What Do Park Naturalist Do?
Park Naturalist Example Plan, develop, and conduct programs to inform public of historical, natural, and scientific features of national, state, or local park.
Life As a Park Naturalist: What Do They Do?
- Perform emergency duties to protect human life, government property, and natural features of park.
- Construct historical, scientific, and nature visitor-center displays.
- Confer with park staff to determine subjects and schedules for park programs.
- Provide visitor services, such as explaining regulations, answering visitor requests, needs and complaints, and providing information about the park and surrounding areas.
- Prepare brochures and write newspaper articles.
- Assist with operations of general facilities, such as visitor centers.
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Skills Needed to be a Park Naturalist
Below is a list of the skills most Park Naturalists say are important on the job.
Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Social Perceptiveness: Being aware of others’ reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Writing: Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Related Job Titles for this Occupation:
- Interpretive Naturalist
- Park Worker
- Parks Worker
- Environmental Educator
- Environmental Education Specialist
Job Opportunities for Park Naturalists
In the United States, there were 22,300 jobs for Park Naturalist in 2016. New jobs are being produced at a rate of 6.3% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 1,400 new jobs for Park Naturalist by 2026. There will be an estimated 2,000 positions for Park Naturalist per year.
The states with the most job growth for Park Naturalist are Colorado, New Hampshire, and Utah. Watch out if you plan on working in Rhode Island, New Mexico, or Maryland. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
Do Park Naturalists Make A Lot Of Money?
The salary for Park Naturalists ranges between about $34,020 and $98,450 a year.
Park Naturalists who work in Connecticut, Alaska, or New Jersey, make the highest salaries.
How much do Park Naturalists make in different U.S. states?
State | Annual Mean Salary |
---|---|
Alabama | $59,310 |
Alaska | $93,390 |
Arizona | $71,190 |
Arkansas | $70,630 |
California | $75,980 |
Colorado | $71,170 |
Connecticut | $87,710 |
Delaware | $55,300 |
Florida | $40,620 |
Georgia | $69,390 |
Hawaii | $68,360 |
Idaho | $66,510 |
Illinois | $63,840 |
Indiana | $63,320 |
Iowa | $56,820 |
Kansas | $68,910 |
Kentucky | $67,440 |
Louisiana | $61,430 |
Maine | $61,970 |
Maryland | $79,070 |
Massachusetts | $72,200 |
Michigan | $63,460 |
Minnesota | $72,650 |
Mississippi | $54,870 |
Missouri | $57,580 |
Montana | $64,480 |
Nebraska | $65,300 |
Nevada | $61,670 |
New Hampshire | $72,160 |
New Jersey | $85,360 |
New Mexico | $68,710 |
North Carolina | $61,780 |
North Dakota | $64,900 |
Ohio | $55,550 |
Oklahoma | $64,330 |
Oregon | $76,790 |
Pennsylvania | $55,200 |
South Carolina | $56,220 |
South Dakota | $62,390 |
Tennessee | $68,440 |
Texas | $57,990 |
Utah | $63,720 |
Vermont | $55,150 |
Virginia | $75,370 |
Washington | $65,120 |
West Virginia | $50,210 |
Wisconsin | $65,610 |
Wyoming | $71,180 |
What Tools do Park Naturalists Use?
Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Park Naturalists may use on a daily basis:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Office
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Web browser software
- Data entry software
- Email software
- Adobe Systems Adobe Acrobat
- Point of sale POS software
- Mapping software
- Adobe Systems Adobe PageMaker
Becoming a Park Naturalist
What education or degrees do I need to become a Park Naturalist?
What work experience do I need to become a Park Naturalist?
Where do Park Naturalists Work?
Park Naturalists work in the following industries:
References:
Image Credit: Lynn Betts via Photo by Lynn Betts, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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