What was a typical job for a man to have in Alabama in 1936?

Due to the environment and "ruralness" of the south during that time it would have to be either blue collar industrial or agricultural. It could have been anything from coal mining to peanut farming. Best thing to do would be to look up a history of Alabama either at the library or online and see what the history of the states employment is. Best of luck!

One source of information like this would be the census bureau. Besides counting noses, they have statistical information like this. Google their web site, see what is there, and maybe send an email to them to check into where you can get this kind of historical report. Another possible place would be the Alabama state archives... they probably have a reference librarian who could also zoom in on this.

My dad's family during this period all worked or ran a saw mill. It was quite common in the south and Alabama. My grandfather gave up the business to become a Cop in Mobile.

being that it was 1936 probably a farmer or some newly formed government job to battle the economic depression.

Farmer.

I would have to guess "coal miner?"