Occupation Details
Park Naturalists
Plan, develop, and conduct programs to inform public of historical, natural, and scientific features of national, state, or local park.
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Interests
Realistic
Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others.
Artistic
Artistic occupations frequently involve working with forms, designs and patterns. They often require self-expression and the work can be done without following a clear set of rules.
Social
Social occupations frequently involve working with, communicating with, and teaching people. These occupations often involve helping or providing service to others.
Work Values
Achievement
Occupations that satisfy this work value are results oriented and allow employees to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment. Corresponding needs are Ability Utilization and Achievement.
Working Conditions
Occupations that satisfy this work value offer job security and good working conditions. Corresponding needs are Activity, Compensation, Independence, Security, Variety and Working Conditions.
Relationships
Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to provide service to others and work with co-workers in a friendly non-competitive environment. Corresponding needs are Co-workers, Moral Values and Social Service.
Salary & Job Outlook
Starting Salary
$48,940.00
New York StateMedian Salary
$73,670.00
New York StateExperienced Salary
$98,850.00
New York StateNational Average for Comparison
New York State Job Market Outlook
Jobs Right Now (2018)
610
professionals in NYFuture Job Growth (2030)
700
+9 jobs/yearNew Jobs Every Year
69
new opportunities yearlyGrowth Rate
0.2%
projected increasePreparation: Experience, Training, and Education
The list below outlines the prior educational experience required to perform in this occupation.
Degree Needed - Four-year college
Experience Requirements
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.
Education Requirements
Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
Training Details
Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.
Transferrable Skills and Experience
Many of these occupations involve coordinating, supervising, managing, or training others. Examples include real estate brokers, sales managers, database administrators, graphic designers, conservation scientists, art directors, and cost estimators.
School Programs
The following lists school programs which are applicable to this occupation.
Licensing & Certification
State License and Certifications Requirements are not currently associated with this occupation.
Skills
The list below includes the skills required by workers in this occupation; skills are what allow you to learn more quickly and improve your performance.
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.
Skill level is measured on a seven point scale, where one means 'some competence required for this occupation' and seven means 'a high level of expertise required for this occupation'.
Knowledge
The list below includes knowledge items, the principles and facts required by this occupation.
Customer and Personal Service
Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
Education and Training
Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
History and Archeology
Knowledge of historical events and their causes, indicators, and effects on civilizations and cultures.
English Language
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
Geography
Knowledge of principles and methods for describing the features of land, sea, and air masses, including their physical characteristics, locations, interrelationships, and distribution of plant, animal, and human life.
Knowledge level is measured on a seven point scale, where one means 'some competence required for this occupation' and seven means 'a high level of expertise required for this occupation'.
Work Environment
The list below includes the physical and social factors that influence the nature of work in this occupation.
Hover over or tap each factor to see its description.
Work Styles
Included in the list below are the personal work style characteristics that can affect how well a worker is likely to perform in this occupation.
Adaptability/Flexibility
Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace.
Attention to Detail
Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.
Concern for Others
Job requires being sensitive to others' needs and feelings and being understanding and helpful on the job.
Cooperation
Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.
Dependability
Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.
Independence
Job requires developing one's own ways of doing things, guiding oneself with little or no supervision, and depending on oneself to get things done.
Initiative
Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.
Integrity
Job requires being honest and ethical.
Leadership
Job requires a willingness to lead, take charge, and offer opinions and direction.
Self-Control
Job requires maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations.
Tools & Technology
This list below describes the machines, equipment, tools, software, and information technology that workers in this occupation will use.
Tools
- 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
- Electronic cash registers
- Emergency medical first aid kits
- Fire swatters
- Fishing poles
- Forest fire shovels
- Four wheel drive 4WD vehicles
- Global positioning system GPS devices
- Hand pruners
- Hand rakes
- High-pressure pumper units
- Horse bridles
- Horse reins
- Horse saddles
- Horse trailers
- Kayaks
Technology
- Adobe Systems Adobe Acrobat
- Adobe Systems Adobe PageMaker
- Email software
- Mapping software
- MicroFocus GroupWise
- Microsoft Active Server Pages ASP
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Word
- Point of sale POS software
- Web browser software
Duties
Duties are job behaviors describing activities that occur on multiple jobs. The generalized and detailed work activities described in the list below apply to this occupation.
- operate cameras
- operate emergency fire or rescue equipment
- operate specialized photo equipment
- operate video recorders
- use hand or power tools
- assign work to staff or employees
- direct and coordinate activities of workers or staff
- drive emergency rescue or firefighting vehicles
- conduct plant location surveys
- conduct research on work-related topics
- maintain records, reports, or files
- edit written material
- record historical information
- use building materials for routine building maintenance
- prepare audio-visual teaching aids
- plan art or museum exhibits
- build or repair structures in construction, repair, or manufacturing setting
- maintain physical building or grounds of property
- recognize plant diseases
- recognize tree or forest plant species
- collect details for stories or articles
- read maps
- read measuring or metering devices used in forestry
- collect social or personal information
- obtain information from individuals
- use basic carpentry techniques
- use emergency medical procedures
- use interpersonal communication techniques
- use interviewing procedures
- use oral or written communication techniques
- use teaching techniques
- use public speaking techniques
- use facility management techniques
- use library or online Internet research techniques
- make presentations
- compile information through interviews
- write story copy
- conduct field trips
- provide information about facilities
- provide directions or other information to visitors
- supply guests with information or services
- interpret aerial photographs
Tasks
The list below outlines specific tasks that a worker in this occupation is called upon to do regularly.
- Conduct field trips to point out scientific, historic, and natural features of parks, forests, historic sites, or other attractions.
- Prepare and present illustrated lectures and interpretive talks about park features.
- Plan and organize public events at the park.
- Provide visitor services, such as explaining regulations, answering visitor requests, needs and complaints, and providing information about the park and surrounding areas.
- Develop environmental educational programs and curricula for schools.
- Research stories regarding the area's natural history or environment.
- Perform emergency duties to protect human life, government property, and natural features of park.
- Plan, organize and direct activities of seasonal staff members.
- Confer with park staff to determine subjects and schedules for park programs.
- Assist with operations of general facilities, such as visitor centers.
- Plan and develop audio-visual devices for public programs.
- Survey park to determine forest conditions and distribution and abundance of fauna and flora.
- Construct historical, scientific, and nature visitor-center displays.
- Prepare brochures and write newspaper articles.
- Compile and maintain official park photographic and information files.
- 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.
- Perform routine maintenance on park structures.
Learning Resources
More information on this occupation may be found in the links provided below.
92nd Street Y Camp Tevah for Science and Nature
Camp Tevah focuses on the dynamic exploration of science and nature. The campers all possess a particular interest in nature and the environment and enjoy Tevah for its mix of science and nature-related program with more traditional camp activities such as swimming and sports. Although no science background is necessary, most of the activities will incorporate a hands-on investigation of the natural and physical world. For ages 8 to 11.
Learn MoreConservation scientists and foresters
Visit this link for additional information on this career from the Occupational Outlook Handbook; a publication produced and maintained by the United States Department of Labor.
Learn MoreEEK! Environmental Education for Kids
Created by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, EEK! Is an electronic magazine for kids in grades 4 to 8. It also contains extensive environmental information for teachers.
Learn MoreSUNY New Paltz Summer Camp: Mad Science Nature Camp
Mad Science has sparked imaginative learning with their unique brand of engaging and educational live programs and activities. Nature Camp - Explore the natural world and the adaptations that allow birds and beast to thrive. Make plaster casts of animal tracks. Tie-dye t-shirts with vegetable dyes. Build a bird feeder, construct a bug house for observing insects, grow your own crystal garden and more!
Learn MoreWalk in the Woods
A Walk in the Woods is designed for third through fifth grade students to gain an appreciation of nature. Sometimes students are not able to go to a forest preserve or woods, so this brings the woods to them in a multi-media way.
Learn More