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Planetary protection officer -

Yes, this job holder's responsibility is to protect Earth from alien life forms! But there's more: this person also ensures the protection of other celestial bodies (planets, moons, asteroids, etc.) in the solar system.

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Planetary protection officer -

More specifically, the job also includes the protection of celestial bodies from contamination of other life forms. This is a real position at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). 

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Planetary protection officer -

The planetary protection officer also helps to construct sterile spacecraft and map out flight plans that avoid disturbing other celestial bodies.

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Medallic artist -

If you’re an experienced sculptor-engraver there might be an opportunity for you at the United States Mint. Medallic artists are responsible for designing coins and medals.

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Medallic artist -

According to the US Mint, their work expresses “the values, aspirations, and shared heritage” of America.

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White House Chief Calligrapher -

The post holder sits in the Graphics and Calligraphy Office in the White House and is responsible for the design and execution of official documents.

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White House Chief Calligrapher -

The job has been around since the 1800 and currently pays a six-figure salary.

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White House Chief Calligrapher -

Nearly half of their work is done by hand. This includes official invitations, greetings, service awards, proclamations, and place cards.

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Supervisor of Motion Picture Preservation Lab -

The Motion Picture Preservation Lab provides film-based and digital products that ensure access to the National Archives and Records Administration's (NARA's) film collections.

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Supervisor of Motion Picture Preservation Lab -

The supervisor makes sure the US government’s film collection remains intact and accessible.

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Supervisor of Motion Picture Preservation Lab -

These range from military instruction videos to Academy Award-winning documentaries, and everything in between.

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Seismic interpreter -

Volcanic activity has to be monitored. The role of a seismic interpreter is to analyze data from volcanoes and earthquakes that originate from volcanic activity.

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Seismic interpreter -

Both geophysical and geological data are analyzed, so they work closely with geologists and geophysicists. Analyzing the hydrocarbon content of rock structures is also an important part of the role.

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Seismic interpreter -

Information collected from sources such as well logs and boreholes allows for images of the subsurface structure to be made. This data helps to identify potential resources such as oil and gas.

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Puppy webcam guru -

The Denali National Park in Alaska has a sled dog puppy kennel that people from all over the world can see through a webcam.

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Puppy webcam guru -

The webcam gets over 100,000 views per year, so there is one person responsible for the smooth operation of the service.

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Puppy webcam guru -

There wasn’t a litter of puppies in 2024, but the Denali National Park website tells visitors to “check back for the webcam to return in summer 2025.”

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Antarctic IT expert -

If you’re an IT professional and like the cold, then this job in the U.S. Antarctic Program might be for you. 

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Antarctic IT expert -

The job holder has the responsibility of managing the internet connectivity for the program. This may sound simple enough, but this is a remote location that has lots of challenges.

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Antarctic IT expert -

Internet connectivity is done through polar-orbiting satellites, which allow for connections to last around four to six hours a day.

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Geodesist -

The job involves monitoring and measuring our planet’s size and shape. The aim is to be able to accurately determine the coordinates of any point on Earth.

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Geodesist -

This is done by using a number of different tools including lasers and atomic watches to measure the pull of gravity.

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Geodesist -

Signals from GPS satellites also play a vital role in helping geodesists to accurately determine points on Earth. The bouncing signal of those on the oceans also allows these professionals to measure the rise of the mean ocean surface.

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Fire lookout -

If working in a remote watchtower overlooking a forest sounds like a dream job, you’d love to be a fire lookout.

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Fire lookout -

These professionals are based at fire lookout stations, from where they report any problems and take weather readings.

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Fire lookout -

Detecting and monitoring forest fires is a seriously important job. Most only work during fire season, but some volunteers do it in the off-season too.

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Senior Advisor for Making -

America is a nation of makers, so the Maker Movement became popular during the Obama administration.

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Senior Advisor for Making -

From 2014 to 2016, the position of Senior Advisor for Making at the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy was held by Stephanie Santoso (pictured, left).

Sources: (Listverse) (Apolitical)

See also: The worst jobs in history

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