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.
A Day in the Life of a Park Naturalist
- Conduct field trips to point out scientific, historic, and natural features of parks, forests, historic sites, or other attractions.
- Survey park to determine forest conditions and distribution and abundance of fauna and flora.
- Prepare brochures and write newspaper articles.
- Perform emergency duties to protect human life, government property, and natural features of park.
- Plan and organize public events at the park.
- Provide visitor services, such as explaining regulations, answering visitor requests, needs and complaints, and providing information about the park and surrounding areas.
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Park Naturalist Needed Skills
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.
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.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Social Perceptiveness: Being aware of others’ reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
Writing: Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Types of Park Naturalist
- Parks Worker
- National Park Ranger
- Department of Natural Resources Officer (DNR Officer)
- Park Interpretive Ranger
- Park Worker
Is There Going to be Demand 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. 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?
Park Naturalists make between $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 |
Tools & Technologies Used by Park Naturalists
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
Becoming a Park Naturalist
Are there Park Naturalists education requirements?
How Long Does it Take to Become a Park Naturalist?
Park Naturalists Sector
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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