Life As a Park Naturalist
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
- Research stories regarding the area’s natural history or environment.
- Survey park to determine forest conditions and distribution and abundance of fauna and flora.
- Assist with operations of general facilities, such as visitor centers.
- Prepare and present illustrated lectures and interpretive talks about park features.
- Perform routine maintenance on park structures.
- Conduct field trips to point out scientific, historic, and natural features of parks, forests, historic sites, or other attractions.
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Things a Park Naturalist Should Know How to Do
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.
Other Park Naturalist Job Titles
- Park Interpretive Specialist
- Park Naturalist
- Naturalist
- National Park Ranger
- Park Activities Coordinator
Job Demand for Park Naturalists
In 2016, there was an estimated number of 22,300 jobs in the United States for Park Naturalist. 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. Due to new job openings and attrition, there will be an average of 2,000 job openings in this field each 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 average yearly salary of a Park Naturalist ranges between $34,020 and $98,450.
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?
Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Park Naturalists:
- 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 education is needed to be a Park Naturalist?
How many years of work experience do I need?
Who Employs Park Naturalists?
The table below shows some of the most common industries where those employed in this career field work.
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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