How To Become A Naturalist: Career Guide - Academic Invest

 

 

Prepare for a Career as a Naturalist in High School

If you want to become a naturalist, there are things you can do long before you set foot in a university classroom. Here are a few tips:

 

Explore the landscape around you: Take a look at the surroundings of your neighbourhood or area; can you imagine what they looked like many years ago, and what forces have shaped them into what they are today? Thinking about, and subsequently learning, what it looked like and what used to live there can help you develop research and analytical thinking skills you can apply to your future career as a naturalist.

 

Practice observing nature: Sketch or take notes of what animals you see and where. This ‘note taking’ will help you develop the ability to closely observe your natural surroundings.

 

Practice research: Is there anything that interests you about nature, natural resource history or your landscape, such as where the rabbits you see in your neighbourhood sleep? If so, go to the library or conduct an internet search (using credible sources) to find out about the topic. This will help you develop much needed research skills, as naturalists must be knowledgeable in many areas concerning nature. 

 

Attend programs at parks: While you attend these programs, ask the naturalists working there what they did to become a naturalist, they will be able to give you some great advice.

 

 

Successful Characteristics of Naturalists

Not all naturalist jobs are the same, as not all parks and wildlife areas are the same, nor are the governments that administer them. Most naturalist jobs are quite similar however, as they share a fair amount of common traits. Because of this, the personality characteristics needed to become a naturalist is fairly consistent. Below are examples of some of these skills:

 

Natural curiosity and appreciation of nature: Those who become naturalists are typically very curious about nature, most of them don’t just simply get a job as a naturalist for the sake of paying bills.

 

Demonstrate initiative: Part of the job of a naturalist is to initiate activities and make things happen in order to inform others about how to protect our natural resources. For example, a naturalist might initiate a project to work with community members to clean up part of a river.

 

Enjoy being active: Naturalists are frequently involved in outdoor tours and activities. They may lead forest hikes or rock climbs, or they may lead other activities such as games. Most naturalist positions are however accessible to people with disabilities, as the terrain is not always rough or difficult to access.

 

Connect with people: In order to effectively communicate the importance of protecting our natural resources, you must be able to connect with people and relate to them. 

 

 

Careers Similar to Naturalist

Listed below are jobs that are similar in nature to that of a naturalist, as they may involve many of the same skills, competencies and responsibilities.

 

• Conservation Officer

• Environmental Education Officer

• Environmental Impact Assessment Specialist

• Parks Planner

• Wildlife Manager

 

 

References: Naturalist Career

Please use the references below to find more information on the various aspects of a career as a naturalist.

 

Occupations in Alberta: “Interpretive Naturalist.” (September 22, 2009). ALIS website - Alberta Learning Information Service. Retrieved January 5, 2020.

Life, Physical, and Social Science: “Conservation Scientists and Foresters.” (September 4, 2019). Occupational Outlook Handbook - United States Bureau of Labor Statistics website. Retrieved January 5, 2020.

Career Profile: “Naturalist.” (n.d.). ECO Canada website. Retrieved January 5, 2020.

Job: “Park Naturalist.” Kathleen Harris (n.d.) Environmental Education for Kids website. Retrieved January 5, 2020.