How to Become an Interpretive Naturalist

Interpretive naturalists often conduct learning sessions outside.

Many people dream of pursuing a career that allows them to spend some time outside and inspire kids and adults alike to be interested in, and take care of, the natural environment. An interpretive naturalist does that and much more. Interpretive naturalists need a broad knowledge base about the natural environment, since every facet of their jobs relates to teaching about or taking care of the environment in some way.

Instructions

1. 

   Being able to identify common insects is a skill many interpretive naturalists have.

   Learn to identify and understand the flora, fauna, geology and weather of the region in which you hope to work as an interpretive naturalist. Ways to gain this knowledge include direct experience, informal education and formal education. For example, you could study bird field guides, go on hikes and try to identify the plants you see, photograph wildflowers with an outdoors expert, or take a meteorology class through a community education program or college.

2. Obtain a college degree, majoring in a nature-focused field with a hands-on managerial or teaching component, such as "environmental education" or "environment and natural resources." Alternately, you could major in one of the sciences, like geology or marine biology, or a liberal art, like archaeology or anthropology.

3. Gain experience as an interpretive naturalist through volunteering, working part time or completing an internship. Places that use interpretive naturalists include state and regional parks, natural history museums, gardens and wilderness areas. Many college majors, such as environmental education, encourage or require internships, so you may be able to take two steps toward your dream career at once.

4. Find a part-time or full-time job as an interpretive naturalist. This may require multiple stints as a volunteer or an extended period as an intern before getting hired in a full-time position. Obtaining an advanced degree that specifically relates to your region -- such as marine biology if you work in coastal California -- may boost your chances of getting hired or promoted.

Tips & Warnings

• Being an interpretive naturalist isn't a high-paying job, so adjust your lifestyle expectations accordingly.

References

• Minnesota Department of Natural Resources; What's It Like to Be a Naturalist?; Retta James-Gasser
• University of Minnesota: Career and Internship Services
• OCCinfo: Alberta Occupational Profiles; Interpretive Naturalist; September 2009