Click to tweet: You don’t have to work in an office to get a good job
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.- Average Salary: $36,030 or $17.32 per hour
- Job demand: High
- Recommended education: No degree required
- Best personality for this job: The Builders personality
- Category: Building Maintenance
How often do they work outdoors?
Tree trimmers said 97% of the time they work outdoors.- 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.
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Oil, Gas and Mining Operators Pile-Driver OperatorsOutdoor 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.- Average Salary: $69,880 or $33.60 per hour
- Job demand: Low
- Recommended education: Bachelor’s Degree
- Best personality for this job: The Persuaders personality
- Category: Management
How often do they work outdoors?
Farm managers said 92% of the time they work outdoors.- 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.
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.- Average Salary: $54,970 or $26.43 per hour
- Job demand: Low
- Recommended education: Bachelor’s Degree
- Best personality for this job: The Builders personality
- Category: Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement
How often do they work outdoors?
Fish and game wardens said 91% of the time they work outdoors.- 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.
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Park Naturalists Environmental InspectorsOutdoor 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.- Average Salary: $44,800 or $21.54 per hour
- Job demand: Medium
- Recommended education: No degree required
- Best personality for this job: The Builders personality
- Category: Architecture and Engineering
How often do they work outdoors?
Surveying technicians said 86% of the time they work outdoors.- 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.
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Forest Conservationists Environmental TechniciansOutdoor 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.- Average Salary: $35,430 or $17.04 per hour
- Job demand: High
- Recommended education: Certificate
- Best personality for this job: The Helpers personality
- Category: Healthcare and Medical
How often do they work outdoors?
EMTs said 85% of the time they work outdoors.- 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.
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Municipal Firefighters SheriffsOutdoor Job #6: Airport Operations Managers
Other names for this job might include Airfield Manager, Airfield Services Officer, Airline Dispatcher and Airport Duty Manager. Click here to know everything about Airport Operations Managers.- Average Salary: $55,400 or $26.64 per hour
- Job demand: Low
- Recommended education: Bachelor’s degree
- Best personality for this job: The Persuaders personality
- Category: Transportation
How often do they work outdoors?
Airport operations managers said 77% of the time they work outdoors.- Implement airfield safety procedures to ensure a safe operating environment for personnel and aircraft operation.
- Assist in responding to aircraft and medical emergencies.
- Manage wildlife on and around airport grounds.
- Coordinate with agencies such as air traffic control, civil engineers, and command posts to ensure support of airfield management activities.
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Criminal Investigators Agricultural InspectorsOutdoor 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.- Average Salary: $61,270 or $29.45 per hour
- Job demand: Low
- Recommended education: No degree required
- Best personality for this job: The Builders personality
- Category: Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement
How often do they work outdoors?
Police patrol officers said 77% of the time they work outdoors.- 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.
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Police Detectives Criminal InvestigatorsOutdoor 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.- Average Salary: $83,150 or $39.98 per hour
- Job demand: Medium
- Recommended education: High school diploma
- Best personality for this job: The Builders personality
- Category: Transportation
How often do they work outdoors?
Ship pilots said 73% of the time they work outdoors.- 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.
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Ship, Boat and Barge Mates Airline PilotsOutdoor 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.- Average Salary: $61,880 or $29.75 per hour
- Job demand: Medium
- Recommended education: Bachelor’s degree
- Best personality for this job: The Builders personality
- Category: Architecture and Engineering
How often do they work outdoors?
Surveyors said 70% of the time they work outdoors.- 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.
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Geodetic Surveyors Land ConservationistsOutdoor 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.- Average Salary: $54,640 or $26.27 per hour
- Job demand: High
- Recommended education: Certificate
- Best personality for this job: The Builders personality
- Category: Trades and Services
How often do they work outdoors?
Commercial divers said 67% of the time they work outdoors.- 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.
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Electrical Line Technicians Ship EngineersOutdoor Job #11: Forest Firefighters
Other names for this job might include Fire Crew Specialist, Fire Fighter, Fire Technician and Engine Boss. Click here to know everything about Forest Firefighters.- Average Salary: $49,330 or $23.72 per hour
- Job demand: Low
- Recommended education: High school diploma
- Best personality for this job: The Builders personality
- Category: Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement
How often do they work outdoors?
Forest firefighters said 64% of the time they work outdoors.- Collaborate with other firefighters as a member of a firefighting crew.
- Extinguish flames and embers to suppress fires, using shovels or engine- or hand-driven water or chemical pumps.
- Test and maintain tools, equipment, jump gear, and parachutes to ensure readiness for fire suppression activities.
- Maintain contact with fire dispatchers at all times to notify them of the need for additional firefighters and supplies, or to detail any difficulties encountered.
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Explosives Workers Ship and Boat CaptainsOutdoor 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.- Average Salary: $33,600 or $16.15 per hour
- Job demand: High
- Recommended education: High school diploma
- Best personality for this job: The Builders personality
- Category: Personal Care and Service
How often do they work outdoors?
Animal trainers said 64% of the time they work outdoors.- 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.
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Animal Control WorkersOutdoor Job #13: Police Detectives
Other names for this job might include Law Enforcement Agent, Burglary Investigator, City Detective and Crime Scene Investigator. Click here to know everything about Police Detectives.- Average Salary: $79,620 or $38.28 per hour
- Job demand: Low
- Recommended education: High school diploma
- Best personality for this job: The Thinkers personality
- Category: Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement
How often do they work outdoors?
Police detectives said 61% of the time they work outdoors.- Provide testimony as a witness in court.
- Secure deceased body and obtain evidence from it, preventing bystanders from tampering with it prior to medical examiner’s arrival.
- Examine crime scenes to obtain clues and evidence, such as loose hairs, fibers, clothing, or weapons.
- Obtain evidence from suspects.
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Sheriffs Fire InvestigatorsOutdoor 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.- Average Salary: $78,970 or $37.97 per hour
- Job demand: Medium
- Recommended education: Certificate
- Best personality for this job: The Builders personality
- Category: Transportation
How often do they work outdoors?
Ship engineers said 60% of the time they work outdoors.- 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.
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Aircraft MechanicsOutdoor Job #15: Govt Property Inspectors
Other names for this job might include Adjustment Examiner, Admeasurer, Appraiser and Asset Manager. Click here to know everything about Govt Property Inspectors.- Average Salary: $69,180 or $33.26 per hour
- Job demand: Low
- Recommended education: Certificate
- Best personality for this job: The Organizers personality
- Category: Business and Finance
How often do they work outdoors?
Govt property inspectors said 56% of the time they work outdoors.- Prepare correspondence, reports of inspections or investigations or recommendations for action.
- Examine records, reports, or other documents to establish facts or detect discrepancies.
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Building Inspectors Agricultural InspectorsOutdoor 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.- Average Salary: $46,540 or $22.38 per hour
- Job demand: High
- Recommended education: Bachelor’s degree
- Best personality for this job: The Thinkers personality
- Category: Social Science and Humanities
How often do they work outdoors?
Environmental specialists said 43% of the time they work outdoors.- 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.
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Environmental Technicians Agriculture TechniciansOutdoor 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.- Average Salary: $58,400 or $28.08 per hour
- Job demand: Low
- Recommended education: Bachelor’s degree
- Best personality for this job: The Persuaders personality
- Category: Business and Finance
How often do they work outdoors?
Real estate appraisers said 40% of the time they work outdoors.- 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.
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Assessors Real Estate BrokersOutdoor 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.- Average Salary: $63,800 or $30.67 per hour
- Job demand: Low
- Recommended education: Bachelor’s degree
- Best personality for this job: The Helpers personality
- Category: Social Science and Humanities
How often do they work outdoors?
Park Naturalists said 37% of the time they work outdoors.- 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.
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Land Conservationists Range ManagersOutdoor 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.- Average Salary: $60,650 or $29.16 per hour
- Job demand: Low
- Recommended education: Bachelor’s degree
- Best personality for this job: The Builders personality
- Category: Social Science and Humanities
How often do they work outdoors?
Foresters said 35% of the time they work outdoors.- 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.
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Environmental Inspectors ZoologistsOutdoor Job #20: Geodetic Surveyors
Other names for this job might include Geodesist, Geodetic Advisor, Geodetic Computator and GIS Surveyor. Click here to know everything about Geodetic Surveyors.- Average Salary: $61,880 or $29.75 per hour
- Job demand: Medium
- Recommended education: Bachelor’s degree
- Best personality for this job: The Thinkers personality
- Category: Architecture and Engineering
How often do they work outdoors?
Geodetic surveyors said 33% of the time they work outdoors.- Calculate the exact horizontal and vertical position of points on the earth’s surface.
- Analyze control or survey data to ensure adherence to project specifications or land survey standards.
- Verify the mathematical correctness of newly collected survey data.
- Plan or direct the work of geodetic surveying staff, providing technical consultation as needed.
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Surveyors Environmental TechniciansOutdoor 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.- Average Salary: $63,880 or $30.67 per hour
- Job demand: Low
- Recommended education: Bachelor’s degree
- Best personality for this job: The Builders personality
- Category: Social Science and Humanities
How often do they work outdoors?
Land conservationists said 24% of the time they work outdoors.- 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.
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Range Managers Environmental ScientistsOutdoor 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.- Average Salary: $52,990 or $25.47 per hour
- Job demand: Medium
- Recommended education: Associate’s degree
- Best personality for this job: The Persuaders personality
- Category: Personal Care and Service
How often do they work outdoors?
Morticians said 23% of the time they work outdoors.- 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.
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Embalmers Police DetectivesOutdoor 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.- Average Salary: $48,360 or $23.25 per hour
- Job demand: Medium
- Recommended education: Bachelor’s degree
- Best personality for this job: The Builders personality
- Category: Social Science and Humanities
How often do they work outdoors?
Agriculture technicians said 22% of the time they work outdoors.- 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.
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Geological Test Technicians Forest ConservationistsOutdoor 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.- Average Salary: $35,330 or $16.98 per hour
- Job demand: Medium
- Recommended education: High school diploma
- Best personality for this job: The Builders personality
- Category: Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement
How often do they work outdoors?
Animal control workers said 54% of the time they work outdoors.- 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.
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Ambulance Drivers Licensing ExaminersOutdoor 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.- Average Salary: $40,630 or $19.54 per hour
- Job demand: Medium
- Recommended education: High school diploma
- Best personality for this job: The Builders personality
- Category: Construction and Extraction
How often do they work outdoors?
Roofers said 98% of the time they work outdoors.- 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.
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Cement and Concrete Finishers GlaziersOutdoor 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.- Average Salary: $69,880 or $33.60 per hour
- Job demand: Low
- Recommended education: Bachelor’s degree
- Best personality for this job: The Persuaders personality
- Category: Management
How often do they work outdoors?
Greenhouse managers said 91% of the time they work outdoors.- 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.
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Aquacultural Managers Forest ConservationistsOutdoor 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.- Average Salary: $36,930 or $17.76 per hour
- Job demand: Low
- Recommended education: No degree required
- Best personality for this job: The Builders personality
- Category: Agriculture, Fishing and Forestry
How often do they work outdoors?
Logging equipment operators said 84% of the time they work outdoors.- 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.
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Excavating Machine Operators FallersOutdoor 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.- Average Salary: $69,880 or $33.60 per hour
- Job demand: Low
- Recommended education: Bachelor’s degree
- Best personality for this job: The Persuaders personality
- Category: Management
How often do they work outdoors?
Aquacultural managers said 68% of the time they work outdoors.- 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.
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Food Scientists HydrologistsClick to tweet: Working outdoors > Working in an office
Click to tweet: Retweet if your dream is to work in the outdoors
Additional resources to finding your outdoor dream job
- American Fisheries Society
- American Mountain Guides Association
- Association of Outdoor Recreation and Education
- Ecojobs
- Outdoor Industry Jobs
- U.S. Forest Service