Government jobs often come with stability and good benefits, but many people think of them as dull and uninspiring. However, not all public sector jobs involve sitting at a desk all day. Some are incredibly unique and fascinating. Whether you prefer solitude or the hustle and bustle of the White House, there’s a government job out there that might surprise you. Here are ten government jobs you probably never knew existed.
10. Seismic Interpreter
Love volcanoes? Then you might find this job exciting! A seismic interpreter monitors and gathers data from volcanoes and earthquakes resulting from volcanic activity. They use scientific modeling techniques to analyze the Earth’s subsurface structure, identify resources, and evaluate extraction risks.
These experts collaborate with geologists and geophysicists to develop strategies for risk reduction. Surveying volcanoes might not be a popular job, but it’s definitely real and crucial.
9. Planetary Protection Officer
Protecting our planet from alien invasion might sound like science fiction, but it’s the real job of a Planetary Protection Officer at NASA. This person ensures celestial bodies are protected and prevents spacecraft and astronauts from contaminating other bodies with Earth-based life.
A Planetary Protection Officer helps develop sterile spacecraft, flight plans that protect planetary bodies, and plans to protect Earth from extraterrestrial samples. This high-paying job safeguards science, explored environments, and our planet.
8. Antarctic IT Expert
Imagine working in one of the most remote regions on Earth. That’s the reality for those working for the United States Antarctic Program in Antarctica. One critical role is that of the Information Technology Expert, who manages the internet connectivity for the program at three research stations.
Scientists in the Antarctic Program rely on the internet to submit research and data to universities for analysis. Quick data access is crucial, making the IT expert’s role essential. They connect to the internet via polar-orbiting satellites, providing connectivity for about four to six hours daily.
7. Senior Advisor for Making
From 2014 to 2016, Stephanie Santoso served as the first Senior Advisor for Making at the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy. She collaborated with federal agencies, colleges, schools, museums, and other organizations to broaden access to the Maker Movement. Her job was to explore how design and technology could solve real-world problems.
Santoso worked across various fields, from sewing to 3-D printing, to create educational and business opportunities. During her time at the White House, she helped develop an interactive teddy bear to help children with diabetes manage their condition. She also designed clothing with built-in sensors for biometric data collection and made handmade toys for her son.
6. Chief Calligrapher
The Chief Calligrapher at the White House designs and executes all official documents. Located in the East Wing’s Graphics and Calligraphy Office, this position is responsible for official invitations, greetings, service awards, place cards, and proclamations. The job pays over $100,000 per year.
Calligraphers have been a part of the White House since the early 1800s, with almost half of their work done by hand. Depending on the occasion, they might create hundreds of place cards daily. While there is a Chief Calligrapher, the office usually has at least one or two other calligraphers on staff.
5. Fire Lookout
While many government jobs involve daily interactions with large groups, a Fire Lookout position is the opposite. These officers stay in remote watchtowers, keeping an eye out for forest fire outbreaks. They play a vital role in protecting forests and preventing wildfires from spreading.
Responsibilities include tracking weather patterns, reporting smoke, maintaining equipment, recording observations, and performing routine maintenance. Fire lookouts often work long hours in isolation, offering plenty of time for reflection, meditation, or reading.
4. Supervisor of Motion Picture Preservation Lab
This supervisor oversees one of the largest collections of films in the country, consisting of movies created by the U.S. government. The collection includes military instruction videos and the Academy Award-winning documentary The True Glory.
The supervisor and their team preserve these films using high-resolution scanners and special editing software. They repair tears and adjust the film’s color and scratches. Preserving each film can take many hours, but it’s their ultimate goal.
3. Puppy Webcam Guru
Denali National Park in Alaska, home to North America’s tallest peak, is also filled with wildlife. While there are many park rangers, one lucky person has the unique job of overseeing Denali’s Puppycam, which allows viewers worldwide to peek inside the park’s sled dog puppy kennel.
The webcam receives over 100,000 views per year, more than half of the National Park’s web traffic. As the sled dogs grow older, they help bring researchers to remote areas of the park. Who wouldn’t love watching adorable puppies all day?
2. Geodesist
A geodesist measures and monitors the Earth’s size and shape to determine the exact coordinates of any point on the planet. They use modern and ancient technology, like atomic clocks and lasers, to measure gravity and tools that monitor noise from outside our galaxy.
Geodesists can track the mean ocean surface by bouncing signals from satellites and determine positions almost precisely in minutes using GPS signals.
1. Coin Artist
One of the coolest jobs in the public sector is at the United States Mint. Coin artists design coins and medals that tell America’s story. A team of medallic artists designs the quarters, dimes, nickels, and pennies we use every day.
The U.S. Mint states that the designs on coins and medals “express the values, aspirations, and shared heritage of our nation.” The team creates and submits designs for consideration and sculpts models of approved coins and medals. While the U.S. Mint occasionally works with outside artists, most coins and medals come from this small team.
These unique government jobs showcase the incredible diversity of opportunities available in the public sector. From protecting our planet from extraterrestrial threats to designing the coins in our pockets, these roles demonstrate that government work can be both fascinating and impactful.
Which of these jobs surprised you the most? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
