Outdoor jobs mean fresh air, hard work, and a good income. From the professional driver to the construction worker, learning a new trade means getting a paycheck again.
Finding a job is tough when so many people are looking for work, and it seems no one is exempt from getting laid off. Nevertheless, more people than ever before are pounding the pavement looking for steady employment. With summer fast approaching, high school and college students will be filling out applications to join the labor force.
Outdoor Jobs are Here to Stay
There are hundreds of outdoor jobs that have to stay filled year-round. Whether it’s a road maintenance crew, oil rig worker, bridge-builder, or the septic-system plumber, the jobs listed here are not likely to disappear anytime soon.
- Construction and Demolition –
Although it’s tough to get financed during a recession, new homes and businesses are still popping up everywhere. Many homeowners are opting to restore old houses instead of moving. Old buildings that have outlived their usefulness have to be torn down to do new projects. From brick-layers to roofers, construction companies depend on reliable crews, sometimes working one job for months at a time.
- Auto Mechanic –
Car sales may be at an all-time low, but those vehicles on the road will, at some point, need repair. As a result, many vehicle owners opt to keep current models a few years longer. It means auto mechanics, auto parts stores, and tire companies will see a rise in business and employment.
- Transportation –
Local and long-distance truck drivers earn respectable incomes. Over-the-road (OTR) truck driving is exciting to see the country. The same can be said for commercial bus drivers and charter bus drivers. Cab drivers, limousine drivers, and special-needs transport drivers are always in demand for those who don’t mind flexible routes and driving around town all day.
- Commercial Fishing –
Crew members work long hours in all kinds of weather. So whether you’re net-fishing or assisting tour groups out for a day of deep-sea fun, Fishing is a terrific way to work and play.
- Heavy Equipment Operator –
Land clearing crews work long, hard hours all year long, especially in southern states. The work is dirty, but the pay is worth it.
- Cable and Power Line Installation –
These jobs pay well for those who don’t mind doing line repair work after a storm or in the cold. In addition, crews from neighboring states are often dispatched to help hard-hit areas after snowstorms or hurricanes.
- Tree Logger –
Cutting trees and loading trucks is only part of the job. Conservation practices include planting new trees to avoid strip-mining and land erosion.
- Forestry and Wildlife Rangers –
Forestry applicants who want to become certified foresters must take college-level courses. Forest Rangers are responsible for protecting wildlife and natural resources and monitoring campgrounds.
- Landscaping –
Professional landscaping companies contract with clients to design and maintain popular resorts, private citizens, and public buildings.
Some of the things you’ll find at tourist attractions are ski lodges, campgrounds, tourist attractions, and dude ranches. There are many more seasonal and non-seasonal jobs in these popular spots. Check your area to see what’s available.
Outdoor Job Training and Requirements
Individuals applying for outdoor work should be physically and emotionally fit. Of course, some job positions are more physically demanding than others, but even the costumed characters in Disney World have to endure long periods on their feet while working in the summer heat.
Expect more than just routine reference calls and background checks when applying for specific outdoor jobs. For example, some employers require fingerprinting and sterling police records. So it makes sense to research the job description beforehand to know what you’re getting into.
Schooling depends on the scope of the work involved. Indeed, power companies and auto mechanics receive months of specialized training in their respective fields, but entry-level and field-training positions are available. In addition, some businesses pay for new employee training courses if they are convinced an applicant is worth the money and effort.
There are jobs for individuals who desire to work outside. The applicant must be eager to learn. In addition, applicants should be physically and mentally fit for the work they seek and have a clean work record. Attitude is everything in any career field, including office work or cutting trees in the woods. Finding the right outdoor job requires investigating job requirements, but the pay is well worth the effort for those who do their homework.
