Heat wave: Britain's best-paying outdoor jobs revealed

Emma Finamore
Last updated 22 Jan 2019

As the Great British Summer is in full swing, we take a look at the jobs that could get you out of the office and into the sunshine.

As the Great British Summer is in full swing, we take a look at the jobs that could get you out of the office and into the sunshine.

The World Cup, Wimbledon and a heatwave; the Great British Summer is in full swing and many deskbound office workers are looking wistfully out the window and wondering what it would be like to work in the sunshine.

The answer is surprisingly well paid, according to data released today by the job website, Indeed.

Jobs in a range of sectors, including science, sport, construction and agriculture, all feature among the top 10 best-paid outdoor roles, with the vast majority paying more than the average UK salary of £27,600.

1 – Site Manager, £44,418

2 – Senior Landscape Architect, £36,952

3 – Location Manager, £34,721

4 – Landscape Foreman, £32,452

5 – Travel Manager, £32,062

6 – Environmental Specialist, £29,316

7 – PE Teacher, £28,638

8 – Farm Manager, £27,208

9 – Crew Manager, £26,299

10 – Gardener, £20,324

The two best-paying roles - site manager and senior landscape architect - pay an average salary of £44,418 and £36,952 a year respectively, with a glamorous job in television as a location manager just behind them.

The two best-paying roles - site manager and senior landscape architect - pay an average salary of £44,418 and £36,952 a year respectively

Indeed’s data also revealed the number of jobseekers searching for outdoor jobs in May was 9% higher than last year, and is now at its highest level for two years.

Flexibility - a common factor across many of these outdoor, summertime jobs - is increasingly important for the modern jobseeker. Across the UK, Indeed’s records show that interest in flexible work increased by 13% in the 12 months to May.

Bill Richards, UK Managing Director at Indeed, commented: “Our list shows a variety of outdoor roles that offer great alternatives to 9-5 desk jobs and while five of the roles are management ones, the list shows outdoors jobs aren’t just for the summer but can be solid career choices, too.

“Not only do these roles pay well, they also offer levels of mobility and flexibility that are in high demand with the modern jobseeker. Additional benefits such as fresh air, a non-sedentary lifestyle and a flexible schedule can all help employees achieve a good work/life balance.

“Britons love talking about the weather so while the traditional office setting is becoming less appealing to younger generations of workers, those interested in an outdoor career should keep in mind how unpredictable the elements can be.

“Outdoor roles are also known to include extensive travel, in some cases, or to require overtime. This can be an exciting prospect for some jobseekers, while for others it will mean giving up a comfortable routine.”

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