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Park Naturalist

💰 Earn $63K-$102K
📚 Bachelor Degree
⏱️ 24–48 Month Training
📈 3.4% Job Growth
  • Perfect for nature lovers who enjoy educating others about the great outdoors.
  • Inspire and engage the public with the wonders of nature and history.
  • Lead exciting field trips and share unique stories of natural and historic sites.
Park Naturalist
What Park Naturalists DoPlan, develop, and conduct programs to inform public of historical, natural, and scientific features of national, state, or local park.
  • 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.
Park Naturalists Education, Salary, and Growth
Minimum EducationBachelor Degree
Career ProspectsExcellent (Increasing by 5% or more)
Training Time2 to 4 years
Job Openings2,500 Annually
Median Earnings
$81,620 in California
$67,950 Nationally

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Is This Career Right For You?
YOU Like
  • Being creative or artistic
  • Relating with or serving others
  • Working with my hands
you value
  • Accomplishing things
  • Job security
  • Personal relationships
you are skilled in
  • Active Listening
  • Critical Thinking
  • Science
  • Speaking
  • Writing
  • Reading Comprehension
Go Deeper: Park Naturalists Explained
Park NaturalistExplore career pathways, key skills, and what each role has to offer.
How Do You Train for This Career?

Learn about the education and training paths that can lead to this career — and what to expect from each one.

Bachelor's DegreeA bachelor's degree typically results in increased knowledge about a variety of academic subjects, specialized knowledge in a focused field of study, and is considered the foundational qualification for many careers.
🎓 College
⏱️ Finish in 4-5+ years
Hybrid CollegeA hybrid college combines online learning with the student support typically offered on college campuses, giving students flexibility and accessibility while still providing a comprehensive educational experience.
🎓 College
⏱️ Finish in 2-5 years
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Updated April 2026. Data sourced from O*NET and Bureau of Labor Statistics.
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Park Naturalist | Explore this Career