Career Overview
Plan, develop, and conduct programs to inform public of historical, natural, and scientific features of national, state, or local park.
Also Known As
- Naturalist
- Park Guide
- Park Naturalist
- Park Ranger
Alternate Job Titles
- Camp Ranger
- Environmental Education Specialist
- Environmental Educator
- Interpretation Park Ranger
- Interpretive Naturalist
- National Park Ranger
- Natural Resource Educator
- Naturalist
- Park Activities Coordinator
- Park Aide
- Park Attendant
- Park Guide
- Park Interpretive Ranger
- Park Interpretive Specialist
- Park Naturalist
What You'll Do
In this role, your typical responsibilities include:
- Provide visitor services, such as explaining regulations, answering visitor requests, needs and complaints, and providing information about the park and surrounding areas.
- Assist with operations of general facilities, such as visitor centers.
- Confer with park staff to determine subjects and schedules for park programs.
- Conduct field trips to point out scientific, historic, and natural features of parks, forests, historic sites, or other attractions.
- Plan and organize public events at the park.
- Prepare and present illustrated lectures and interpretive talks about park features.
- Plan, organize and direct activities of seasonal staff members.
Emerging Responsibilities
As this field evolves, you may also:
- Train staff and volunteers on park programs.
Knowledge You'll Use
You'll need solid knowledge in these areas:
- Customer and Personal Service
- Education and Training
- English Language
- Public Safety and Security
- Biology
Essential Skills
Success in this career requires strong skills in:
- Speaking
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Listening
- Writing
- Social Perceptiveness
- Critical Thinking
Key Abilities
This career requires key abilities in:
- Speech Clarity
- Oral Expression
- Oral Comprehension
- Written Expression
- Speech Recognition
- Written Comprehension
- Deductive Reasoning
- Problem Sensitivity
- Near Vision
- Inductive Reasoning
Work Style
People who excel in this career typically demonstrate:
- Dependability
- Social Orientation
- Intellectual Curiosity
- Optimism
- Initiative
What Matters in This Career
This career tends to satisfy these work values:
- Relationships
- Working Conditions
- Achievement
- Recognition
- Independence
Education & Preparation
Typical Education: Bachelor's Degree
Related Work Experience Needed: Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year
On-the-Job Training: Anything beyond short demonstration, up to and including 1 month
Education Details: Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
Experience Required: A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
Technology You'll Use
Popular Technologies & Software
- Adobe Acrobat
- Microsoft Active Server Pages ASP
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Word
Tools & Equipment
- All-terrain vehicles ATV
- Animal trapping equipment
- Augers
- Automated external defibrillators AED
- Backpack tanks
- Boat trailers
- Brush cutters
- Canoes
- Chainsaws
- Claw hammers
- Computer laser printers
- Digital still cameras
- Digital video cameras
- Drip torches
- Dump trucks
Work Environment
- Deal With External Customers or the Public in General
- Telephone Conversations
- Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
- Contact With Others
Salary & Job Market
Wages reported for the broader Conservation Scientists occupational group (BLS 2024), which includes Park Naturalists.
| Salary Percentile | Annual Wage |
|---|---|
| Entry-Level (10th percentile) | $45,260 |
| Median | $67,950 |
| Top Earners (90th percentile) | $107,720 |
Workers Employed Nationally: 25,590
Related Careers
If you're interested in this career, you might also consider:
Tour Guides and Escorts
Education: Associate's Degree (or other 2-year degree)
Median Salary: Varies
Forest and Conservation Technicians
Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
Median Salary: $54,310
Recreation Workers
Education: Bachelor's Degree
Median Salary: $35,380
Range Managers
Education: Bachelor's Degree
Median Salary: $67,950
Fish and Game Wardens
Education: Bachelor's Degree
Median Salary: $68,180
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Occupational data sourced from the O*NET OnLine database, developed by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration. Wage data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), 2024.