Park Naturalist

Your Fit

Income

$69K

Preparation

Considerable

Growth

4.1%

Definition
Your fit with this career
How much they earn
What they do
Job satisfaction
How to become

What is a Park Naturalist?

A Park Naturalist is a professional responsible for educating the public about the natural environment and conservation while managing the natural resources of a park, nature reserve, or public land. They combine knowledge of environmental science with public engagement to promote environmental stewardship.

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Why this fit score?

The fit report shows your areas of fit and misfit with Park Naturalist.

Fit report

Test scores

The scores report summarizes what we learned about you. It shows your results on everything measured in the career test.

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How much does a Park Naturalist earn

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, typical income (in USD) is...

Bottom 10%	Bottom 25%	Median (average)	Top 25%	Top 10%
$43K per year	$53K per year	$69K per year	$88K per year	$105K per year

Compared to other careers: Median is $21K above the national average.

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What does a Park Naturalist do?

Work environment

Park Naturalists work primarily in outdoor settings like national parks, nature reserves, and recreational areas. They may also spend time in visitor centers, offices, and classrooms. Their job involves direct interaction with the public, field research, and sometimes physically demanding activities in various weather conditions.

Quick task list

Conducts educational programs and guided tours for park visitors.
Develops and implements conservation and resource management plans.
Researches and monitors wildlife, plants, and ecosystems within the park.
Collaborates with park staff on environmental protection initiatives.
Creates educational materials and displays for park visitors.

See full list of tasks with expert relevance ratings

Areas of specialization

Environmental Education: Focusing on educating the public about ecology and conservation.
Wildlife Management: Specializing in the management and protection of wildlife within the park.
Ecotourism: Developing sustainable tourism programs that promote environmental awareness.
Resource Conservation: Concentrating on the sustainable management of park resources.
Interpretation and Outreach: Engaging with the community and visitors to foster a connection with nature.

Description

Park Naturalists play a crucial role in bridging the gap between the public and the natural world. They educate people of all ages about the importance of environmental conservation, helping them to appreciate and understand the natural ecosystems. This involves designing and leading educational programs, nature walks, and interpretive talks that make complex ecological concepts accessible and engaging.

The occupation requires a combination of scientific knowledge, communication skills, and creativity. Naturalists must be able to interpret and convey information about flora, fauna, geology, and environmental issues in an informative and captivating way. They often collaborate with other park staff, researchers, and educators to develop programs and materials that enhance the visitor experience.

Park Naturalists typically have a passion for the outdoors and a commitment to environmental preservation. They often find satisfaction in inspiring others to appreciate and protect the natural world. The job can be physically demanding and sometimes involves working weekends and holidays, but it offers the reward of working in some of the most beautiful and significant natural settings.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

Educating and inspiring others about nature and conservation.
Working in and contributing to the preservation of natural environments.
The variety of tasks, from fieldwork to interacting with diverse groups of people.

You might make a good Park Naturalist if you are...

Passionate about nature, wildlife, and the outdoors.
Skilled in communication and enjoy public speaking and education.
Interested in ecology, biology, and environmental science.
Creative in developing engaging educational content.
Comfortable working outdoors and in varying weather conditions.

Pros:

Rewarding work through environmental education and conservation.
Opportunity to work in beautiful natural settings.
Variety in daily tasks, from research to public interaction.

Cons:

Often physically demanding with outdoor work in all types of weather.
May include irregular hours, such as weekends and holidays.
Limited growth opportunities within the field, which can be highly competitive.

How to become a Park Naturalist

Typical education

A bachelor's degree in environmental science, biology, ecology, natural resource management, or a related field is typically required, taking about 4 years of post-secondary education. Some positions may favor candidates with additional certifications or specialized training in environmental education or interpretation.

High school preparation

Courses:

Biology and Environmental Science to build foundational knowledge.
Geography to understand ecosystems and conservation.
Public Speaking or Drama to develop communication and presentation skills.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

Volunteering for environmental organizations or nature centers.
Participating in outdoor clubs like hiking or bird watching.
Engaging in community outreach or education programs.

Preparation after high school

Pursue a bachelor's degree in environmental science, ecology, natural resource management, or a related field.
Gain experience through internships or volunteer positions in parks, nature reserves, or environmental education centers.
Obtain certifications in areas like environmental education, wilderness first aid, or interpretation.

More resources

National Association for Interpretation (NAI) - Provides resources and certifications for individuals in the field of interpretation.
North American Association for Environmental Education (NAAEE) - Offers professional development and networking opportunities for environmental educators.
U.S. National Park Service - A valuable resource for information on national parks and career opportunities in park services.
Association of Nature Center Administrators (ANCA) - Provides support and resources for leaders in nature and environmental learning centers.
The Wilderness Society - Offers insights into conservation issues and opportunities for involvement in environmental protection.

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