6 Unique Engineering Jobs You Probably Didn’t Know Existed

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Studying engineering opens doors to a range of different job opportunities. While some jobs in the petroleum and construction industries are pretty well known, others don’t get their fair share of attention. Armed with a mechanical engineering degree, you can search engineering jobs and find opportunities in industries that are vastly different. For instance, a qualified mechanical engineer can land a job working as a medical engineer developing medical equipment or choose to travel the world as a Formula 1 racing engineer, attending Grand Prix events. The opportunities truly are endless. To help you lock on to an engineering job you would love to do for the rest of your life, the following are 6 interesting engineering jobs that are high paying and interesting.

Online Privacy Engineer: The role of a privacy engineer is to find software solutions to implement a company’s privacy policy. Most major online players such as Google, Facebook, Twitter, and others have multiple job openings for privacy engineers. As the threat of hacking grows in the future, the role and opportunities in privacy engineering are only going to increase.

To land a job as a privacy engineer you need a BS in computer engineering with a diploma in privacy engineering. A CIPT certification is often mandatory along with strong software development skills.

Preservation Engineer: Preservation engineering is a branch of structural engineering and architecture. The job entails preserving and restoring the structural integrity of old heritage buildings. Preservation engineers often work to preserve a single building as restoring and maintaining certain buildings needs constant attention.

Special Effects Engineer: The role of a special effects engineer is to design mechanical and hydraulic systems necessary for practical special effects in movies and television shows. The job requires a degree in mechanical engineering with a diploma in mechanical FX. The fun aspect of the job is the opportunity to create custom rigs using the combined principles of animatronics and robotics.  

Toy Engineer: Large multinational toy manufacturers such as Mattel routinely look for freshers with mechanical and manufacturing engineering degrees. Apart from designing new toys, engineers are also responsible for making manufacturing systems that can produce them at a factory level. However, being surrounded by toys all day but not being able to play with them can turn out to be a bummer.

Sustainable Architect/Engineer: For engineers who want to work towards making the world a better place, sustainable architecture can be a great career path. The role of a sustainable engineer is to design and oversee the construction of buildings that do not negatively affect the environment. This can mean the careful selection of sustainable building materials as well as finding energy efficient electrical components. The job of a sustainable engineer also involves implementing smart solar solutions that seamlessly blend in with the architecture.

Brake Engineer: Did you know there are specialized engineers for designing braking systems for supercars and bikes? These engineers are responsible for designing new mechanical and hydraulic braking systems that go everything from snowmobiles to fighter jets. A degree is mechanical engineering is often the basic requirement to secure job as a product engineer for a brake manufacturer.

What You Need to Know Before Moving to a Mountain Town

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When you look back throughout history, you can find dozens of examples of great people who were inspired by awesome landscapes. And although there are many places you can find awe in nature – the coast, forests, and prairies – nowhere can quite compare to the majesty of the mountains.

But for many people, especially those trapped in the city, moving to the mountains can seem like a distant dream – a total one hundred and eighty-degree turnaround from their current lifestyle.

Mountain living presents many challenges and opportunities. Here’s what you need to know before you move to a mountain town.

The Air Is Cleaner And The Water Purer

The majority of Americans live in cities with high levels of air pollution. The particles from motor vehicles, especially diesel-powered cars and trucks, can damage the lining of the lungs, leading to asthma, bronchitis and even an increased incidence of cancer. As episodes in towns like Flint show, water purity can also be an issue.

But in the mountains, miles from the nearest big, polluting industrial center, the air is clean and the water pure.

The Communities Are Tightly Knit

Mountain towns tend to host tightly-knit communities: groups of people who are comfortable to rely on each other to make life more enjoyable and comfortable. Unlike in the cities, you are expected to get to know your neighbors and spend a lot of time talking with them. Things can get tough in the mountains, so you need a network of people you can rely on to see you through the harshest conditions.

It’s A Less Stressful Lifestyle

In the city, there’s a lot of pressure to succeed and rise to the top of one’s occupation. But out in the mountains, there is no such pressure: most people choose a role in the local community and stick with it for the long term.

Few people who live in mountain towns commute, so there’s none of the stress of sitting in traffic or sharing public transport. And, in general, there’s less noise and light pollution – especially helpful if you’re somebody who struggles with insomnia.

It’s More Affordable

Living in a mountain town tends to be more affordable than living in the city, thanks to much lower demand for things like housing and food. You’re likely to spend far less on entertainment too. Rather than shelling out for the theatre or a restaurant meal, you can simply take a stroll on your local trail, bring your mountain bike out for a ride, or put on your skis and enjoy your local slopes.

The Roads Can Be Harsh

Because so few people live in mountain towns and the terrain is so rugged, roads can be harsh, especially during the winter. It’s not uncommon for mountain towns to be cut off from the outside world for weeks at a time if the snowfall is heavy enough. Before moving to a mountain town, prepare physically and mentally for the fact that you may not be able to leave your house for several days at a time. If you do decide to move to the mountains, make sure that you’ve got adequate food supplies to keep you going, should the local store close. Also, invest in a 4×4 vehicle equipped with snow tires to make mountain driving as safe as possible.

Difficult Weather Conditions

Elevation brings with it a whole host of weather issues, from plunging temperatures at night to fog and sudden downpours of rain. If you move to a mountain town, expect strong winds, plenty of snow, and extreme cold during the winter months.

It’s Safer

Although crime in cities has been falling since the crime peak of the 1980s, you’re still much more likely to be a victim of crime in a city than you are in a small mountain town. Most mountain towns comprise small numbers of relatively affluent and stable people who have their neighbor’s interests at heart. Although crime does happen, it’s far rarer, meaning that you don’t have to spend as much money securing your property, or emotional energy worrying about it.

There’s Less Traffic

Traffic accidents kill more people under the age of forty than anything else. There’s much more traffic in the city, and a higher likelihood of being hurt in an accident, compared to mountain towns, making the latter a far safer option.

There Are Many Sporting Opportunities

Mountain towns often double up as tourist resorts for skiers, bikers, and hikers. But unlike tourists who only have a few days to enjoy the mountains, those who live year-round there get to enjoy them all the time. If you love outdoor or winter sports, then the mountains are an ideal place to live.

You May Have To Fend For Yourself

Because so many mountain communities are a long way from major population centers, utilities and services may be unreliable. For instance, bus services might not run during the winter months, or they may only run on certain days of the week. Stores may not be stocked during certain parts of the year or may find it difficult to supply the goods that you need consistently. Electricians and plumbers might live many miles away and only willing to travel to you if you pay their travel expenses.

You may also struggle to get access to medical care. Facilities may be located far away which may be a problem for people suffering from chronic conditions or who need immediate medical attention to manage their health, day to day.

There Are Limited Job Opportunities

Although people who live in mountain towns enjoy a lower stress lifestyle, finding work can be difficult. Many mountain towns do not support enough jobs for all the people who live there. The jobs that they do supply, mostly based in retail and tourism, tend to be less lucrative than those available in the city. But almost anyone can find a basic job at a ski resort to get the financial ball rolling.

It Can Be Depressing

If you’re somebody who is energized by being around people, then being in the mountains can be a lonely experience. Work is often solitary  (although not always), and it’s not uncommon to spend long periods alone, without interacting with anyone.

If you live in a tourist resort, the off-season can be particularly long and uneventful, and you may go a long time between social gatherings. Furthermore, because people usually only stay in mountain towns for a few weeks at a time, it can be hard to develop meaningful, long-term relationships.

Word Gets Around

One of the benefits of living in a big city is your anonymity. You can mess up your job or your relationships, but there usually aren’t any long-term social consequences: you just find a new place to work or new people to spend time with, and the problem goes away. But in mountain towns word can get around when you mess up, and it’s unlikely you’ll be able to pick up where you left off somewhere else.

You can deal with this in a couple of ways: ignore what other people think of your lifestyle and get on with it, or continuously bear in mind how the community might perceive your actions. Most of the time, you’ll want to do whatever helps you fit in with others by avoiding anything particularly controversial or anti-establishment. Put simply, it’s a good idea to be nice to everybody you meet.

You’ll Need To Learn To Plan Ahead

Big cities are incredibly convenient, offering practically every service at a moment’s notice. Forgot to pick up groceries from the store on the way home? No bother – just pick up your smartphone and get somebody to deliver them for you. Don’t have a battery for your torch? Just pop out of your apartment to the convenience store around the block for a new one.

Life in the mountains isn’t like this at all. Grocery shopping is a significant event – something that you’ll need to plan for, as the nearest supermarket can be many miles away. Often, the simple act of shopping requires an entire day dedicated to it and is something that you may only want to do once or twice a month.

Many people who live in the mountains share cars for shopping trips to save on fuel. They also plan menus weeks in advance, making sure that they’ve got everything they need in the pantry and the refrigerator ahead of time. You’ll also need to factor in the risk of poor weather preventing you from leaving your home.

The Mountains Will Challenge Your Fitness Levels

Living at elevation can be tough on your body because of the thin atmosphere. If you’re unfit, the lack of oxygen can prevent you from getting your breath and enjoying your leisure time. Before moving to the mountains, you need to make sure that you’re in good physical shape. Start jogging, running or resistance training in the weeks and months beforehand. You may also want to change your diet to help get rid of any excess weight that could make it for difficult to go hiking or biking.

How Technology is Helping People Share the Outdoors

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Technology is all around us these days and it seems like there is an app to help share almost anything from car rides to spare rooms to clothing.  However, the outdoors are a little different.  Can technology really help folks share the outdoors.  We recently found a company trying to do just that.

Sometimes it’s nice to plan and discover outdoor adventures on your own.  But let’s admit it, it’s usually better when someone can show you where the most fantastic destinations are.  That’s why the founders of Gear Easy launched an outdoor adventure marketplace.  We caught up with Jason, one of the founders who explained “When I’m traveling in a new area or even my own backyard there are a lot of great outdoor activities that only a few locals really know about”.  Jason continued “we grew tired of the crowds at popular outdoor areas and were looking for a way to access more authentic destinations without hiring an expensive touristy guide company, and we noticed there were very few options”.

While Gear Easy isn’t the first company to go into this space, they are quickly becoming one of the largest. In just a few months since launching they have hundreds of registered outdoor guides in the U.S. offering outdoor activities as small as 1-2 hour hikes in the Utah mountains to week long treks through the Appalachians, all hosted by local guides. “We saw most of the competition were focused on established and expensive large outdoor guiding companies who already had a presence on the web.  Gear Easy’s focus is just the opposite, we offer more authentic adventures from real locals, many who guide part-time or as a hobby, at a much lower prices.  The positive response has been overwhelming because people value true experiences over cookie-cutter packaged tours” Jason stated.

Research shows Gear Easy might be onto something.  Millennials, America’s largest generation by population, are soon to enter their earning prime. With a majority of this generation now in the workforce, they currently command an estimated $1.3 trillion in annual consumer spending. Where will this generation direct their wallets?

Eventbrite’s nationwide research of millennials (defined as Americans born 1980-1996) conducted by Harris, reveals this generation not only highly values experiences, but they are increasingly spending time and money on them: from concerts and social events to athletic pursuits, to cultural experiences and events of all kinds.  Often, the authenticity of an experience matters, and buying a one-of-a-kind offering versus something mass market has an increasing appeal to customers.  In the technology enabled sharing economy, these types of customized products and services can often be offered straight from the creator or host at a much lower price.

Gear Easy’s marketplace is not without its flaws.  As with any sharing technology platforms, you could have a bad experience due to a non-professional guide or narrow minded customer.  The company has implemented customer ratings, instant chat and electronic waiver system along with scheduling technology to help ensure guides meet customer expectations.  They also encourage guides and customers to be safe and have the appropriate insurance and communication habits when adventuring in the outdoors.  At the end of the day, Gear Easy is a great platform, but all of the guides are independent service providers.  Even with the shortcomings and risks that come with sharing technology platforms, guides on the Gear Easy platform are excited.  Sean an outdoor guide offering day hikes said “I’ve spent years developing my outdoor knowledge and skills, Gear Easy gives me an opportunity to earn money doing something I already love to do and share my favorite hikes with like minded people.” When asked what he thought about the platform he replied “it works for me, it’s simple, and they take care of all the scheduling and transaction stuff so I can focus on giving my customers a great experience.”

Customers seem to like the concept as well.  The idea of being able to book in advance or on the spot brings a lot of flexibility to travelers.  When we spoke with Kate, who recently booked a wildlife tour with her friend, she said “it was one of the best parts of our trip because the activity was something I would never had found if I were just looking at traditional travel information.”  She explained that she was able to book the activity the day before and was able to chat with the guide right on the platform about the trip before paying.  She also had to sign a waiver just like with other activities she did during her week long trip, but she was able to fill it out and sign it right on the iPhone before they started.  Kate said she would definitely use Gear Easy again.

When asked about what’s next Gear Easy, Jason shed some light on their plans “we are focusing on taking care of our guides and customers.  This means improving our technology and customers service so users keep coming back.” He then elaborated “Gear Easy’s mission is to deliver peak outdoor experiences, or in other words, experiences that people dream about and keep them engaged in the outdoors.”  “We aim to evolve our outdoor experience platform to where adventures, gear and content all come together in one place for our customers, all backed by technology and advanced analytics.” He ended with “we are excited about the space and believe there will be increasing demand that can be satisfied by great service and simplicity oriented technology.  We are concentrating on the U.S. but when the time is right we will offer services internationally.”

We will see where all this goes, it’s definitely exciting to see how technology can bring people together to experience the outdoors.  If you are looking for an interesting adventure or you think you might enjoy being an outdoor guide, then you may want to look at Gear Easy.

Best Growing Companies to Work For in Utah

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Business in Utah has grown dramatically in the past decade. What was once a state known primarily for its beautiful natural scenery is now known as one of the best states in which to do business. In recent years, Utah has earned the nickname “Silicon Slopes” due to the amount of information technology, software development, and hardware manufacturing businesses that have been founded in or have relocated to the beehive state.

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How Do Trail Cameras Work?

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Most people want to know how do trail cameras work? Trail cameras are used for many different thing including hunters for tracking game, for animal viewing, for security purposes and for taking stills and making videos in the forest.

Due to a number of benefits, these cameras offer their users high-quality sensors, automatic sensing and still capturing as well as high-quality video making.

Trail cameras have a capability to work with a preset program that determines the quality, nature, and kinds of images or video that the user needs to capture.

Sometimes, for the beginners or the newbies who have never used a trail camera before it may be hard to understand how it works or how can they make the best out of their best trail camera under 150 that have certain features they may not know well.

It is better to understand how the main features and functions can help you get the required still pictures in a productive way without getting any blurs and missed target.

There are different kinds of trail cameras found on the market include:

  • Digital trail camera
  • Motion activated cameras
  • Night cameras
  • Security cameras and
  • Wi-Fi or wireless cameras

All these kinds of trails cameras come up with certain features that assure to capture the required images, time-lapse photos or videos in order to provide the detailed imagery that is required within the specified period of time.

The main features that make a trail camera work at its best include:

The auto-capturing functions and features

  • Preset recording options
  • Image quality
  • Memory limit
  • Light settings
  • Night viewing capability
  • Easy controls and buttons
  • The accuracy of sensing motion or sensors

You can select the kind of trail camera you need depending on the purpose for which you need it and make sure to specify the features you are looking for.

How to set up and use the trail camera?

Here are some basic things you need to know about how these trail cameras work for you:

  • Decide on the best location for the camera where you will mount it for capturing the stills or for recording videos so that you would not miss your target.
  • Make sure the mounting place is safe and is located at the correct angle so that you can get the exact viewpoint of your target.
  • Adjust the light settings and image quality and kind of images you would need. You can set the preferences in case if you need stills or videos within the time span that you will set on it.

Stills take lesser memory whereas continuous videos may require more battery power and memory so you need to make sure your camera has the capability to support the functions.

You may also go for a flashlight if you need clearer images but infrared detection is more beneficial if you don’t want to alarm the target by using a light.

When the camera is set up depending on your preferred settings, it stays ready to sense the motion and capture the images as soon as the target approaches. Make sure it has the sufficient battery life to provide the functions you need.

It is better to rule out the sensor faults by accurately setting up the level of motion that is to be detected in order to make sure the movement in bushes or movement caused by wind is not captured which is unnecessary.

The trail cameras promise to let you record the videos within the time or take the clear shot or still images of the target so that you can examine and analyze your target easily. They can give you a better understanding of the area you are exploring with clear pictures.

These cameras are also good for animal viewing and for studying the habitat of the wildlife. The quality and accuracy of the trail camera matter a lot because if the sensors and the image quality is not good, you may nto eb able to get the required images and videos to examine or study what you need and it will only be a waste of money.

Mountain Driving: Tech That Can Help You

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Are you a fleet driver who uses mountain routes every day during your job? If so, you will need more technology on your vehicle than just an APC or dashboard camera. Are you planning on driving to the mountains during your next vacation, or do you want to have a 4×4 competition in the mountains with your friends? You too need some extra technology to help you overcome the challenge of mountain driving. It is popular for off-road enthusiasts to go for an adventure and test their prowess driving in the mountains with their vehicles. Here is some technology that can aid you.

GPS Tracking System

Many people think that GPS is for fleet vehicles. While it is very crucial for them to monitor their vehicles live, it is also an important technology for personal vehicles when they are driving through the mountains. Anything can happen to you, and GPS will be used to track the location. Some mountain roads have unexpected dangers including vehicle theft, but a GPS will help you to locate the vehicle if it is stolen.

Automatic Transmission

Gone are the days when a driver had to understand the vehicle’s mechanical functioning in detail to get optimum performance. Then, the right advice would be to shift an SUV or truck into a lower gear to allow smooth mountain climbing. Today, you don’t even have to know how to use a manual transmission. Just put the vehicle in drive, and it will automatically shift the gear to suit mountain climbing. However, some vehicles with an automatic transmission do have an option to manually select a lower gear for situations like this.

Automatic Air Conditioning

Most cars that include smart options have automatic air conditioning. When climbing steep mountains, logic dictates that a person switch the air conditioning off to allow the engine to focus on climbing the mountain. However, more sophisticated vehicles can detect this strain and switch the air conditioning off or let the vehicle use an independent electric motor rather than the engine’s power. Automatic air conditioning can also be used to maintain a steady temperature even as mountain air becomes cooler with increased elevation.

Automated Braking System

Animals frequently cross mountain roads. Some come out of nowhere, and the next thing you see is a crash. ABS for sophisticated vehicles can stop the vehicle without your control and save you from injuries. Try as much as possible to actively control a vehicle that has this option whether you are a private driver or a fleet driver. Most of the road safety experts agree that this is very important.

Adaptive Lighting System

The only thing between a driver and a crash at night is the headlights. Today, vehicles come with amazing technology including adaptive headlights. They adjust to the surroundings and become bright or dim depending on the situation. Mountain driving at night requires the full brightness of the lights so that one can see everything ahead. The adaptive lights will come in handy in situations like this.

Mountain driving is fun and risky at the same time. The above vehicle technologies and capabilities will be essential.

Career Opportunities for MBA Graduates in Australia

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Did you know that an online MBA in Australia will provide you with a whole lot of competitive advantages when it comes to finding a job and being successful at it? If you have never thought about it before, the fact of the matter is that there are many different types of jobs and careers that you can get into once you get your MBA. It really does not matter whether you study on campus or online. The point is that your career opportunities will be virtually limitless with an MBA in your arsenal. So, what kind of jobs can you get with your online MBA in Australia?

1. A Sales Manager

Yes, to be a sales manager, you obviously need to be a good marketer, a people person, and you need to know how to make goods and services outshine the others. However, this is not the only part of being a sales manager. To be fully successful in the world of sales, especially in a higher up position, you need to have a strong grasp of resource allocation, financial planning, and other such things. An MBA can definitely get you on the right track.

2. A Product Manager

Another type of managing position that you can go into with an MBA is that of a product manager. If you do not know what this is, product managers are all about ensuring that products are produced in a cost-effective manner, that they are being marketed well, and that the products meet and exceed quality standards. Having an MBA in your arsenal will help provide you with the administrative, financial, and business skills needed to be a good product manager.

3. An Entrepreneur

Moving away from managing other people’s companies for a minute, with an MBA, you can start and operate your own business. Yes, there is more to running a business than business administration alone, but it is one of the best degrees to have under your belt if you plan on being an entrepreneur. Yes, there are some things which only experience can teach, but the rest can be learned from a solid Master of Business Admin course.

4. A Business Consultant

If you get your MBA online, you can also become what is referred to as a business consultant. Do keep in mind that there are many different types of business consultants out there. The fact of the matter is that consulting is a big industry, and every type of business, especially the larger ones, often require it for success. Whether you are permanently staffed in one business, or your run a consulting firm, it’s a job that is always in demand. People who run businesses have questions, and with an MBA, you might have the answers they need.

5. SO MANY MORE!

Yes, we have listed 4 of the best and biggest roles that you can fill after acquiring your MBA, but there are still so many more. For instance, could be an account executive, a business development manager, a finance manager, and industry specialist manager, a general manager, and so much more.

MBA Career Opportunities

When all is said and done, you have to realize that an MBA is not just some degree that you get after paying a bunch of money. It is an invaluable educational process that will get your ready for nearly endless career opportunities further down the road.

8 Tips for Choosing the Best Tactical Boots for Men

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A building might look grand and elegant because of the intense creativity used in it but what defines its strength and keeps it standing is the base or the foundation. The same applies to our body; it’s the same building with our feet being the foundation for it. It’s surprising for most people to learn that the human foott is a combination of more than 100 different muscles, 26 bones, and 33 joints!

What are Tactical Boots?

Walking barefoot is not an option for us, and it takes a lot of research and preparation for finding the best-fitted shoes for our feet other than selecting it just by going crazy for the color or design! One such type of shoes are the tactical boots which are mostly made for the armed forces because of the valiant physical excursion they go through, but it can also be a perfect option for the prepper or the survivalist or also any backpacker mostly spending the time traveling the road. So before you, go for another boot or maybe your first one, here are some tips to keep in mind for evading those painful mistakes.

Important Tips To Select The Best Tactical Boots

1.      A good fit

This is one of the most twisted parts of selection. It’s not just about feeling good wearing the boots but involves a few more intricacies to follow. Walking around the shop trying one is not the thing.Slip in the shoes without tying the laces. Try to slide two fingers in and see if they move in smoothly or not. Now tie your shoes and make some sudden directional movements and observe if your heel is moving or not. If they do, then you are up for good big blisters coming your way

2.      Surrounding

Buying the tactical boots also depends on the surrounding and the region! Maybe for someone living in the swampy area or the forest needs more protection from the things crawling beneath. For someone residing in the mountainous terrains,the shoes should be rugged enough to tolerate the climb. A desert needs utterly different kind  of boots to complete those treacherous dunes

3.      Climate and Gore-tex

You cannot avoid the climate factor before you select your tactics! The area you are residing or want to visit might be the one with the extreme climates or can be the moderate one too!It is advised not to take any risk and go for the waterproof boots with the Gore-tex lining. It will keep all the elements out along with the perspiration moisture in warmer days!

4.      Breathability

Going for the waterproof does not mean you will compromise the breathability of the boots. Many tactics on the pretext of providing waterproof attributes ignore the fact that our feet also need to breathe!The boots which do not provide these attributes will probably end up cooking our fragile feets

5.      Comfort and mobility

You will be fortunate to find a boot with excellent design and comfort to move around! Generally, this combination is rare and becomes a little difficult for the everyday guy to figure out, but it’s not the same with the sturdy backpacker or the prepper.They know exactly why it is the best idea to carry an extra-anatomical insole and not just relying on the cheap foam soles. You also don’t want your shoes to weigh like the dumbbells of a bodybuilder! It just makes it easier for moving around freely because boots can take you anywhere in comfort!

6.      Traction

One can never estimate the situation they are going to be in, and there can be adverse situations where you need to be confident and hold your grip. Tacticals with efficient traction are preferred in this case as it will help you to have a tighter grip so that you can use your mental power to get out of the situation instead of thinking how not to slip.

7.      Shock Absorption

Especially the travelers and backpackers or any armed force personnel who are in constant, rigorous movement can exhaust their feet muscle causing shock and fatigue. They should opt for tactics with shock absorption

8.      Laces or the zippers?

Tacticals with lace are great for those who are looking for a tight fit and secure holding specifically for someone planning for any strict outdoor activity. The one looking to roam around hassle-free should go for the zippers which will make them easier to open and wear them without tying or untying

There are many other factors which depend on individual preferences,and one of them includes the price. Tactical boots are quite expensive, and the person buying that knows. But the product should be worth the bucks paid!By following the above tips for tactical boots, you can easily select the best option available in the market.

Driving for Success in the Mountains: 4 Jobs That Might Be Suitable for You

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There are over 4.4 million Americans 16 years and above working as drivers and more than 30% of civilian jobs require some form of driving. If you are thinking of relocating to the mountains, there are several available occupations where you can use your driving skills and earn a living. Moving to the mountains has its benefits including proximity to nature, clean air, and a healthier lifestyle. Mountain living is also associated with lower stress and anxiety levels.

Snowcat Operator

Snowcats are important equipment in snow grooming to prepare ski trails and snowmobile pistes. Maintaining ski resorts entails lots of work to keep snow groomed and picture perfect for visitors. In addition to a valid driver’s license, you must possess a snowcat certification. Training is essential to operate the snowcat which requires precision skills and to prepare you to go on more difficult terrain and complex jobs. For example, sculpting terrain parks and operating winch cats are jobs that need special skills and training. The salary ranges from $11-12/hour.

Shuttle Drivers

Guests of resorts need to be transported around the premises whether it is to the gondola, ski lift, or to their hotels in town. Resorts require qualified drivers to operate buses or vans. If you are a licensed driver, this is a promising option as the outlook for bus drivers is expected to grow to 6% from 2016-2026. In addition to an hourly wage which can go up to $15.87/hour per BLS stats, some resorts offer free snowboarding lessons, access to amenities, and overtime pay. A commercial driver’s license (CDL) is required and sufficient vehicle insurance cover if working as an independent transport provider.

Delivery Driver

Whether it’s a package or supplies to the resort, delivery drivers are very much in demand with the number of jobs projected to increase to 4% in the period 2016-2026 according to the BLS. They may collect, transport and deliver small or big shipments in the local area or neighboring towns. Most of the time delivery truck drivers move merchandise from a supply and distribution point to businesses and individuals. They are important players in the logistics support of mountain resorts and towns. Median pay is $14.06/hour.

Snow Plow Driver

Road clearing is part of what makes a mountain resort accessible. Snow plow drivers have their hands full during the winter season. They need to operate machines to remove snow and ice to make the roads safe for motorists. The vehicles may also deposit salt to melt the snow or dump sand to improve traction for vehicles. Snow plowing is a full-time job in the winter and involves machine training. Some may drive for the Department of Transportation or resort companies. You can also work as an independent contractor to clear snow off driveways, parking lots or walkways. Snow plow drivers receive $9-$30 an hour according to JobMonkey.com.

Mountain living is a healthy lifestyle with physical and mental health benefits. If you love nature & the outdoors and decide to move, there are several driving occupations that you can take up from operating machines to transporting clients and goods.

Top 5 Green Jobs of the Future

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Over the past few decades, scientists have studied changes in the earth’s climate and concluded that the planet is undergoing an era of warming. Considered today as the biggest environmental problem of our time, rapid climate change represents more than just a change in the earth’s average temperature. Experts also predict that this trend will continue and include more frequent wildfires, longer periods of drought in certain areas, an increase in the number, duration, and intensity of tropical storms. A global drive to start implementing more sustainable and environmentally friendly solutions has resulted in the creation and flourishing of green jobs.

Massive investments in clean energy and green alternatives ensure that a lot of new industries will stay on top of the game for the next few decades. There is definitely nothing wrong with wanting to earn a living while you are saving the planet. The jobs on this list represent a variety of interests, skill set, and educational background. Many of them also pay very well and will suit most people’s budget. If you are interested in pursuing a more sustainability-focused career, here are some of your top choices right now.

Clean Car Engineer

Transportation is one of the hottest green jobs category right now as the auto industry is succumbing to public demand to introduce to the nation’s fleet new vehicles that are more environmentally friendly – consuming less fossil fuel and produce minimal to zero pollution. This comes after growing public awareness about how much transportation depletes natural resources. Right now, transportation burns about two thirds of the oil in the USA and produces approximate a third of the country’s greenhouse emissions.

Clean car engineers are certainly in demand in the job market right now as the industry makes the shift to clean cars. They are tasked with ensuring the great look and feel of vehicles, and as well as the safety and security of new forms of transport. They may not be responsible for ensuring quality web traffic, but they are responsible for ensuring that the traffic we encounter in the future is powered by greener solutions, from alternative fuels to electricity.

Water Quality Technicians

Given the level of daily pollution, the increasing incidence of oil spills these days, and the current poor water treatments, water quality technicians are now more crucial than ever before. These technicians and technologists are often tasked with maintaining federally mandated and safe water conditions which humans and animals are okay to consume. They perform regular inspections and sample local water sources. Water quality technicians test for microbes and chemical contaminants in recreational, potable, and waste water to determine if the water meets local or global standards.

Essentially, these professionals are responsible for making sure that companies and cities around the world adhere to the designated standards for water quality.  Since water quality problems are still very much persistent, this is an increasingly important green job for almost every country in the world. Water quality technicians are working to generate creative solutions for a more sustainable future.

Environmental Lawyer

Environmental Lawyers advise clients on issues relating to air and water quality, hazardous waste, sustainability, and other environmental issues. They endorse better regulations and advocate for new policies that deal with clean water, clean air, global warming, land use and other environmental themes. Environmental lawyers are often responsible for making certain that companies are adhering to environmental regulations, although their primary tasks generally depend on where they work.

Environmental lawyers may work for non-profit organizations such as environmental advocacy groups, or the government. They can also choose to go into private practice, performing consulting work and representing different clients in court. As climate change becomes more and more relevant in public discourse, experts predict that this profession will continue to flourish. Learn more about what to expect from environmental professions here.

LEED-Accredited Design Professional

LEED stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design. It is the most widely used green building rating system all over the world. It is used almost all building, community and home projects, ensuring an effective framework for sustaining healthy, highly efficient and cost-saving green buildings. Architects, engineers, designers and professionals involved in the construction process can take the LEED Professional Exams and earn their certification. This certification is the gold standard for environmental engineering and building and is a recognized symbol of sustainability achievement across the world.

The trendiest building designs today include vertical forest apartments and forest buildings. These tall structures come decorated with plants, that virtually cover the whole building. If you are involved in the construction industry, there is no doubt that becoming a LEED accredited professional will improve your career path. From construction and design, to operations and facility management, LEED professionals are in high demand. Becoming an LEED accredited professional (LEED AP) means that your name is included in the directory of LEED APs and provides you with more credibility to employers or clients.

Urban Grower

Urban growers represent two large sectors in the expanding green-jobs movement: food production and green building. Across the world, urban growers are regarded as most people’s first window into sustainable living. They are responsible for maintaining local gardens and green roofs which come in various sizes are often supported by local businesses, communities, non-profits, churches, even schools. These urban gardens are able to deliver locally sourced foods that are better for the environment because the growers ensure minimal use of pesticides, fossil fuels, and other resources to grow and transport food to market from larger commercial farms.

Urban growers are tasked with delivering locally sourced food and agriculture to communities to help encourage or boost their sustainability. However, urban growers and their green roofs also help enhance the urban environment through offering better building insulation and thus minimizing energy loss, managing storm water, improving air quality, and offering a great space for recreation. From aesthetically manicured roof gardens designed for recreation to local community gardens offering produce for restaurants and other food businesses around the country, the demand for green roofs and gardens are expected to continue growing.