11 Outdoor Careers Jobs That Take You Out of the Office Print Image by Theresa Chiechi © The Balance 2019 By Dawn Rosenberg McKay Dawn Rosenberg McKay Dawn Rosenberg McKay is a certified Career Development Facilitator. Learn about our Editorial Process Updated on 06/25/19 Do you love being out in the fresh air? If the idea of being stuck inside at work for at least eight hours a day makes you want to cry, one of these outdoor careers could be right for you. There is a downside to working outside though. It sometimes means you are exposed to inclement weather or other uncomfortable conditions. Mason Masons use concrete blocks, bricks or natural stones to build structures like walkways, walls, and fences. You can train for this occupation by doing an apprenticeship that combines practical and classroom training. Median Annual Salary (2017): $42,900 Number of People Employed (2016): 292,500 Job Growth Compared to the Average for All Occupations (2016-2026): Faster Agricultural Manager Agricultural managers oversee the operation of farms, ranches, nurseries and similar businesses. They supervise workers who tend to daily tasks. Although they spend a lot of their time outdoors, agricultural managers also work in offices where they plan budgets, keep records, arrange for maintenance of equipment, and purchase supplies. Training often takes place on the job. Some agricultural managers have college degrees in agriculture. Median Annual Salary (2017): $69,620 Number of People Employed (2016): 1 Million Job Growth Compared to the Average for All Occupations (2016-2026): Little to No Change EMT and Paramedic EMTs and paramedics spend their days traveling in an ambulance to treat patients who are injured or have suddenly become ill. They must work wherever the event has occurred, which may be in someone's home, but could be on the side of a busy highway or somewhere else outdoors. To become an EMT you will have to do postsecondary training at a community college or technical institute and then become licensed by the state in which you want to work. You will need to earn an associate degree if you decide to become a paramedic. Median Annual Salary (2017): $33,380 Number of People Employed (2016): 248,000 Job Growth Compared to the Average for All Occupations (2016-2026): Much Faster Glazier Glaziers cut, fit, install, and repair glass in residential and commercial buildings. They often work outdoors, standing on scaffolds and ladders as they install windows and glass plates on buildings. This requires them to be strong and have good balance. You can train for this occupation by completing an apprenticeship. You may get hired by an employer who provides on-the-job training Median Annual Salary (2017): $42,580 Number of People Employed (2016): 50,100 Job Growth Compared to the Average for All Occupations (2016-2026): Faster Than the Average Conservationist Conservationists, also called soil and water conservationists or conservation scientists, look for ways to use natural resources that do not harm the environment. While they spend some time in offices, they must also work outdoors where they are exposed to inclement weather, poisonous plants, and stinging or biting insects. If you want to work in this field, you will have to get a bachelor's degree in environmental science, biology, forestry, agronomy or agricultural science. Median Annual Salary (2017): $61,480 Number of People Employed (2016): 22,300 Job Growth Compared to the Average for All Occupations (2016-2026): As Fast Construction or Building Inspector Construction and building inspectors make sure that new and existing construction meets federal and local codes, zoning regulations, and ordinances. They inspect houses, office buildings, roads, bridges, tunnels, and dams. Many of their tasks have them at worksites, but some involve tending to tasks in an office. You can often work as an inspector if you have work experience in the construction trades. If you don't have this type of background, you may be able to enter this field after taking courses in architecture or engineering or getting an associate degree in building inspection and construction technology. Median Annual Salary (2017): $59,090 Number of People Employed (2016): 105,100 Job Growth Compared to the Average for All Occupations (2016-2026): Faster Special Agent Special agents, also known as detectives, look for violations of laws. They gather evidence and interview victims, witnesses and suspects. Although they spend a lot of time behind a desk, their work also takes them outside as they investigate crime and accident scenes. The best way to become a special agent is to start your career as a police officer. While many law enforcement agencies accept job candidates who have just a high school diploma, others require at least some college coursework if not an associate or bachelor's degree. Median Annual Salary (2017): $79,970 Number of People Employed (2016): 110,900 Job Growth Compared to the Average for All Occupations (2016-2026): As Fast HVAC Technician HVAC technicians install, maintain or repair heating and cooling systems. Some people who work in this occupation specialize in one or the other system, and in either installation, maintenance, or repair. Work usually keeps HVAC technicians indoors, but some jobs take them outdoors where they may have to work in bad weather. If you want to become an HVAC technician, find an apprenticeship through a local union. Median Annual Salary (2017): $47,080 Number of People Employed (2016): 332,900 Job Growth Compared to the Average for All Occupations (2016-2026): Much Faster Television News Reporter Television news reporters investigate and report stories to viewers. Their work includes conducting interviews and observing events outdoors where they are frequently exposed to inclement weather. You will need to earn a bachelor's degree in journalism or mass communication if you want to work as a tv reporter. Some employers might hire you if you have a degree in another subject. Median Annual Salary (2017): $62,910 Number of People Employed (2016): 5,700 Job Growth Compared to the Average for All Occupations (2016-2026): Decline Hydrologist Hydrologists, who are experts in the earth's most basic resource, water, solve problems including flooding and drought. Their work takes them outdoors where they must wade into lakes and rivers to collect samples. They also spend some time in offices analyzing data on computers. While you might be able to find work as a hydrologist if you have a bachelor's degree, your chances are much better if you earn a master's degree in environmental science, engineering, or geoscience, with a concentration in hydrology. Median Annual Salary (2017): $79,990 Number of People Employed (2016): 6,700 Job Growth Compared to the Average for All Occupations (2016-2026): Faster Than the Average Assessor Assessors analyze the values of groups of homes to determine how much property tax owners have to pay. To evaluate properties, they conduct site visits. They spend a lot of time in the office as well. State assessor boards, or individual municipalities where a state board does not exist, typically set education and training requirements. Median Annual Salary (2017): $54,010 Number of People Employed (2016): 80,800 Job Growth Compared to the Average for All Occupations (2016-2026): Faster Than the Average