All About Park Naturalists
Position Description 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?
- Prepare brochures and write newspaper articles.
- Compile and maintain official park photographic and information files.
- Provide visitor services, such as explaining regulations, answering visitor requests, needs and complaints, and providing information about the park and surrounding areas.
- Perform routine maintenance on park structures.
- Plan, organize and direct activities of seasonal staff members.
- Survey park to determine forest conditions and distribution and abundance of fauna and flora.
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What Every Park Naturalist Should Know
These are the skills Park Naturalists say are the most useful in their careers:
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.
Types of Park Naturalist Jobs
- Park Interpretive Specialist
- Naturalist
- Park Naturalist
- Education Specialist
- Park Warden
Job Outlook for Park Naturalists
There were about 22,300 jobs for Park Naturalist in 2016 (in the United States). 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. The BLS estimates 2,000 yearly job openings in this field.
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.
Salary for a Park Naturalist
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 & Technology 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
How to Become a Park Naturalist
What kind of Park Naturalist requirements are there?
How Long Does it Take to Become a Park Naturalist?
Where Park Naturalists Are Employed
The table below shows the approximate number of Park Naturalists employed by various 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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