Roofers.
How often do they work outdoors?
Roofers said 98% of the time they work outdoors.
They cover roofs of structures with shingles, slate, asphalt, aluminum, wood, or related materials. May spray roofs, sidings, and walls with material to bind, seal, insulate, or soundproof sections of structures.
- Inspect problem roofs to determine the best repair procedures.
- Set up scaffolding to provide safe access to roofs.
- Align roofing materials with edges of roofs.
- Clean and maintain equipment.
The highest paying roofers make between $48,900 to $62,180 per year.
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Outdoor Job #26: Farm and Greenhouse Managers
Other names for this job might include Arboriculturist, Bonsai Culturist, Christmas Tree Farm Manager and Construction Manager. Click here to know everything about Farm and Greenhouse Managers.
Find a college to become a greenhouse manager here
How often do they work outdoors?
Greenhouse managers said 91% of the time they work outdoors.
They plan, organize, direct, control, and coordinate activities of workers engaged in propagating, cultivating, and harvesting horticultural specialties, such as trees, shrubs, flowers, mushrooms, and other plants.
- Manage nurseries that grow horticultural plants for sale to trade or retail customers, for display or exhibition, or for research.
- Identify plants as well as problems such as diseases, weeds, and insect pests.
- Tour work areas to observe work being done, to inspect crops, and to evaluate plant and soil conditions.
- Assign work schedules and duties to nursery or greenhouse staff, and supervise their work.
The highest paying roofers make between $48,900 to $62,180 per year.
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Outdoor Job #27: Logging Equipment Operators
Other names for this job might include Boom Operator, Buncher Operator, Chain Hooker and Chipper Operator. Click here to know everything about Logging Equipment Operators.
How often do they work outdoors?
Logging equipment operators said 84% of the time they work outdoors.
They drive logging tractor or wheeled vehicle equipped with one or more accessories such as bulldozer blade, frontal shear, grapple, logging arch, cable winches, hoisting rack, or crane boom, to fell tree; to skid, load, unload, or stack logs; or to pull stumps or clear brush.
- Inspect equipment for safety prior to use, and perform necessary basic maintenance tasks.
- Drive straight or articulated tractors equipped with accessories such as bulldozer blades, grapples, logging arches, cable winches, and crane booms, to skid, load, unload, or stack logs, pull stumps, or clear brush.
- Drive crawler or wheeled tractors to drag or transport logs from felling sites to log landing areas for processing and loading.
- Drive tractors for the purpose of building or repairing logging and skid roads.
The highest paying roofers make between $48,900 to $62,180 per year.
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Outdoor Job #28: Aquacultural Managers
Other names for this job might include Aquaculture Cooperative Marketing Director, Aquaculture Director, Aquaculture Farm Manager and Aquaculture Professor. Click here to know everything about Aquacultural Managers.
Find a college to become an aquaculture manager here
How often do they work outdoors?
Aquacultural managers said 68% of the time they work outdoors.
They direct and coordinate, through subordinate supervisory personnel, activities of workers engaged in fish hatchery production for corporations, cooperatives, or other owners.
- Grow fish and shellfish as cash crops or for release into freshwater or saltwater.
- Supervise and train aquaculture and fish hatchery support workers.
- Collect and record growth, production, and environmental data.
- Conduct and supervise stock examinations to identify diseases or parasites.
The highest paying aquacultural managers make between $83,360 to $113,140 per year.
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Additional resources to finding your outdoor dream job
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