7 Outdoor Tech Jobs for Those Who Want to Make a Difference

6 min read

Education & Career Trends: September 20

Curated by the Knowledge Team of  ICS Career GPS


The beauty of outdoor tech roles lies in their diversity, catering to a wide range of preferences and skill sets.

  • Excerpts are taken from an article published on makeuseof.com.

In the realm of tech careers, the conventional image often revolves around office settings or the flexibility of remote work arrangements. However, it’s essential to acknowledge the exciting realm of outdoor tech jobs, where field operations and active movement are integral to the role. What’s even more enticing is that some of these outdoor tech positions offer competitive salaries that can even surpass those of their indoor counterparts. So, if you thrive on physical activity and enjoy the idea of working in the great outdoors, exploring an outdoor tech job might be the perfect career move for you.

The beauty of outdoor tech roles lies in their diversity, catering to a wide range of preferences and skill sets. Whether you prefer working independently or thriving in a collaborative team environment, there’s likely an outdoor tech job that can align with your interests and expertise.

1. Tech Gadgets Reviewer

  • Tech gadget reviewers put new tech gadgets to the test and record their reviews about them so people can make better choices when buying gadgets.
  • If you desire to become a tech gadgets reviewer, your tasks will involve evaluating and commenting on various tech products ranging from smartphones to laptops and other tech hardware.
  • In your reviews, you will offer insights, viewpoints, and suggestions that help consumers make well-informed choices about their gadget purchases.
  • To make your review worthwhile, you must evaluate the performance, design, features, user-friendliness, and value for money of the gadgets.

2. Agricultural Engineer

  • As an agricultural engineer, your core responsibilities revolve around researching, developing, and testing various agricultural products to develop tech that will enhance agricultural practices.
  • If you appreciate a perfect combination of tradition and innovation, agricultural engineering will immensely appeal to you.
  • Most of your duties as an agricultural engineer will be outdoors, where you will set up essential equipment and conduct experiments to elevate the quality of crops and livestock.
  • Consequently, your role is a blend of scientific inquiries and hands-on implementation, contributing directly to advancing agricultural practices.

3. Remote Sensing Specialist

A Remote Sensing Specialist uses sensors to interpret data and decipher problems in urban planning, natural resource management, and climate prediction. This outdoor job allows you to work with cutting-edge technology, contribute to environmental monitoring, and provide valuable insights for decision-making.

But that’s not all. As a remote sensing specialist, you’re also equipped to:

  • Acquire satellite imagery, aerial photographs, and LiDAR data.
  • Process and interpret remote sensing data to extract meaningful information.
  • Utilize software tools to improve, manipulate, and analyse imagery.
  • Create 3D visualisation to depict spatial information accurately.
  • Foresee and model future environmental trends.

AI also makes the job of remote sensing specialists easier by providing new ways to fight climate change. If this career interests you, you can start your journey by familiarising yourself with Geospatial Sciences.

4. Environmental Data Analyst

  • As an environmental data analyst (EDA), your primary role involves collecting data from the environment and analysing it for a comprehensive understanding of climate change and pollution dynamics, among other things.
  • While EDAs can work alone, they can work with companies to grasp the intricacies of the natural environment, comprehend the implications of their interactions with it, and figure out how to mitigate the adverse effects of human interaction with the environment.
  • Alongside technical experience, you need an environmental science or Ecology-related discipline to qualify for this role.

5. Field Service Technician

  • If you love handling the installation, inspection, repair, and maintenance of tech systems across multiple industries, this is a perfect fit for you.
  • A field service technician is a skilled professional who works on outdoor equipment and machines.
  • The types of equipment you can work on depend on your expertise; you can work on medical equipment, farm maintenance systems, and telecommunication systems.
  • To become a field service technician in any given industry, all you have to do is undergo the technical training that is required for the role.

6. Drone Operator

As the drone industry becomes mainstream, many firms have found ways to utilise the data from drones, and consequently, there is an increase in the demand for drone operators. So, if you are familiar with Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV), becoming a drone operator is worth considering.

Aside from remote-piloting an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV), drone operators also:

  • Conduct pre-flight, in-flight, and post-flight UAV safety checks
  • Capture and assess data and footage from UAVs
  • Make sure flight routes and operations check out with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations

You may think piloting a UAV requires always working remotely, but this is not the case. Some UAVs require proximity with the operator, and this will require you to move with your drone occasionally.

7. Marine Data Analyst

  • A career in marine data would be the perfect fit if you are passionate about your environment and enjoy immersing yourself in deep waters for research.
  • As a marine data analyst, you’ll specialise in collecting, interpreting, and analysing data related to marine environments, including seas and oceans.
  • Similarly, you will break down complex data collected from buoys, satellites, research vessels, and underwater sensors.
  • To start as a marine data analyst, you need a Bachelor’s degree in Marine Science or any of its related fields.

Plenty of Outdoor Tech Jobs Are Available

If you love moving around while working, these field tech jobs are worth trying. Some offer as much job security and personal safety as indoor tech jobs, so you don’t have to worry.

Impressively, some of them even pay more than indoor tech jobs and require no coding or programming. You can always contribute more to the world with outdoor tech jobs.


Have you checked out yesterday’s blog yet

Nine Ways That AI Is Going to Triumph


(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in the article mentioned above are those of the author(s). They do not purport to reflect the opinions or views of ICS Career GPS or its staff.)

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