Life, Physical & Social Science
Park Naturalists
Also called: Environmental Education Specialist, Environmental Educator, Interpretive Naturalist, Interpretive Park Ranger
US median pay
$73,010
per year, 2025
Job growth 2025–35
+5.3%
faster than average
Openings a year (US)
2,100
27,700 employed
Typical entry education
Bachelor's degree
Preparation 4/5 · Considerable preparation
What this job is
Plan, develop, and conduct programs to inform public of historical, natural, and scientific features of national, state, or local park.
What they do day to day
- Provide care for park program animals.
- Conduct field trips to point out scientific, historic, and natural features of parks, forests, historic sites, or other attractions.
- Provide visitor services, such as explaining regulations, answering visitor requests, needs and complaints, and providing information about the park and surrounding areas.
- Prepare and present illustrated lectures and interpretive talks about park features.
- Plan and organize public events at the park.
- Assist with operations of general facilities, such as visitor centers.
- Train staff and volunteers on park programs.
- Plan, organize and direct activities of seasonal staff members.
- Develop environmental educational programs and curricula for schools.
- Confer with park staff to determine subjects and schedules for park programs.
Skills and knowledge that matter most
Skills
- Social Perceptiveness3.8/5
- Service Orientation3.4/5
- Judgment and Decision Making3.2/5
- Instructing3.1/5
- Time Management3.0/5
- Management of Personnel Resources3.0/5
- Coordination3.0/5
- Complex Problem Solving3.0/5
Knowledge
- Customer and Personal Service4.5/5
- Biology4.5/5
- English Language4.1/5
- Education and Training4.0/5
- Geography3.4/5
- Public Safety and Security3.4/5
Importance rated by people working in the job (1 = not important, 5 = extremely important).
Education and preparation
Preparation level 4 of 5 — Considerable preparation. Usually a bachelor's degree and several years of related experience.
Typical entry education (BLS): Bachelor's degree.
Who this job suits
Mostly Social
Helping, teaching and caring for people
Realistic
Hands-on work with tools, machines, plants or animals
Investigative
Ideas, research and solving problems
Based on the Holland (RIASEC) interest profile for this occupation.