Park naturalists establish a connection between parks and the public. They educate park visitors, student groups, and others about the natural bounty, history, scientific opportunities, and ecological diversity of the country’s local, state, and national parks. Park naturalists develop presentations, hands-on demonstrations, and interactive programs that help audiences get familiar with the park, everything from its geological formations and plants to the creatures who make their homes there. Whether by visiting schools to demonstrate how beavers construct their dams and lodges developing an exhibit that allows visitors to explore a model of bird habitats or leading an overnight trip through the park, a park naturalist aims to get people interested in and excited about the natural world. Naturalists must combine a passion for the environment with the presentation skills and public relations abilities that allow them to make a connection with the public. They answer many questions each day, explain regulations, and respond to emergencies in the park. Many naturalists rely on teaching experience to prepare them. Typically becoming a park naturalist requires a bachelor’s degree in environmental education or biology. Full-time work is not easy to come by and many naturalists start out as volunteer or seasonal workers.
What they do:
Plan, develop, and conduct programs to inform public of historical, natural, and scientific features of national, state, or local park.
On the job, you would:
Conduct field trips to point out scientific, historic, and natural features of parks, forests, historic sites, or other attractions.
Prepare and present illustrated lectures and interpretive talks about park features.
Plan and organize public events at the park.
Business
customer service
administrative services
Education and Training
teaching and course design
Arts and Humanities
history and archeology
English language
Math and Science
geography
Basic Skills
talking to others
reading work related information
Social
understanding people's reactions
teaching people how to do something
People and Technology Systems
thinking about the pros and cons of different options and picking the best one
Verbal
communicate by speaking
listen and understand what people say
Ideas and Logic
notice when problems happen
order or arrange things
Hearing and Speech
speak clearly
recognize spoken words
Attention
pay attention to something without being distracted
People interested in this work like activities that include helping people, teaching, and talking.
They do well at jobs that need:
Cooperation
Dependability
Integrity
Self Control
Concern for Others
Adaptability/Flexibility
You might use software like this on the job:
Electronic mail software
Email software
GroupWise
Spreadsheet software
Microsoft Excel
Document management software
Adobe Systems Adobe Acrobat
bachelor's degree usually needed
Get started on your career:
New job opportunities are very likely in the future.
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