Job Ideas?

I would go with a biologist. There is always an opening for one out here. I would go with a masters in it. No idea what they do, but they do make some good money, I can tell you that much

Ya I have looked at a biologist a little bit and it seems like it would be a sweet job with good money... What do you think I would need to do to get a job like that (besides more schooling of course)? but are there some part time jobs or volunter things that i could do to up my chances of getting a job like that in the future??

Might want to look into being a Department Natural Resources Officer

Education
2 or 4-year degree in criminal justice

Duties,
* enforcing criminal laws, vehicle laws, drug laws, etc. in the State Parks.
* patrolling lakes and rivers to check boating safety equipment and watercraft registration
* enforcing the fish and wildlife laws (checking hunters, trappers, sport and commercial fishermen for licenses, fish & game size/possession limits, season dates and hours, etc.)
* enforcing timber buyers and forest products transportation laws; endangered species laws; snowmobile registration and operation laws; Federal fish & wildlife laws; commercial establishments (e.g fur buyers, taxidermists, fish markets) and Departmental (DNR) Administrative Rules & Regulations.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
2-year degree and 3 consecutive years of experience as a police officer with the same law enforcement agency or a 4-year degree

I looked into it back in the day, Only drawback would be you might be working when you want to be hunting.

I was in your same situation not too long ago but I came to a little different conclusion... It's just my opinion so take it with a grain of salt. I too love the outdoors and for the longest time struggled trying to determine what I could do with my life that would let me be outside and involved in the hunting community. I received some advice that changed the way I looked at things... I was told not to make work out of something you love because before long you might not love it anymore. I could totally see that being true in my case. That might not be true for you and I by no means like to be a negative Nancy or discourage people from reaching goals and having that dream outdoor job. But it's something to consider. Take for example owning an archery shop, (it's something I looked into) If you talk to a few archery shop owners I bet they'll say they hardly have time to enjoy archery or bowhunting. Hunting season is a busy time for archery shops and being busy at work keeps you out of the mountains. I took a different route and am aiming for a job that will give me a little more flexible schedule and allow me time to be with my family and enjoy the outdoors. Good luck with this stage of life. Determining a career path was a very frustrating time for me but i'm feeling great about the way things are going now haha

Thanks for the info... I will definitely think about that. Just curious, what job are you trying to get or already have? Just curious... Another question, what are some jobs out there that are pretty good jobs, but would allow me to still have time in the mountains? I have looked into city firefighter, but those arent easy jobs to get... but they do have the possibility of getting quite a bit of time off to hunt, be with family, etc...
Any ideas?

I'm shooting to become a CFP (Certified Financial Planner). I've got another year of school and it will be a couple years after that of getting certified, building a client base, and getting things figured out before I start seeing the benefits. It's going to be a really busy life for a while and I might miss a few hunts in the early stages but the flexibility and pay will be worth it in the long run. It's a tough business to get started in so I may start with some big corporate finance company and go to a retirement planning type firm later on. Whatever it is you decide to do, definitely try and get some hands on experience with the job. Experience is huge and every little bit counts.

If anyone is interested in fee only retirement planning, shoot me a PM. I can get you details on the complimentary consultations our firm offers.

Probably the last thing you want to hear but the military can be a very good career. I joined the Navy straight out of high school because I knew I was to immature to go to college (away from home, pretty gals, no curfew, parties...you get the picture). After my first enlistment still didn't know what I wanted to do in life. Well, 26 years passed by before I knew it and I retired. Now, I can work any job I want or not work at all. I have pretty much a "dream" job that allows me more freedoms than I've ever know as far as time off, family time, etc. And if I don't work? Not a problem, I get a check the first of the month, every month for the rest of my life.

I busted my butt and sacrificed early in my life to be able to enjoy the rest of my life. Missed many, many birthdays, holidays, anniversaries, etc over the years, but no more. My job now allows me to take off whenever I want and I am financially stable enough to miss a week or six months of work with no worries.

Again, I'm fairly certain that was not what you wanted to hear.

Like you, I wanted to work in the woods at age 20, so I logged during the day while I went to school at night to become a forester. As I started my family, I changed gears and went into communications as I thought that it offered more security and money. 17 years later, I am still in communications and work as a project manager. I have found that even though I am not a forester, or biologist, or ranger: I am still mobile and outside more than inside. These benefits combined with good pay and liberal time off make me content in my career. My advice would be to focus more on the big picture than specifics as far as outdoor work goes. Find a career that balances all of your goals and go after it. Also, don't discount the good advice that Abert posted. The military can be a real launchpad for a young person. Whatever you do, pursue education to the 4 year level and pay for as much as you can while you go. This life "education" will be more valuable than anything you will learn in the classroom. My wife and I went through school together with no student loans and the lessons we learned during those hard years have certainly paid dividends. Whatever you do, enjoy the ride my friend! 4c ----------SS

AWESOME advice SS!

Fantastic advice guys.
I'm a microbiologist and work in the medical device industry... my employer allows me flexible hours and provides generous time off which is great for pursuing my hobbies and spending time with my young family. I graduated with my degree at the age of 27 and at age 20 I never would have even considered a career in a science lab until I took a couple micro classes in college.
But now I love it & I can honestly say that I did not find my career, it found me.
I would rather have a career that allowed me time for my hobbies than turn my hobby into a career. :thumb

First bit of advice is don't settle for a job if it's not what you want to do, no matter how long it takes to get your "dream" job. It took me a couple years to finally land my dream job. I am a Salt Lake City firefighter and in my opinion there isn't a better job on the planet. That being said, it is a very competive job to get. But if you work hard and have patience you could do it. I personally think I have the best schedule. Work for 48 hours and then off for 96 hours. Also get about 11-14 paid vacation days a year and a couple of days of personal leave. So combined it gives me lots of time to be doing things I enjoy. Spending time with my family and enjoying the outdoors. But its not for everyone. High stress job with high risk at times. But then again, I am an adrenaline junkie so it fits me just right. lol Best of luck in deciding what you want to do. Just make sure you enjoy it!

I am a firefighter and it is an awesome job for hunting and outdoor activities. I work 10- 24 hr shifts a month so basically I have 20 days off a month. My schedule goes like this 24 on 24 off 24 on 24 off 24 on 96 off and then starts over again. I also have 10 shifts of paid vacation per year. This year I have all of september off. The longer I work here the more days vacation I earn up to 16 days per year. Its also a very exciting and fullfilling job. A lot of fire depts do not require any schooling, they will put you through a 3 to 5 month training academy once your hired. If anyone wants more details pm me.

I just now read firefighterbrauns post lol I am a firefighter in Cheyenne wy and live in Colorado.

I'm in your same boat. Right now I'm a range seasonal with the BLM. If you want a government job the key is to get your foot in the door next summer try to get a job with some government agency be it state or federal even if it's not in your field. I'm looking in to biology but I'm working in the range program. You may even look into fighting fire.Second be prepared to get a maseters if you plan to be a biologist. I've talked to numerous and most say you need a masters or some other random qualification that sets you apart to get a job. I've also heard that there are more job oppertunities in Nevada.