Park Naturalists

What the job really is

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

At a glance

• Sector: Life, Physical & Social Science
• O*NET-SOC code: 19-1031
• O*NET job zone: 4 — considerable preparation
• Work sample tasks on file: 12
• Tools and technologies listed: 12

What you actually do

Work sample tasks recorded for this occupation:

• 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.
• Perform emergency duties to protect human life, government property, and natural features of park.
• Train staff on park programs.
• Develop environmental educational programs and curricula for schools.
• Construct historical, scientific, and nature visitor-center displays.
• Research stories regarding the area's natural history or environment.

Tools and technology

Adobe Acrobat, Facebook, Microsoft Active Server Pages ASP, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Office software, Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft PowerPoint, Microsoft Word, Adobe PageMaker, All-terrain vehicles ATV, Animal trapping equipment, Augers

What employers expect you to already be comfortable with.

Where this job leads

Related occupations — the usual moves up and sideways:

• Forest and Conservation Technicians
• Tour Guides and Escorts
• Recreation Workers
• Range Managers
• Fish and Game Wardens
• Conservation Scientists
• Forestry and Conservation Science Teachers, Postsecondary
• Foresters

Getting in

O*NET assigns this occupation job zone 4 (considerable preparation). The related occupations above are the realistic routes in and out.

Find openings

Browse the verified job sources directory, or explore more occupations.

Check this against the source

O*NET OnLine: Park Naturalists — the authoritative public-domain profile this page is derived from, including the full task list, reported skills and the wage estimates for your region.

Derived and rewritten from the public-domain O*NET database (U.S. Department of Labor / Employment and Training Administration). Figures are observations, not promises — always confirm salary, licensing and visa requirements with the employer and the relevant authority.