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Park Naturalist

Occupation Information table
Overview: Park naturalists plan, develop and conduct educational & recreational programs to inform the public about the history & scientific facts about the parks. They describe animals and vegetation, use photographs and show exhibits. They survey park conditions to determine restrictions needed.
Duties: They study and analyze public park sites of interest, trails and hazards in order to map out tours, recreational and educational experiences for tourists and researchers.

Identify and catalogue the different kinds of plants, animals, rock formation, river and stream characteristics for purposes of providing the information to visitors.

Lead and guide tourist and research groups through the significant sites and features in the park. They explain the history and scientific facts.

Prepare educational lectures, photographic exhibits and displays as a means of introducing visitors to the park sites. Mark park trails with signs & symbols to protect both visitors & the park.
Degree(s): A.S. Biotechnology 
Job Outlook: Employment in this field is projected to grow 5% to 8% percent from 2018 to 2028, which matches the average growth rate for all occupations.
Salary Range (National Average): $28,000 to $32,000
Education Level: Typically, a Bachelor’s Degree from a 4-year college (some are 5 years) is required to be considered for this occupation.
Additional Training/Education: A college degree in forestry and natural resource management is the appropriate education for this occupation. Additional studies in environmental management, fish, game and wildlife, ecology and biology are important. An associate or bachelor's degree is needed for entry positions.
Recommended Skills:
  • Actively looking for ways to help people.
  • Assigning duties to others, motivating them, and evaluating their performance.
  • Allocating and budgeting your time for different tasks so that things get done when needed.
  • Being aware of the reactions of others, and understanding why they react the way they do.
  • The ability to understand complex written paragraphs, instructions, or reports.
  • Using scientific methods to investigate and conduct experiments.
  • Talking, giving speeches, or speaking in a group to convey information, explain ideas, or give instructions.
  • Teaching others how to do something.
Recommended Values:
  • Create new ideas, programs, things, or anything else not previously developed by another person.
  • Being able to decide on how to get something done without significant direction from someone else.
  • Having a job where you can spend a significant amount of time outside.
 

* National data collected by the Department of Labor in 2014 with projections through 2024. For New York green job information .

* For New York salary data information .

* For New York green job information .

Understanding acquiring positions in this field may be enhanced through continuing academic study (i.e. earning a baccalaureate or a master's degree) and/or work experience in the field, Queensborough Community College has established transfer agreements with other institutions for students who wish to further pursue their educational goals. Students are highly encouraged to meet with one of our Career Services to fully understand the opportunities available through study in their degree program.