APRIL 3, 2015, by Dixie Somers – When returning home from deployment it can be hard to adjust back to civilian life and work. Many people go into government work after serving in the military, but some people avoid it because when they think of government jobs, they often think of cubicles, steel desks and mounds of paperwork. The fact is there are government jobs that actually require you to spend less time behind a desk, and more out in the field performing your duties. If you are looking for a government job that keeps you on your toes, presents new challenges, and doesn’t chain you to a desk all day, check out the following popular careers for those who prefer to be out in the field:
Firefighter
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 91 percent of paid firefighters work for either federal, state or local government. Firefighters respond to emergencies in their local community, but also may be required to handle emergencies on a state or national scale, such as fighting wildfires in the Midwest or helping rescue victims in hurricanes or earthquakes. Firefighters must meet certain physical requirements and many localities have written tests that must be taken in order for you to qualify. A high school diploma is often all that is required, although some companies may require some college courses. The average salary for a firefighter is $45,250 per year and most are required to work 24-hour shifts.
Building Inspector
Construction and building inspectors make sure that buildings meet local and national codes for safety, zoning and other ordinances. If you have experience in construction, a building inspector position may be the perfect government job. The hours are during normal business hours and inspectors spend most of their day in the field conducting inspections. The Bureau of Labor Statistics expects the industry to grow by 12 percent over the next ten years. The average salary for a building inspector is $53,450.
Boat Captain
Many people do not think of boat captain as a government job, but the fact is that many governmental entities hire civilian boat captains to operate their vessels. Water transportation professions require the Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) from the United States Department of Homeland Security and a Merchant Marine credential as they often travel between countries. The profession is expected to grow by 13 percent over the next ten years, and has a current annual salary of $48,980 per year. Boat captains must often be away from home for extended periods and often live in small, cramped quarters while out at sea. However, for many, the prospect of spending their days in open water and fresh air is far more appealing than sitting at a desk filing paperwork.
Civil Engineer
Civil engineers design, construct, supervise and maintain large construction projects and systems. They may be responsible for designing and building roads, bridges or tunnels as well as buildings or airports. Although some of the work is done in an office, they also spend a significant amount of time on location at construction sites in order to monitor the progress of the project. A civil engineer needs a bachelor’s degree or higher in civil engineering, and may need graduate degrees to move into management positions. The average salary for a civil engineer is $79,340 and the industry is expected to grow by 20 percent over the next ten years.
These are just a few of the jobs available in federal, state and local governments that will get you out from behind a desk and away from paperwork. Keep in mind, there are some surprising government jobs that fit individuals of all talents and skills. The information for this article was provided by professionals who offer a public policy master’s degree for students who are interested in having a career in government.
AUTHOR BIO: This article was written by Dixie Somers, a freelance writer who loves to write for business, finance, careers, and education. She lives in Arizona with her husband and three beautiful daughters.