Dreaming of a job that lets you be one with nature?
Here’s a curated selection of high-paying jobs perfect for nature lovers. Perfect for those who’d rather spend their days under the open sky than in a cubicle.
What Makes a Good Job for Nature Lovers?
We looked for jobs that:
- Offer a majority of work time spent outdoors
- Connect directly to conservation or sustainability efforts
- Allow for frequent encounters with wildlife or natural scenery
- Involve varying terrain, not just an office setting
- Require specialized skills in fields like botany, geology, or marine biology
Best Jobs for Nature Lovers
While some of the roles we’re about to list do call for a college degree, a good chunk of them don’t. Yet, they still pay well. You can land a great job based on your skills and certifications—no four-year degree necessary.
Ready to explore? Let’s dive into our handpicked list of job ideas for Nature Lovers.
1. Environmental Compliance Inspector
Average salary: $58,047
An Environmental Compliance Inspector monitors and enforces laws to protect natural resources, also known as an Environmental Monitor.
Job duties:
- Inspect companies for environmental regulation compliance
- Collect soil, air, and water samples
- Evaluate permits and applications
- Write inspection reports
- Guide companies in environmental policy
Job requirements:
- Certification in environmental inspection
- Familiarity with federal and state environmental laws
- Good attention to detail
- Strong communication skills
- Physical stamina for fieldwork
2. Trail Builder
Average salary: $56,674
A Trail Builder constructs and maintains trails in natural settings like forests, mountains, and parks.
Job duties:
- Plan trail routes
- Clear vegetation and obstacles
- Build trail structures like bridges
- Maintain trail signage
- Ensure trail safety standards
Job requirements:
- Experience in construction or landscaping
- Skill with hand and power tools
- Good physical condition
- Knowledge of native plants and terrain
- Teamwork skills
3. Wilderness Guide
Average salary: $16/hour
A Wilderness Guide leads people on outdoor adventures, sometimes called an Adventure Guide or Outdoor Guide.
Job duties:
- Plan routes and itineraries
- Educate clients on safety
- Navigate through wilderness areas
- Set up camps
- Identify local flora and fauna
Job requirements:
- Wilderness First Responder Certification
- Navigation skills
- Strong leadership abilities
- Physical fitness
- Local ecosystem knowledge
4. Renewable Energy Technician
Average salary: $52,517
A Renewable Energy Technician installs and maintains renewable energy systems, also known as a Solar Technician or Wind Turbine Technician.
Job duties:
- Install renewable energy systems
- Conduct maintenance checks
- Troubleshoot system issues
- Calibrate equipment
- Monitor system performance
Job requirements:
- Technical certification in renewable energy or similar field
- Experience with electrical systems
- Ability to work at heights
- Manual dexterity
- Problem-solving skills
5. Weather Observer
Average salary: $44,000
A Weather Observer collects meteorological data for analysis and forecasting, sometimes known as a Meteorological Technician.
Job duties:
- Record weather conditions
- Maintain weather instruments
- Send data to forecasting teams
- Conduct routine observations
- Analyze basic weather trends
Job requirements:
- Meteorological Technician Certificate
- Basic computing skills
- Detail-oriented nature
- Good communication abilities
- Ability to work independently
6. Geological Field Technician
Average salary: $55,981
A Geological Field Technician collects rock and soil samples in the field, sometimes referred to as a Geotech.
Job duties:
- Collect rock and soil samples
- Map terrain features
- Conduct basic lab tests
- Maintain field equipment
- Record field observations
Job requirements:
- Some geology coursework or training
- Physical endurance
- Map reading skills
- Familiarity with GPS systems
- A knack for problem-solving
7. Naturalist Educator
Average salary: $44,851
A Naturalist Educator teaches people about nature and wildlife, often going by titles like Nature Guide or Conservation Educator.
Job duties:
- Lead outdoor educational programs
- Create nature-focused curricula
- Identify plants and animals
- Monitor local ecosystems
- Engage community in conservation
Job requirements:
- Bachelor’s in Environmental Science or related field
- Experience in public speaking
- Basic first aid certification
- Knowledge of local flora and fauna
8. Environmental Journalist
Average salary: $52,737
An Environmental Journalist reports on environmental issues and sustainability, also known as a Green Reporter.
Job duties:
- Research environmental topics
- Conduct interviews
- Write articles and reports
- Meet deadlines
- Stay updated on eco-news
Job requirements:
- Writing portfolio
- Familiarity with scientific jargon
- Quick adaptability to news cycles
- Curiosity and inquisitiveness about eco-issues
9. Arborist
Average salary: $52,137
An Arborist cares for and maintains trees, sometimes known as a Tree Surgeon.
Job duties:
- Prune tree branches
- Treat diseased trees
- Assess tree health
- Remove hazardous trees
- Plant new trees
Job requirements:
- Certified Arborist designation
- 1+ years of tree care experience
- Familiarity with tree species
- Physical stamina
- Basic knowledge of safety protocols
10. Cave Diver
Average salary: $63,529
A Cave Diver explores underwater caves, commonly a specialized type of Scuba Diver.
Job duties:
- Map cave systems
- Collect water samples
- Monitor cave conditions
- Maintain diving gear
- Report findings
Job requirements:
- Cave Diving Certification
- Advanced Scuba Diving experience
- First aid and CPR-certified
- Physical fitness
- Detail-oriented nature
11. Adventure Therapist
Average salary: $62,715
An Adventure Therapist uses outdoor activities to assist in mental health treatment.
Job duties:
- Plan therapy sessions
- Lead outdoor activities
- Evaluate patient progress
- Maintain therapy records
- Collaborate with healthcare team
Job requirements:
- Masters in Psychology or Counseling
- Licensed Therapist
- Outdoor leadership skills
- Basic first aid certified
- Good listening skills
12. Environmental Photographer
Average salary: $65,011
An Environmental Photographer captures images highlighting nature and environmental issues.
Job duties:
- Shoot photos
- Edit images
- Research subjects
- Select equipment
- Publish work
Job requirements:
- Portfolio of previous work
- Technical skills in photography
- Understanding of environmental issues
- Physical fitness
- Creativity in composition
13. Botanical Illustrator
Average salary: $59,140
A Botanical Illustrator creates detailed plant illustrations for scientific publications and educational materials.
Job duties:
- Sketch plants
- Color illustrations
- Research flora
- Collaborate with scientists
- Update artwork revisions
Job requirements:
- Portfolio with botanical art
- Basic botany knowledge
- Skill in digital and traditional media
- Attention to detail
See, There Are Careers for Nature Lovers!
From Weather Observer to Renewable Energy Technician, this roundup offers a dynamic array of career paths for nature enthusiasts.
What’s grabbing your attention? Tell us in the comments.