Professional... hiker?

[lisdol]

Originally Posted by Ambi

I worked for the Forest Service, and I was, for all intents and purposes, a "professional hiker." I hiked 5 miles or more per day through the forest, literally counting sticks to determine fuel loading for prescribed burns, and I loved it.

Check USAjobs.gov, my official job title was "Biological Science Technician." Granted there are many different types of Bio Science Techs for the Forest Service (and Park Service), but they often involve hiking and monitoring, whether for wildlife, plants, or fuel loading.

I was going to suggest the National Forest Service.

Also check any BLM jobs. They might have outdoors work as well.

[trlhiker]

Originally Posted by joe moving

Surely there must be some job for me? I just want to be outside all day hiking or something similar.

I checked out the national park service jobs, all of the ranger positions essentially require one to have previously been a police officer.

Check out my nick and let me know what you find.

[joe moving]

unfortunately i have no degree in anything. i have no experience as a police, firefighter or search and rescue, etc. i am joining volunteer fire and local SAR in hopes that experience there will help in the future (among other things). I checked NPS on usajobs, but I'll check BLM also.

[lisdol]

Don't forget that the National Forest Service is a different agency from NPS. Check them as well. Good luck!

[band_camp]

Xanterra..Forever Resorts.. Phantom Ranch..'outdoor adventure companies' Search all the parks on the NPS page. Pick the few you want to go to. And Then burn up the phone until you get answers.
Call any employment/ HR phone number. Call any number and ask for HR. Ask for the concessionaire of guest services in that park. If the person on the phone doesn't understand, then ask for the name of the company who runs the hotels and restaurants.
Search for jobs MAINTAINING THE TRAILS. Be prepared to take general labor job, maybe you will wait tables, maybe you will live in a dorm- but it will get you there and you can hike every day off if you want to.

[Arctic Frost]

If you're young and willing to move to states with lots of wilderness, think about land surveying. You can start off as a grunt with no expertise (if you can hold a rod and pound caps into the ground, your skilled). Not only will you get more hiking, camping and outdoors than you can stand but it's a career with a very long and profitable future if you decide you like it.

Start checking firms in February as they'll be setting up their summer field work. Be prepared to be laid off at fall until you get enough experience to move into the office for the winter work.