''Many people don't want to spend their workdays like Dilbert, trapped in a cubicle. They want to do more than get out from behind a desk. They want to get out of the building and work in the fresh air,'' says Laurence Shatkin, co-author of 175 Best Jobs Not Behind a Desk (JIST © 2007).
But in an information-based economy that depends so much on chair-bound workers to manipulate data all day, can you really find a good job outdoors?
Yes! The following are eight gigs that let outdoor-lovers get out from behind a desk, get their daily nature fix, and earn a good paycheck.'
Forest Fire Fighting and Prevention Supervisors
What gets them outdoors: evaluate size, location, and condition of forest fires to request and dispatch crews and position equipment; train workers in skills such as parachute jumping, fire suppression, and aerial observation; observe fires and crews from air to determine fire-fighting force requirements and to note changing conditions.
Annual earnings: $60,840
Freight and Cargo Inspectors
What gets them outdoors: inspect the handling, storage, and stowing of freight and cargos; measure heights and widths of loads to ensure they will pass over bridges or through tunnels on scheduled routes; inspect shipments to ensure that freight is securely braced and blocked.
Annual earnings: $49,490
Fish and Game Wardens
What gets them outdoors: patrol area to prevent fish and game law violations; investigate reports of damage to crops or property by wildlife; participate in search-and-rescue operations and firefighting efforts.
Annual earnings: $42,850
Park Naturalists
What gets them outdoors: conduct field trips to point out scientific, historic, and natural features of parks, forests, historic sites, and other attractions; take photographs and motion pictures for use in lectures and publications and to develop displays; survey park to determine conditions of fauna and flora.
Annual earnings: $53,350
Farmers and Ranchers
What gets them outdoors: monitor crops as they grow; select animals for market; maintain pastures or grazing lands; harvest crops, breed and raise stock such as cattle, poultry and honey bees; clean and disinfect buildings, yards, and equipment.
Annual earnings: $34,140
Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists
What gets them outdoors: study animals in their natural habitat, assessing effects of environment and industry on animals; oversee the care and distribution of zoo animals; organize and conduct experimental studies with live animals in controlled or natural surroundings.
Annual earnings: $52,050
Soil and Water Conversationalists
What gets them outdoors: visit areas affected by erosion problems to seek sources and solutions; plan and develop coordinated practices for soil erosion control, soil and water conservation, and sound land use; monitor projects during and after construction to ensure projects conform to design specifications.
Annual earnings: $53,350
Foresters
What gets them outdoors: inventory the type, amount, and location of standing timber; determine how to conserve wildlife habitats, creek beds, water quality, and soil stability; choose and prepare sites for new trees; perform inspections of forests and forest nurseries.
Annual earnings: $48,670
''Information from 175 Best Jobs Not Behind a Desk by Michael Farr and Laurence Shatkin, Ph.D.
