Cooped Up? Get Uncooped.

So you're dying to work outdoors. Awesome! Here are some questions to ask yourself to help decide on what kind of outdoors job to pursue and a few tips that might help you land the job.

Questions

Do I need a lot of money? Generally, guides and camp counselors don't get paid very well. The other benefits, like being outside all the time, are fantastic, but time under the sun won't pay an extravagant mortgage. If you've got an expensive lifestyle, this might not be the route for you. Unless you're willing to change your ways. 

What do I love to do outside? Backpacking? Rock climbing? Canoeing? Rafting? If you  have a particular passion, consider specializing in it.

Do I like people? Some outdoor jobs require tons of face-to-face time. Others might require very little.

Can I combine being outdoors with another passion of mine? For example, fellow Uncooped member Stephen is in Antarctica with the British Geological Survey. Geologists seem to get to travel to interesting places. 

Tips and ideas

-Check out www.thesca.org for tons of outdoors-related internships. Housing and transportation to and from the work location is provided, plus a small stipend, and you can get money to help pay off student loans. Think of it as Americorps but outside.

-Whether you're looking to beef up your resume or simply want to share your knowledge of the outdoors, consider organizing a hike through your local outing club, place of worship, or community education program. Consider a themed hike: full moon, mushrooming, wild edible plants, birdwatching, tree identification, hidden waterfall(s), photography, nature journaling...

-Start small. Aspiring nature filmmakers, for example, could start by putting together short documentaries on something relating to local wildlife.

-Certifications - get 'em. Wilderness First Responder (WFR) is a great one to have, but it's on the pricey side at about $600 and ten solid days. Wilderness First Aid (WFA) is about $175 and two days long. Other certs to consider: ACA Canoe/Kayak Instructor, AMGA Single Pitch [climbing] Instructor, Wilderness Water Safety.

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