Outdoor Careers: A Few Choices for Those Who Love the Great Outdoors

Most of us can appreciate the outdoors. Millions of people each year travel to different national parks, recreation areas, even the local parks and forested areas outside the big cities to get in touch with nature. A few people, however, feel the desire and the drive to be out in the open on a full time basis. If you enjoy the outdoors, no matter what the conditions or weather, there are a number of career opportunities that highlight the ability to work outside the regular nine to five office. Here is a brief description of a few of the common and not so common jobs where working outside isn't just a perk, it's a job requirement.

Job # 1: Park Guide

Every year, thousands of tourists come to the different national and state parks in the United States to gain insight into the world around them, and to relax. If being in these areas, and sharing your knowledge and love of the natural world is something you enjoy, you might want to seriously consider becoming a park guide. This brand of employment is usually seasonal in nature, and may begin as a volunteer effort, but over time it can grow into a very rewarding career choice. Every day you'll be responsible for a lot of different activities, including answering questions about the natural area, maintaining the trails and facilities, and even pointing out the people the best way to see the natural wildlife that is all around them. Depending on your experience, training, and work ethic, the pay can range from minimum wage to about $15.00 per hour. While it might not be enough to support a family, for someone just starting out in their career, it makes a great starting point.

Job # 2: Nature Photographer

For this career choice, a few qualities are essential. The first, of course, is a love of photography. Other essential qualities are a love of nature, an eye for a great image, and a lot of patience. In order to get the shots that are needed, many nature photographers will sit in a blind for hours at a time until the animal or scene is just right to be captured on film. Besides getting to see the animals up close and personal, there is also the possibility of traveling to remote locations and seeing a good portion of the world, or the world up close in your neighborhood. Expenses for this career choice include such things as equipment and film, and possibly camouflage for the different blind set ups. Also, the pay is usually sporadic, depended mainly on the job or the assignment, but if the quality of the photography is good, there is a possibility of getting hundreds of dollars for one photograph.

Job # 3: Professional Hunter or Professional Fisherman

Many people who enjoy the outdoors also enjoy the occasional hunting trip or fishing trip. If this is the case for you, why note combine your two loves into a career? A quick look at the television guide will give you countless examples of avid hunters or fishermen that have made that leap from hunting on the weekends and a fishing vacation during the summer months to specials detailing all their tricks and hints. While obtaining a show of your own might not be in the cards, there are a number of opportunities where you can teach what you've learned to the next generation of outdoors sports enthusiasts.

Job # 4: Trail Blazer/Trail Maintenance

One of the most unsung heroes when it comes to the nation's national parks are those people who make sure the trails and natural areas remain accessible to the average hiker. Trail blazers are often hired on a seasonal basis to maintain and mark the various biking, hiking, even cross country ski trails that are frequented by various people. Performing this type of job can entail everything from clearing brush, to laying down gravel, to marking trails, to even re directing the trails away from sensitive ecological areas. Again, this is a great career for someone who can handle strenuous activity and long hours. But, being outside can bring a person great satisfaction.

These are just a few jobs that can give a person the satisfaction and joy of being outdoors. There are quite a few more options available, and a quick search through the internet or talking to a park ranger or another professional person may point you to some more possibilities. So if you enjoy the outdoors, consider turning your passion into a job.