7 Jobs That Allow You to Work Outdoors

Being cooped up in the office all day long isn’t for everyone. These jobs can provide you with a breath of fresh air – literally! – and most of all, they can combine your career with the chance to work outdoors.

1. Animal Care Worker

Can’t get enough of dogs, cats and all things furry and friendly?

If you’re considering an “animalistic” career, there’s a good chance you’ll be able to combine your indoor responsibilities with outdoor.

Most animal care jobs focus around health and welfare, so you’ll need to be prepared to study in one of these areas. If not, you could also take on a course that teaches you about animal maintenance in the way of grooming, handling or training.

Best if: You’re a caring person who wants to be involved with pets and animals!

2. Construction Worker

Gaining a qualification in construction can open up many career opportunities – and it means you’ll be predominantly working outdoors on construction sites.

Why become a construction worker?

Construction offers you the chance to develop a career that is truly hands on, with the chance to perfect your trade, see builds come together, work as part of a team and even develop your project management skills.

Common career paths can see you becoming a Domestic Builder, a Surveyor, a Civil Construction Worker, or a Site Manager.

Best if: You want to learn a trade and like working with your hands.

3. Tour Guide

Want a job that will take you far and wide, as well as into the outdoors?

For those who love being on the go, becoming a tour guide can be a fantastic job.

It can put you in touch with like-minded tourists and travellers, and give you the chance to learn about the histories and cultures associated with certain places – all while having lots of fun!

There’s also great flexibility in being a tour guide, with opportunities to set your own hours and work from a range of different locations, whether locally or around the world.

Best if: You have lots of energy, enjoy talking to people and love history and facts.

4. Journalist

You wouldn’t think it, but journalists often spend their time outdoors. They chase stories, conduct interviews and spend time ‘on site’ where stories might be taking place.

Journalism is an excellent career choice if you have a strong flair for writing engaging stories, and also want a combination of working inside and outside. Some journalists might spend more time indoors, whereas others (like sports journos) will often spend lots of time outdoors.

Best if: You’re a writer at heart who wants a fast-paced role that differs each day.

5. Environmental Worker

Ahhh, the environment. Endless opportunities for wonderful careers and staying in touch with nature.

Environmental studies can lead you down incredible career paths, most of which will have you working under the sun.

You can dive into horticulture, learn about landscaping and gardening, or become involved in various areas of environmental management and planning.

Best if: You have an interest in environmental management, engineering or science. Or simply want to work with plants, whether in a nursery, bush region or marine region.

6. Photographer

Photographers can also land themselves in the great outdoors.

If you enjoy exercising your artistic talents outside of the studio, becoming a wildlife, nature, sports, wedding or travel photographer might be right for you.

Photography can be competitive in terms of careers, but there is also excellent flexibility and many photographers often work freelance.

Best if: You have an eye for detail, a flair for the frame and can work independently.

7. Personal Trainer / Fitness Instructor

Let’s go, guys! Pump it! Use full range of motion! Gimme four more!

If these are words you’ve dreamed of shouting, becoming a personal trainer or fitness instructor could be your calling.

While you might have to put in some hours teaching at the gym, many personal trainers and fitness instructors also run courses outdoors – such as in parks or other ‘natural’ areas.

There are great opportunities to be your own boss as a fitness trainer, creating your own hours, setting your own rates and working with motivated fitness enthusiasts.

Best if: You have a strong desire to teach and motivate others through fitness.