How to Find a Summer Job as a Naturalist

To find a summer job as a naturalist, you have to sort through a lot of other environmental jobs on the Web. However, there are plenty of positions. Being a naturalist means doing a lot of educating on the environment and natural history, both with children and adults. Having an easy disposition with others, being physically active and enjoying teaching children are keys to being a naturalist.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• Computer with Internet access

1. Make sure you have all the elements you need to become a naturalist. You will be outside and you will work with people frequently. Being a naturalist is a huge time commitment. You spend a lot of the day interacting with people rather than completing projects. In addition to being active, you may also need to know first aid and CPR.
2. Choose a geographic location for your job. Since educating is a large part of the naturalist position, education centers are a primary market. The trick is finding the jobs that are open. If you have been attending school, get some insight through professors or you’re your school resources to discover opportunities. Ask others in the business about openings.
3. Research naturalist jobs on the Internet. Try a job board to look for internships. If you have an employer you're dying to work for, call them to let them know and send them your information.
4. Look into each job lead and research the employer extensively. Check on the status of their projects, if posted, and read their other job openings. Call them to ask about the position and gain insight into their hiring process.
5. Send your resume or application. Your resume should have all your current contact information, as well as your educational and work experience with descriptions and dates. Also, add a list of your volunteer experience, skills and awards.
6. Sit down and write out why you want this job. Then focus those thoughts into a cover letter, along with a description of your skills and how they fit into the employer's environment. Expand on your past experience to show them interest in the position.
7. Interview for the job. Follow up after the interview with a phone call or thank you note.

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