[1] Roelofs began his career in education by serving for two years as a principal at a Christian grammar school in Edgerton, Minnesota.
[1][2] From 1938, Roelofs worked for the United States Department of Agriculture as North Central Regional Information Officer.
During the occupation of Japan following World War II, Roelofs was employed for four years by Douglas MacArthur's staff as a civilian consultant specializing in natural resources.
[2] After leaving public service, Roelofs visited India as a member of the Rockefeller Foundation, and went to Burma while affiliated with Robert R. Nathan Associates.
[2] Roelofs retired in 1968, and settled in Washington, D. C. for two years, before deciding to return to Grand Rapids, Michigan, in 1970.