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Get out of the office with these outdoor jobs

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The thought of spending eight hours a day indoors staring at a computer screen can fill many people with dread. Office work is quite hard to adapt to, and there is no training to help prepare you for that kind of environment. If you’re more comfortable in a more active role that gets you outdoors a bit more, then you’re not alone. Even those that work in an office would often prefer that kind of freedom!

Of course, the downside to any job working outdoors is the often temperamental weather. You need to be prepared for anything – rain, hail, cold, and heat. You may also find that many non-office-based roles are very physically demanding. You might need to maintain a good level of fitness and strength. You might also be at more risk of occupational injuries. If you’re really keen to get out of the office for good, why not look up one of these more active, outdoor roles?

Builder

As the population continues to rise at an alarming rate, the need for new offices, homes, and shopping centres will continue to grow too. You might think that this makes a job as a builder very lucrative and reliable. However, without current certification and training, you might not be offered the best jobs as a contractor. Training for the construction industry is varied and essential for most jobs, so get started, and then keep up-to-date.

You might also enjoy success as your own boss of your own business. Domestic jobs can include building extensions, fitting kitchens, or even helping out with a self-build house. Make sure you have a good team of contractors that you can rely on to help you out with the specialist tasks. Don’t forget – injuries are quite common, so always wear the correct safety gear, and perform full risk assessments.

Gardener

If you love tending to plants, then a job as a gardener might suit you. Many specialists are hired by local authorities to keep green spaces and parkland in good order. This might include some light building work, like repairing handrails or railings. The most important part of this job is safety. You are likely to be working around members of the public while they are enjoying the spaces you’re tending.

 

You may also need additional licenses and certification to operate the larger landscaping vehicles and equipment. If you enjoy designing landscapes and gardens, you might be able to go into business for yourself. Domestic gardens are often very small, but those that are large frequently become unmanageable for the homeowner. If you can tend the big gardens, and improve the design of the small ones, you might have a lucrative business.

Agriculture and Farming

Working large plots of land to rear animals or produce crops can be quite labour intensive. The hours can be very long during the summer and autumn but vastly reduced in the winter. This means you might struggle to find a permanent ‘employee’ position. However, if you own the land, chances are you’ll have plenty to keep yourself occupied during the winter time and all year round!

This kind of job works with the land in a healthy and environmentally conscious way. You might benefit from specific training and qualification in the areas that best apply to your business. The political and legal environment can change as often as the seasons. Keeping up with the latest developments and policies is essential. Income is rarely guaranteed so you may need a few sidelines to cover you if things aren’t going so well. These can be related, like selling frozen produce. You might be able to offer tours of your farm or even run a Bed and Breakfast.

Wildlife Protection

Many of these roles are voluntary, but there are many more that are paid. Some roles might be placed on National Trust properties, protecting the wildlife that lives on the estate. Other jobs are involved in protecting and rehabilitating injured wildlife from the countryside. The job will be varied, as you never know what you might encounter. Chances are you need to have a patient disposition and a resourceful approach!

There are some wild animals that you can’t legally handle without a registered permit. You must make sure all of your training is up to date as well. Most importantly, you need to know the correct way to handle each of the species you might encounter. Part of your job may involve disease prevention and control. This is essential for protecting the country’s wildlife and sometimes domestic animals too.

Refuse Management

This is one of the most important roles in any community. Without regular refuse collections, pests and bacteria can quickly take hold. This can be unhygienic and quite dangerous for residents, domestic pets, and wildlife. There is a lot more to refuse management than you think, so there maybe several job areas that interest you.

Refuse collection is something we’re all familiar with. The collectors and their unique vehicles pick up rubbish at the kerbside, in the park bins, and even at the recycling centre. This waste often needs to be sorted, compacted, and disposed of. This can be quite a long-winded process. It can sometimes be smelly, dirty, and hard work! However, many operators in this industry are rewarded well in pay and benefits.  

Fishing

This industry is quite heavily regulated and restricted at the moment. However, there are often opportunities in fishing that might interest someone who doesn’t mind the weather! Working on a boat is physically demanding and can become quite dangerous. Many people who are involved in fishing start off as a deckhand. The starting salary is often below the national average. But with some experience, you might be asked by your skipper to become a ‘mate.’ The responsibilities obviously increase, and you will be relied upon to make instant decisions and actions.

If you like more physically challenging roles, then get out of the office and try one of these careers. The starting requirements for each are not beyond a typical school leaver. Each of them offers a route to promotion and even movement into other career areas.

What will you choose to do outdoors? Let us know below

Career CamelGet out of the office with these outdoor jobs

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