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Career Exploration

Park Naturalists

Also called: Naturalist, Park Guide, Park Naturalist, Park Ranger

What they do:

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

On the job, you would:
  • 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.
On the job, you'll need:

Business

  • customer service

Education and Training

  • teaching and course design

Arts and Humanities

  • English language
  • history and archeology

Math and Science

  • biology

Basic Skills

  • talking to others
  • listening to others, not interrupting, and asking good questions

Social

  • understanding people's reactions
  • looking for ways to help people

Problem Solving

  • noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it

Verbal

  • communicate by speaking
  • listen and understand what people say

Ideas and Logic

  • use rules to solve problems
  • notice when problems happen

Hearing and Speech

  • speak clearly
  • recognize spoken words

Social

People interested in this work like activities that include helping people, teaching, and talking.

  • Integrity
  • Cooperation
  • Self Control
  • Concern for Others
  • Dependability
  • Social Orientation

Electronic mail software

  • Email software
  • Microsoft Outlook

Presentation software

  • Microsoft PowerPoint

Spreadsheet software

  • Microsoft Excel

Video courtesy of CareerOneStop.

Job Outlook

The job outlook for this position is Average.

New job opportunities are likely in the future.

Median Annual Salary: $64,460

Education

Bachelor's degree or associate's degree is usually needed.