What Does it Take to Be a Park Naturalist?
Occupation 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
- Perform emergency duties to protect human life, government property, and natural features of park.
- Research stories regarding the area’s natural history or environment.
- Interview specialists in desired fields to obtain and develop data for park information programs.
- Plan and organize public events at the park.
- Confer with park staff to determine subjects and schedules for park programs.
- Construct historical, scientific, and nature visitor-center displays.
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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.
Related Job Titles for this Occupation:
- Park Warden
- Interpretive Naturalist
- Department of Natural Resources Officer (DNR Officer)
- Park Manager
- National Park Ranger
Is There Job Demand 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.
Park Naturalist Average Salary
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.
Below is a list of the median annual salaries for Park Naturalists 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
How to Become a Park Naturalist
What education is needed to be a Park Naturalist?
What work experience do I need to become a Park Naturalist?
Where Park Naturalists Work
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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