Summer/short-term outdoor jobs: Surveyor assistant, conservation corps, botanical gardens.

Based on the analysis of the Reddit discussion (ID: 1kx50hr, Title: "Job where you walk a lot outdoors?"), for a 20-year-old, fit student seeking a summer or short-term job involving problem-solving, significant daily walking (10k+ steps), and outdoor work, the following insights are derived:

The student's preferences align well with roles that offer physical activity, outdoor engagement, and mental stimulation. Initial suggestions from the discussion, such as Surveyor's Assistant, AmeriCorps Conservation Corps, and working at an Arboretum or Botanical Gardens, are suitable starting points. A Tour Guide position was also suggested, offering outdoor activity and communication skill development, though it is more people-facing.

Hot Skills, Tools, and Qualifications:

• Skills:

  • Physical fitness and stamina.
  • Problem-solving abilities.
  • Adaptability and a quick learning aptitude.
  • Strong work ethic and reliability.
  • Communication and interpersonal skills (especially for roles like Tour Guide or public-facing park roles).
  • Basic navigational skills (for some outdoor roles).
  • Attention to detail (e.g., surveying, data collection).
  • Teamwork.

• Tools (Potential Exposure/Learning):

  • Surveying equipment (e.g., total stations, GPS rovers).
  • Hand tools for manual labor (e.g., shovels, rakes, saws in conservation or landscaping).
  • Gardening and horticultural tools.
  • Data collection instruments (for field research/technician roles).

• Qualifications:

  • Being a student (often a plus for seasonal/internship roles).
  • A driver's license can be beneficial for many outdoor jobs requiring travel to sites.
  • First Aid/CPR certification (a plus for many outdoor or guide roles).
  • No specific advanced degree is typically required for entry-level summer positions in these fields, but enthusiasm and a willingness to learn are key.

Possible Job Opportunities (including and expanding on initial suggestions):

1. Surveyor's Assistant: Assisting land surveyors with measurements, carrying equipment. Involves walking, outdoor work, and precision.
2. Conservation Corps Member (e.g., AmeriCorps): Trail building/maintenance, habitat restoration, invasive species removal. Involves extensive hiking and manual labor.
3. Arboretum/Botanical Garden Assistant: Groundskeeping, plant care, assisting with educational programs.
4. Tour Guide (Outdoor/Historical/Nature): Leading groups, sharing information, a lot of walking. Requires good communication skills.
5. Seasonal Park Ranger Assistant / Park Maintenance Worker: Assisting with park operations, trail maintenance, visitor services, light construction/repair.
6. Environmental Field Technician Assistant: Assisting with environmental sampling (water, soil, air), data collection, and site assessments.
7. Outdoor Adventure Guide Assistant (e.g., hiking, kayaking): Assisting lead guides with groups, equipment, and safety.
8. Landscaping or Groundskeeping Crew Member: For companies or institutions focusing on larger, more complex properties; may involve more than basic mowing.
9. Archaeological Field Technician Assistant: Assisting with site surveys, excavation, and artifact processing, often involving meticulous outdoor work and walking.
10. Forestry Aide/Technician Assistant: Supporting forestry professionals in timber cruising, forest inventory, or fire prevention activities.

Resume Submission Directions:

• Surveying/Engineering: Local land surveying firms, civil engineering companies, large construction companies with survey departments.
• Conservation/Environmental: AmeriCorps website, state-specific conservation corps programs, The Student Conservation Association (SCA), local environmental non-profits, state and national park services, environmental consulting firms.
• Horticulture/Gardens: Municipal parks and recreation departments, private arboretums and botanical gardens, universities with extensive grounds or botanical programs, larger landscaping companies.
• Tourism/Guiding: Local tourism boards, historical societies, museums with outdoor components, private tour companies, outdoor recreation outfitters.
• Parks & Recreation: National Park Service (NPS.gov, USAJobs.gov), state park systems (search individual state government job sites), county and city parks departments.
• Research/Fieldwork: University departments (e.g., Environmental Science, Biology, Geology, Anthropology/Archaeology) for assistant positions with faculty or graduate students, research institutions.

Expected Benefits:

• Physical: Significant improvement in physical fitness and easily meeting daily step goals.
• Skill Development:
  • Practical problem-solving in real-world scenarios.
  • Learning specific technical skills related to the chosen field (e.g., surveying techniques, conservation methods, plant identification, guiding strategies).
  • Enhanced teamwork, communication, and potentially leadership skills.
• Experience:
  • Valuable work experience in an outdoor setting, which can be a stepping stone to future careers in related fields.
  • Exposure to potential career paths.
  • Building a professional network.
• Personal Growth:
  • Increased environmental awareness and appreciation for the outdoors.
  • Development of resilience and adaptability through working in various conditions.
• Financial: Earning income through a summer or short-term job.
• Other: Some programs like AmeriCorps may offer an education award upon completion, which can be used for future studies.