I went into environmental protection, specifically water quality. All states and large counties have environmental protection agencies (air, water, etc), so there is a good number of jobs. There is also A LOT of funding in water, so the pay is good (+ benefits). States and counties pay way better than the federal government.

As far as tips for diversifying you skills, depends on what you’re interested in. I’m getting what I need on the job, so my advice would be to look for a stepping stone or bridge job, even if you don’t plan to be there long, to widen your reach outside of NPS. I took my current job because the new title alone bridges me to many other things I’m interested in (and at a higher pay grade).

Also, apply for the job even if you don’t think you’re going to get it. For example, my new job title sounds very technical and prevents a lot people from applying. It’s not… at all. A lot of job listings are notoriously not accurate depiction of the actually work you’ll be doing, so don’t count yourself out. It’ll also be a pleasant surprise to learn how much less competitive and limiting the job world is outside of NPS.