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Park Naturalists

O*NET files this work under Park Naturalists: people who plan, develop, and conduct programs to inform public of historical, natural, and scientific features of national, state, or local park. The skills rated most useful are speaking, writing, and active listening. The job can ask you to provide care for park program animals. Its interest code is SRI. Social leads at 4.9 out of 7, so expect helping, teaching or caring for people, with Realistic next at 4.4. Getting in usually takes a bachelor’s degree plus a period of work experience, a level O*NET calls considerable preparation. People who want helping, teaching or caring for people usually fit better here than those who need orderly work with data, records and clear procedures.

What they do

Plan, develop, and conduct programs to inform public of historical, natural, and scientific features of national, state, or local park.

Main tasks

  • Provide care for park program animals.
  • Conduct field trips to point out scientific, historic, and natural features of parks, forests, historic sites, or other attractions.
  • Provide visitor services, such as explaining regulations, answering visitor requests, needs and complaints, and providing information about the park and surrounding areas.
  • Prepare and present illustrated lectures and interpretive talks about park features.
  • Plan and organize public events at the park.
  • Assist with operations of general facilities, such as visitor centers.

Skills

  • Speaking
  • Writing
  • Active Listening
  • Social Perceptiveness
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Critical Thinking

Who this career fits

May suit you if

  • You get energy from helping other people move forward.
  • You like ending the day with a physical result you can point to.
  • You are ready to spend around four years on a degree, then build experience.
  • You are comfortable relying on speaking and writing.

May not suit you if

  • You find a full day of dealing with people draining.
  • You want to avoid a four-year degree or its equivalent.

Interest profile

O*NET rates each occupation from 1 to 7 on six interest types. The code SRI takes the three highest, and Social comes first here.

Preparation

Considerable preparation. Most jobs here ask for a bachelor’s degree, and employers usually expect a few years of related experience as well.

Also called

  • Environmental Education Specialist
  • Environmental Educator
  • Interpretive Naturalist
  • Interpretive Park Ranger
  • Natural Resource Educator

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This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.