Occupation · SOC 19-1031.03
Park Naturalists
Plan, develop, and conduct programs to inform public of historical, natural, and scientific features of national, state, or local park.
Median wage
$67,950
$45,260–$107,720
Projected growth
+3.5%
Average growth
Annual openings
100
per year
Employed (US)
25,590
Job Zone 4
Typical preparation
Considerable preparation
Stackable credential programs
571 mapped
Core skills
SpeakingReading ComprehensionActive ListeningWritingSocial PerceptivenessCritical ThinkingService OrientationLearning StrategiesJudgment and Decision MakingInstructingActive LearningMonitoringCoordinationComplex Problem SolvingTime ManagementManagement of Personnel ResourcesPersuasionSystems EvaluationSystems AnalysisOperations AnalysisNegotiationScienceOperations MonitoringManagement of Material ResourcesQuality Control AnalysisOperation and ControlManagement of Financial ResourcesTroubleshootingMathematicsTechnology DesignProgrammingEquipment MaintenanceEquipment SelectionRepairingInstallation
Knowledge areas
Customer and Personal ServiceEducation and TrainingEnglish LanguagePublic Safety and SecurityBiologyCommunications and MediaHistory and ArcheologyLaw and GovernmentGeographyComputers and ElectronicsPersonnel and Human ResourcesSociology and AnthropologyAdministration and ManagementAdministrativePsychologyTelecommunicationsTransportationMathematicsSales and MarketingTherapy and CounselingDesignMedicine and DentistryEngineering and TechnologyPhilosophy and TheologyEconomics and AccountingChemistryFine ArtsMechanicalProduction and ProcessingPhysicsForeign LanguageBuilding and ConstructionFood Production
Technology & tools
Adobe AcrobatAdobe PageMakerEmail softwareFacebookMapping softwareMicroFocus GroupWiseMicrosoft Active Server Pages ASPMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft OutlookMicrosoft PowerPointMicrosoft WordPoint of sale POS softwareWeb browser softwareWord processing software
Representative tasks
Performing for or Working Directly with the PublicCommunicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesWorking with ComputersEstablishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsCommunicating with People Outside the OrganizationThinking CreativelyInterpreting the Meaning of Information for OthersGetting InformationUpdating and Using Relevant KnowledgeTraining and Teaching OthersScheduling Work and ActivitiesDocumenting/Recording InformationIdentifying Objects, Actions, and EventsOrganizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkCoordinating the Work and Activities of OthersMonitoring and Controlling ResourcesMaking Decisions and Solving ProblemsCoaching and Developing OthersProcessing InformationDeveloping and Building TeamsPerforming Administrative ActivitiesResolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersGuiding, Directing, and Motivating SubordinatesProviding Consultation and Advice to OthersJudging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or PeopleDeveloping Objectives and StrategiesStaffing Organizational UnitsEvaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsMonitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsAnalyzing Data or InformationSelling or Influencing OthersPerforming General Physical ActivitiesEstimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or InformationInspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsOperating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or EquipmentHandling and Moving ObjectsAssisting and Caring for OthersControlling Machines and ProcessesRepairing and Maintaining Mechanical EquipmentDrafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment
Competency framework
Skill expectations by proficiency level.
emerging
Visitor inquiries and park regulations — explain and respond to under direct supervisor guidance at a park visitor center or trailhead.Interpretive program schedules — review and follow as prepared by senior naturalists when assisting with field trips and guided walks.Scientific, historic, and natural features along designated park trails — identify and describe to small visitor groups using provided reference materials.Illustrated presentation slides and handouts — assemble and organize using presentation and word processing software under staff direction.Park visitor center operations — assist with daily opening, closing, and routine facility tasks alongside experienced park staff.Public safety and emergency protocols — recognize and report hazardous conditions or visitor emergencies to supervisory personnel promptly.Visitor feedback and complaints — document accurately using office suite software and route to the appropriate staff member for resolution.Biological and ecological terminology — apply correctly in written visitor communications and basic interpretive signage drafts.Seasonal program materials — help prepare printed handouts and desktop-published brochures under the direction of lead naturalist staff.Park geography and trail maps — read and interpret accurately to orient visitors and support field trip logistics in familiar park zones.
developing
Guided field trips covering scientific, historic, and natural park features — plan and lead independently for general public audiences with minimal supervisor oversight.Illustrated lectures and interpretive talks — prepare and deliver with moderate autonomy, adapting content to diverse visitor backgrounds and age groups.Public events at the park — organize logistics, coordinate with park operations staff, and manage day-of execution for small to mid-sized programs.Park program subjects and schedules — confer with park staff and contribute recommendations based on seasonal conditions and visitor interest data.Visitor center operations — oversee routine functions including exhibit maintenance, supply inventory, and volunteer coordination during assigned shifts.Electronic mail and web platform tools — use routinely to communicate program updates, manage registrations, and post interpretive content to park websites.Seasonal staff orientation — assist in onboarding new staff by demonstrating program delivery methods and explaining park policies and procedures.Emergency response duties — execute practiced protocols to protect visitor safety and natural resources when incidents occur in the field.Written interpretive content — draft and revise for accuracy and clarity using word processing and desktop publishing software for park audiences.Visitor behavior and group dynamics — monitor during programs and adjust facilitation approach to maintain engagement and address emerging concerns.
proficient
Full-scope interpretive programming — design, deliver, and evaluate across all park habitats, historical sites, and seasonal themes without supervisory direction.Annual public events calendar — plan, organize, and execute a varied schedule of park events integrating community partnerships and multi-agency coordination.Non-routine visitor situations including complaints, accessibility needs, and sensitive cultural topics — resolve using advanced judgment and service-orientation skills.Seasonal staff activities — direct the full cycle of supervision including scheduling, task assignment, performance monitoring, and constructive feedback.Interpretive media — produce polished illustrated presentations, web content, and map-based materials using the full park technology suite for public and agency audiences.Complex problem scenarios in the field such as wildlife conflicts or weather-related hazards — assess independently and implement emergency protocols to protect life and property.Biology, history, archeology, and geography knowledge domains — integrate across program content to deliver scientifically accurate and contextually rich visitor experiences.Park program effectiveness — monitor attendance trends, collect and analyze visitor feedback data in spreadsheet software, and adapt offerings to identified gaps.Interdepartmental collaboration — coordinate with law enforcement, maintenance, and resource management staff to align interpretive programming with operational priorities.Learning strategy selection — adapt instructional approaches for formal school groups, diverse adult learners, and special-interest audiences in both indoor and outdoor settings.
advanced
Interpretive program vision and long-term curriculum framework — establish for an entire park unit or regional system, aligning content with agency mission and conservation goals.Seasonal and permanent naturalist staff — develop professionally through mentoring, structured training plans, and performance management at an organizational scale.Strategic public events and community engagement initiatives — lead design and execution of high-visibility programs that build lasting park-community relationships.Interagency and cross-sector partnerships — forge and sustain with academic institutions, tribal entities, and nonprofit organizations to advance park interpretation and stewardship.Organizational emergency preparedness policy for naturalist operations — author and implement, integrating public safety, natural resource protection, and staff readiness protocols.Park interpretive identity and brand — direct production of comprehensive media assets including web platforms, publications, and signage that communicate park values to broad audiences.Budget allocation and resource planning for interpretive divisions — lead annual and multi-year planning cycles, justifying needs to agency leadership using program performance data.Critical complex problems at the intersection of public access, ecological sensitivity, and cultural heritage — resolve through systems-level reasoning and multi-stakeholder deliberation.Organizational learning culture — model and institutionalize by championing evidence-based practice, professional development participation, and knowledge-sharing across park staff.Visitor services policy and program standards — set and advocate for at the agency or regional level, influencing how park naturalist roles are defined and resourced across multiple sites.
Also known as
22 alternate job titles map to this occupation.
Camp RangerEnvironmental Education SpecialistEnvironmental EducatorInterpretation Park RangerInterpretive NaturalistNational Park RangerNatural Resource EducatorNaturalistPark Activities CoordinatorPark AidePark AttendantPark GuidePark Interpretive RangerPark Interpretive SpecialistPark NaturalistPark Protection RangerPark RangerPark Ranger AssistantPark SpecialistPark WorkerProgram Production SpecialistRanger