Park Naturalists
Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics > Science and MathematicsProjected Growth: Average
Projected Job Openings
Considerable Preparation Needed
Job Description
Your job is to Plan, develop, and conduct programs to inform public of historical, natural, and scientific features of national, state, or local park.
Common job titles of Park Naturalists include:
.
Experience and Education
A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for this occupation. For example, a person in this occupation must complete four years of college and work for several years in industry to be considered qualified.
94.85% said they needed a Bachelor's Degree.
5.15% said they needed a Master's Degree.
Tasks
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.
Research stories regarding the area's natural history or environment.
Prepare and present illustrated lectures and interpretive talks about park features.
Conduct field trips to point out scientific, historic, and natural features of parks, forests, historic sites, or other attractions.
Develop environmental educational programs and curricula for schools.
Plan and organize public events at the park.
Plan and develop audio-visual devices for public programs.
Compile and maintain official park photographic and information files.
Plan, organize and direct activities of seasonal staff members.
Confer with park staff to determine subjects and schedules for park programs.
Take photographs and motion pictures for use in lectures and publications and to develop displays.
Interview specialists in desired fields to obtain and develop data for park information programs.
Prepare brochures and write newspaper articles.
Perform routine maintenance on park structures.
Survey park to determine forest conditions and distribution and abundance of fauna and flora.
Construct historical, scientific, and nature visitor-center displays.
Perform emergency duties to protect human life, government property, and natural features of park.
Tools
Work vans
Wood chippers
Weed sprayers
Water testing kits
Utility knives
Tanker trucks
Survey transits
All ToolsSurvey levels
Surveillance binoculars
Straight screwdrivers
Snow skis
Power mowers
Pontoon boats
Point of sale POS computer terminals
Phillips screwdrivers
Personal computers
Patrol motorboats
Passenger vans
Multipurpose tractors
Multipurpose shovels
Multipurpose pliers
Multiline telephone systems
Mountain bikes
Mobile radios
Line trimmers
Light pickup trucks
Leaf blowers
Law enforcement handguns
Kayaks
Horse trailers
Horse saddles
Horse reins
Horse bridles
High-pressure pumper units
Hand rakes
Hand pruners
Global positioning system GPS devices
Four wheel drive 4WD vehicles
Forest fire shovels
Fishing poles
Fire swatters
Fire rakes
Emergency medical first aid kits
Electronic cash registers
Dump trucks
Drip torches
Digital video cameras
Digital still cameras
Computer laser printers
Claw hammers
Chainsaws
Canoes
Brush cutters
Boat trailers
Backpack tanks
Automated external defibrillators AED
Augers
Animal trapping equipment
All-terrain vehicles ATV
Technologies
Data entry software
Adobe Systems Adobe PageMaker
Email software
GroupWise
Mapping software
Point of sale POS software
Skills
Speaking
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Reading Comprehension
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
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.
Critical Thinking
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Social Perceptiveness
Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
Writing
Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Active Learning
Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Instructing
Teaching others how to do something.
Judgment and Decision Making
Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Learning Strategies
Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.
Service Orientation
Actively looking for ways to help people.
Monitoring
Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Coordination
Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
Time Management
Managing one's own time and the time of others.
Persuasion
Persuading others to change their minds or behavior.
Complex Problem Solving
Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Management of Personnel Resources
Motivating, developing, and directing people as they work, identifying the best people for the job.
Abilities
Communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
Cognitive Abilities › Verbal Abilities › Oral Expression
Listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
Cognitive Abilities › Verbal Abilities › Oral Comprehension
Speak clearly so others can understand you.
Auditory and Speech Abilities › Sensory Abilities › Speech Clarity
Read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
Cognitive Abilities › Verbal Abilities › Written Comprehension