What You Need to Know About Park Naturalist
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
- Prepare brochures and write newspaper articles.
- Perform emergency duties to protect human life, government property, and natural features of park.
- Construct historical, scientific, and nature visitor-center displays.
- Compile and maintain official park photographic and information files.
- 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.
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What a Park Naturalist Should Know
When polled, Park Naturalists say the following skills are most frequently used in their jobs:
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:
- Education Specialist
- Naturalist
- Park Naturalist
- Park Worker
- Park Activities Coordinator
Park Naturalist Employment Estimates
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. 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 Salary
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 each U.S. state?
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
How to Become a Park Naturalist
Are there Park Naturalists education requirements?

How many years of work experience do I need?

Where Park Naturalists Are Employed

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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