What does a Naturalist do?
Published 3 min read
A naturalist is someone who studies nature and the natural world. They may work in a variety of settings, such as parks, nature reserves, zoos, and museums. Naturalists typically have a deep knowledge of plants, animals, and ecosystems. They may use this knowledge to help conserve the natural world or to educate others about it.
Naturalist job duties include:
- Plan and lead educational programs about nature and the environment
- Work with school groups to teach them about local plants and animals
- Hike with groups to identify different plant and animal species
- Give talks about environmental topics such as climate change
- Write articles or blog posts about nature and the environment
- Take photographs or videos of plants, animals, and natural scenery
- Work with government agencies on environmental projects
- Plan and coordinate volunteer events for people interested in helping the environment
- Research the impact of human activity on local ecosystems
Naturalist Job Requirements
Most naturalists have at least a bachelor's degree in a field related to natural resources, ecology, or environmental science. Many also have a master's degree or higher. Naturalists typically need several years of experience working in their field before they can qualify for a lead naturalist position. Some states also require naturalists to be certified through the National Association for Interpretation or a similar organization.
Naturalist Skills
- Patience
- Observation
- Classification
- Communication
- Recording
- Fieldwork
- Interpretation
- Problem-solving
- Creativity
- Logical thinking
- Research
Related: Top Naturalist Skills: Definition and Examples
How to become a Naturalist
There is no one specific path to becoming a naturalist, but there are some commonalities among successful naturalists. First and foremost, naturalists must have a passion for nature and the outdoors. This passion can be developed through a variety of experiences, such as spending time in nature, reading about nature, or working with a mentor who is already a naturalist. In addition to having a passion for nature, naturalists must also be good observers and have strong critical thinking skills. They must be able to identify patterns and trends in the natural world and use this information to develop hypotheses about how different species interact with each other and their environment. Naturalists must also be comfortable working with a variety of tools, including microscopes, binoculars, and GPS units. Finally, naturalists must be excellent communicators, both in writing and in person. They must be able to share their knowledge with others in order to educate them about the importance of conservation and stewardship.
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