Top 12 Naturalist Skills to Put on Your Resume

In the evolving landscape of environmental careers, showcasing a robust set of naturalist skills on your resume can significantly elevate your appeal to potential employers. This article delves into the top 12 naturalist skills that not only demonstrate your passion for nature and conservation but also highlight your ability to contribute effectively to the field.

Naturalist Skills

1. Botany
2. Ornithology
3. GIS (Geographic Information Systems)
4. Taxonomy
5. Ecology
6. Conservation
7. Biodiversity
8. Wildlife Photography
9. Environmental Education
10. Field Research
11. Data Analysis (e.g., R, Python)
12. Remote Sensing

1. Botany

Botany is the scientific study of plants, encompassing their structure, growth, reproduction, metabolism, development, diseases, chemical properties, and evolutionary relationships. For a naturalist, it provides essential insights into the plant kingdom, enabling a deeper understanding of ecosystems and biodiversity.

Why It's Important

Botany is crucial for a naturalist as it provides foundational knowledge of plant life, essential for understanding ecosystems, biodiversity, and the interconnections between flora and other organisms, influencing conservation and environmental sustainability efforts.

How to Improve Botany Skills

Improving your botany skills as a naturalist involves a combination of study, observation, and practice. Here’s a very short and concise guide on how to get better:

1. Study Basics: Begin with understanding the basic concepts of botany. Books like "Botany in a Day" can help you grasp the foundational knowledge.

2. Field Guides: Use field guides specific to your area to learn about local flora. This helps in recognizing species and understanding their habitats.

3. Take Courses: Enroll in online courses or workshops. Platforms like Coursera and EdX offer courses on botany and plant science.

4. Practice Identification: Spend time in nature, practice identifying plants using your field guides, and take notes or photographs for later study.

5. Join Communities: Participate in local or online botany and naturalist groups. Websites like iNaturalist allow you to share observations and learn from others.

6. Volunteer: Get involved in conservation projects or botanical gardens. This hands-on experience can be invaluable.

7. Stay Curious: Always ask questions and seek out new information. The world of plants is vast, and there’s always more to learn.

By integrating these steps into your learning process, you’ll gradually improve your botany skills and deepen your appreciation for the plant kingdom.

How to Display Botany Skills on Your Resume

2. Ornithology

Ornithology is the branch of zoology that studies birds, including their behavior, ecology, and conservation. For a naturalist, it involves observing and understanding birds in their natural habitats.

Why It's Important

Ornithology is crucial for naturalists as it enables the study of bird species, their behaviors, ecology, and roles in ecosystems, providing insights into biodiversity, conservation needs, and environmental health indicators.

How to Improve Ornithology Skills

To improve your skills in ornithology as a naturalist:

1. Engage in Birdwatching: Regularly practice birdwatching to familiarize yourself with bird species, behaviors, and habitats. The Cornell Lab of Ornithology's eBird platform is an excellent place to record your observations and learn from others.

2. Learn Bird Calls: Understanding and recognizing bird calls enhances your ability to identify birds. The Merlin Bird ID app by the Cornell Lab is a great tool for learning bird songs and calls.

3. Participate in Citizen Science Projects: Join projects like the Great Backyard Bird Count or Project FeederWatch to contribute to scientific research while honing your bird identification skills.

4. Attend Workshops and Courses: Look for ornithology courses, workshops, or webinars offered by local nature centers, universities, or organizations like the Audubon Society.

5. Join Birding Groups or Clubs: Connect with local birding clubs or online communities to exchange knowledge and experiences. Sites like Meetup.com can be a good place to find groups near you.

6. Read Widely: Stay informed on ornithological research and bird conservation by reading books, scientific journals, and reputable online resources. The American Ornithological Society publishes journals and articles that can be very insightful.

7. Volunteer for Conservation Projects: Gain hands-on experience and contribute to the preservation of bird populations by volunteering with conservation projects or organizations like BirdLife International.

By incorporating these practices into your routine, you'll gradually enhance your understanding and appreciation of birds, contributing more significantly to ornithology and conservation efforts.

How to Display Ornithology Skills on Your Resume

3. GIS (Geographic Information Systems)

GIS (Geographic Information Systems) is a technology that combines geographical features with data to analyze and visualize the natural environment, aiding in conservation, habitat studies, and ecological management.

Why It's Important

GIS is crucial for a Naturalist because it enables the precise mapping and analysis of ecosystems, wildlife habitats, and environmental changes, aiding in conservation efforts and biodiversity studies.

How to Improve GIS (Geographic Information Systems) Skills

Improving GIS skills, especially for a naturalist, involves a blend of enhancing technical capabilities, understanding ecological data, and applying geospatial analysis to real-world conservation issues. Here are concise recommendations:

1. Strengthen Technical Skills: Enroll in online GIS courses tailored for environmental science. Esri Academy and Coursera offer courses ranging from beginner to advanced levels.

2. Learn from Projects: Participate in or study GIS projects on platforms like iNaturalist which connects naturalists to share observations. This can provide insight into how GIS is applied in natural sciences.

3. Master Data Analysis: Familiarize yourself with spatial data analysis techniques using software like QGIS. QGIS Tutorials can help you start applying GIS to environmental research.

4. Stay Updated: Follow GIS-related journals and publications, such as GIS and Science to keep abreast of the latest trends and technologies in geospatial analysis.

5. Networking: Join GIS and naturalist communities online (e.g., GeoNet by Esri or The Society for Conservation GIS) to exchange knowledge, data, and experiences with professionals and enthusiasts in the field.

By focusing on these areas, you can enhance your GIS expertise, making it a powerful tool in your naturalist endeavors.

How to Display GIS (Geographic Information Systems) Skills on Your Resume

4. Taxonomy

Taxonomy is the scientific discipline of classifying and naming organisms based on their natural relationships and characteristics, essential for understanding biodiversity and evolutionary relationships among species.

Why It's Important

Taxonomy is crucial for naturalists as it provides a systematic framework for identifying, naming, and classifying organisms, enabling the study, understanding, and conservation of biodiversity.

How to Improve Taxonomy Skills

Improving taxonomy, especially for a naturalist, involves refining the classification and identification of organisms. Key steps include:

1. Continuous Learning: Stay updated with the latest research and methodologies in taxonomy. Websites like Nature provide valuable resources.
2. Field Work: Regular field observations help discover new species or gather data on known ones. Tools like iNaturalist facilitate data sharing and collaboration.
3. Molecular Techniques: Incorporate DNA sequencing and molecular analysis for accurate classification. The National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) offers databases and tools for genetic information.
4. Networking: Engage with other taxonomists and naturalists through forums and societies like the Society for the Study of Evolution (SSE) to exchange knowledge and collaborate.
5. Publish Findings: Share discoveries and taxonomic revisions in peer-reviewed journals to contribute to the scientific community. Platforms like ResearchGate facilitate academic communication.

Each step involves a blend of traditional techniques and modern technology, ensuring the taxonomy remains a dynamic and evolving field.

How to Display Taxonomy Skills on Your Resume

5. Ecology

Ecology is the study of interactions between organisms and their environment, focusing on how these relationships affect the distribution and abundance of organisms in natural ecosystems.

Why It's Important

Ecology is crucial for a naturalist as it provides an understanding of how organisms interact with each other and their environment, revealing the interconnectedness of life and the importance of conserving biodiversity for ecosystem health and resilience.

How to Improve Ecology Skills

Improving ecology involves a multifaceted approach focused on restoring, conserving, and sustaining natural habitats and biodiversity. Here are concise strategies tailored for naturalists:

1. Habitat Restoration: Engage in local habitat restoration projects to rebuild ecosystems. The Nature Conservancy offers guidance on participating in or initiating restoration efforts.

2. Native Planting: Plant native species to support local wildlife, including pollinators. The National Wildlife Federation provides resources on native planting.

3. Invasive Species Management: Learn about and participate in controlling invasive species through organizations like Invasive Species Initiative.

4. Citizen Science: Contribute to ecological research by participating in citizen science projects. iNaturalist is a great platform for naturalists to observe, record, and share biodiversity observations.

5. Conservation Advocacy: Advocate for policies that protect natural habitats and wildlife. Engage with groups like The Sierra Club to learn more about conservation advocacy.

6. Sustainable Practices: Adopt sustainable living practices to reduce environmental impact. Resources like The Environmental Working Group provide guides on making eco-friendly choices.

7. Education and Outreach: Educate others about the importance of biodiversity and conservation efforts. Project Learning Tree offers educational resources for teaching ecology.

By integrating these strategies, naturalists can play a crucial role in enhancing ecological health and biodiversity.

How to Display Ecology Skills on Your Resume

6. Conservation

Conservation, in the context of a naturalist, refers to the practice of preserving, protecting, and restoring natural environments and wildlife to maintain biodiversity and ecological balance.

Why It's Important

Conservation is crucial for preserving biodiversity, maintaining ecosystems, and ensuring natural resources sustain future generations, essential for a naturalist dedicated to studying and protecting the natural world.

How to Improve Conservation Skills

Improving conservation as a naturalist involves a holistic approach focusing on education, active participation, and advocacy. Here are concise strategies:

1. Educate Yourself and Others: Stay informed about local and global conservation issues. Use reputable sources to learn and share knowledge. For example, explore The Nature Conservancy for global insights.

2. Participate in Citizen Science Projects: Engage in projects that contribute to scientific research and conservation efforts. Platforms like iNaturalist enable you to record and share biodiversity observations.

3. Support Conservation Organizations: Financially or through volunteer work, support organizations dedicated to conservation. Consider entities like WWF or Conservation International.

4. Advocate for Policy Change: Use your voice to support conservation policies at local, national, and international levels. Engaging in public forums or writing to decision-makers can make a difference.

5. Practice Sustainable Living: Adopt lifestyle choices that reduce your ecological footprint. This could include reducing waste, using sustainable products, and supporting sustainable businesses.

6. Create or Restore Habitats: Participate in or organize local efforts to plant native species, restore habitats, and create wildlife corridors.

7. Utilize Technology for Conservation: Engage with and promote technological solutions for conservation, such as wildlife tracking apps or platforms that monitor deforestation.

By combining education, active participation, and advocacy, naturalists can contribute significantly to conservation efforts.

How to Display Conservation Skills on Your Resume

7. Biodiversity

Biodiversity refers to the variety of life in all its forms, levels, and combinations, including ecosystem diversity, species diversity, and genetic diversity. For a naturalist, it encompasses the study of the variability among living organisms and their ecosystems, highlighting the interconnectedness and importance of each species in maintaining ecological balance.

Why It's Important

Biodiversity is crucial for maintaining ecosystem balance and resilience, supporting a variety of life forms, and providing essential services to humans, such as pollination, water purification, and climate regulation. For a naturalist, it represents the intricate web of life that sustains the natural world's complexity and beauty.

How to Improve Biodiversity Skills

To improve biodiversity, a naturalist can focus on several key strategies:

1. Habitat Restoration: Restore degraded habitats to their natural state to provide homes for diverse species. More on Habitat Restoration.

2. Native Planting: Plant native species to support local wildlife, including pollinators and birds. Native Planting Guide.

3. Invasive Species Control: Remove or manage invasive species that threaten native biodiversity. Managing Invasive Species.

4. Protected Areas: Support and create protected areas to conserve critical ecosystems and wildlife. Importance of Protected Areas.

5. Sustainable Practices: Advocate for sustainable land use and agricultural practices to reduce habitat loss. Sustainable Practices.

By implementing these strategies, naturalists can play a crucial role in enhancing biodiversity and ensuring the health of ecosystems.

How to Display Biodiversity Skills on Your Resume

8. Wildlife Photography

Wildlife photography is the art and practice of capturing images of animals in their natural habitats, aimed at showcasing the beauty, behavior, and diversity of wildlife from a naturalist's perspective.

Why It's Important

Wildlife photography is important for naturalists as it documents biodiversity, captures rare animal behaviors, aids in conservation efforts by raising awareness, and helps in studying and monitoring species and habitats over time.

How to Improve Wildlife Photography Skills

Improving wildlife photography primarily involves enhancing your skills in observation, patience, and technical camera mastery. Here are concise tips to elevate your wildlife photography:

1. Understand Your Subject: Study the behavior and habitat of the wildlife you wish to photograph. Understanding animal behavior can help anticipate actions and get better shots.

2. Practice Patience: Wildlife photography often requires waiting for the perfect moment. Patience can lead to capturing compelling and natural shots.

3. Master Your Equipment: Know your camera settings and how to quickly adjust them to suit changing lighting conditions and animal movements. Familiarity with your gear enables you to focus on the moment rather than fiddling with settings.

4. Use the Right Gear: While a good eye is crucial, having the right gear, like lenses suitable for distance and lighting conditions, can make a significant difference. Consider a tripod for stability, especially in low light.

5. Composition: Learn and apply the rules of composition to make your images stand out. The rule of thirds, leading lines, and framing can all add interest to your wildlife photos.

6. Ethical Photography: Always prioritize the welfare of the wildlife over getting the shot. Maintain a safe distance and use a telephoto lens to minimize disturbance.

7. Learn from Professionals: Attend workshops, follow professional wildlife photographers, and analyze their work to understand what makes their photos impactful.

For more in-depth guidance and inspiration, explore these resources:

• National Geographic's Wildlife Photography Tips
• BBC Wildlife Magazine
• CreativeLive's Wildlife Photography Classes

By integrating these strategies into your practice, you'll not only improve your photography skills but also deepen your connection with nature.

How to Display Wildlife Photography Skills on Your Resume

9. Environmental Education

Environmental Education is the process of teaching and learning about the natural world and how human activities impact it, aimed at fostering an understanding and appreciation for the environment, and promoting conservation efforts. For a Naturalist, it involves imparting knowledge about ecosystems, biodiversity, and sustainable practices to inspire responsible interaction with nature.

Why It's Important

Environmental education is crucial as it equips naturalists with the knowledge and skills needed to understand complex ecological systems, promotes awareness of environmental issues, and inspires stewardship and sustainable practices to protect and conserve the natural world.

How to Improve Environmental Education Skills

Improving environmental education, especially for a naturalist, involves a multifaceted approach that combines hands-on experience, community engagement, and the integration of technology. Here’s a concise guide:

1. Hands-on Experience: Encourage active participation in outdoor activities such as bird watching, plant identification, and conservation projects. Organizations like the National Audubon Society offer resources and community science projects that facilitate direct engagement with nature.

2. Community Engagement: Foster a connection between individuals and their local environment through volunteerism with local parks, nature reserves, and environmental organizations. The Nature Conservancy provides opportunities for people to get involved in their local communities.

3. Use of Technology: Leverage digital tools and apps for nature education. Apps like iNaturalist and Seek by iNaturalist encourage users to explore and document local biodiversity, providing a rich, interactive learning experience.

4. Interdisciplinary Approach: Integrate environmental education across different subjects such as science, geography, and even art. This approach helps in understanding the interconnectedness of ecosystems and human impact. Resources like the Environmental Literacy Council offer materials that can be integrated into various educational curriculums.

5. Sustainability Practices: Teach and implement sustainable living practices. This can range from reducing waste, promoting recycling, to understanding renewable energies. The EPA’s Resources for Educators and Students provides a wealth of information on environmental stewardship.

By employing these strategies, environmental education can become more engaging, practical, and impactful for naturalists and the broader community.

How to Display Environmental Education Skills on Your Resume

10. Field Research

Field research for a naturalist involves direct observation and data collection in natural environments to study plants, animals, ecosystems, and their interactions.

Why It's Important

Field research is crucial for naturalists as it enables direct observation and interaction with ecosystems and species in their natural environments, providing invaluable insights into biological diversity, behavior, and ecological relationships that cannot be replicated in a laboratory setting.

How to Improve Field Research Skills

Improving field research for a naturalist involves a multifaceted approach focusing on preparation, methodology, data collection, and analysis. Here’s a concise guide:

1. Enhance Observation Skills: Sharpen your observational skills to notice subtle details in natural habitats. Practice identifying species and understanding ecological interactions. National Geographic offers resources to improve these skills.

2. Adopt Advanced Technologies: Utilize technology like GPS for accurate location tracking, drones for aerial surveys, and camera traps for monitoring wildlife. These tools can significantly improve data collection accuracy and efficiency. Nature discusses the impact of technology in field research.

3. Field Journaling: Maintain a detailed field journal for recording observations, weather conditions, and other relevant data. This practice helps in organizing findings and reflecting on daily progress. The California Native Plant Society provides tips on keeping a field journal.

4. Data Analysis Software: Learn to use software like R or Python for analyzing your data. These tools can handle large datasets and perform complex statistical analyses, enhancing the scientific validity of your findings. DataCamp offers a free introduction to R.

5. Collaborate and Network: Engage with the scientific community through platforms like ResearchGate. Collaboration can lead to the exchange of ideas, methodologies, and data, enriching your research.

6. Ethical Considerations: Always conduct research ethically, minimizing disturbance to wildlife and habitats. Familiarize yourself with the guidelines from the Society for Conservation Biology on ethical wildlife observation.

7. Continuing Education: Stay informed about the latest research techniques and findings in your field by enrolling in online courses or workshops. Websites like Coursera and edX offer courses related to ecology and environmental science.

By integrating these strategies, naturalists can significantly enhance the quality and impact of their field research.

How to Display Field Research Skills on Your Resume

11. Data Analysis (e.g., R, Python)

Data analysis, in the context of a naturalist using tools like R and Python, involves the systematic application of statistical and logical techniques to dissect, interpret, and visualize environmental and biological data. This process helps in understanding patterns, trends, and relationships within natural phenomena, aiding in research, conservation efforts, and policy-making.

Why It's Important

Data analysis, using tools like R and Python, is crucial for naturalists as it enables them to efficiently process large datasets, uncover patterns in natural phenomena, and make evidence-based decisions for conservation and understanding ecological dynamics.

How to Improve Data Analysis (e.g., R, Python) Skills

Improving your data analysis skills, especially in the context of natural sciences, involves a blend of enhancing your coding proficiency, understanding statistical methods, and applying them to real-world data. Here are concise steps with resources for R and Python:

1. Strengthen Fundamentals:

   • R: Focus on mastering the basics of R programming and statistics. R for Data Science is an excellent starting point.
   • Python: Improve your Python skills, particularly libraries like Pandas and NumPy. Python Data Science Handbook is highly recommended.

2. Learn Data Visualization:

   • R: Get comfortable with ggplot2. The Data Visualization chapter from R for Data Science is useful.
   • Python: Master Matplotlib and Seaborn for data visualization. The Python Graph Gallery offers great examples.

3. Statistical Modeling:

   • R: Explore the use of R for statistical analysis. Introduction to Statistical Learning with applications in R is a great resource.
   • Python: Learn to apply statistical models using SciPy and StatsModels. This Scipy Lecture is a good starting point.

4. Machine Learning:

   • R: The caret package is a comprehensive choice for machine learning in R.
   • Python: Scikit-learn is essential for machine learning. Scikit-learn's user guide is very informative.

5. Practice on Real Datasets:

   • Engage with datasets relevant to natural sciences. Kaggle offers a variety of datasets and competitions where you can apply your skills.

6. Join a Community:

   • Engage with communities like Stack Overflow for troubleshooting and GitHub for collaboration on projects.

7. Continuous Learning:

   • Stay updated with the latest in data analysis by following relevant blogs and participating in webinars/seminars. Websites like Towards Data Science on Medium offer great insights.

By progressively working through these steps and utilizing the linked resources, you'll significantly improve your data analysis skills in R and Python, making your natural science research more robust and insightful.

How to Display Data Analysis (e.g., R, Python) Skills on Your Resume

12. Remote Sensing

Remote sensing is the practice of collecting information about objects or areas from a distance, typically using satellite or aerial imagery, to monitor and study natural environments without direct contact.

Why It's Important

Remote sensing is crucial for naturalists as it enables the comprehensive monitoring of ecosystems and wildlife habitats, facilitating the detection of changes over time, the assessment of biodiversity, and the management of natural resources, all from a distance, thereby aiding in conservation efforts and the study of environmental impacts on natural systems.

How to Improve Remote Sensing Skills

Improving Remote Sensing for a Naturalist involves enhancing data quality, analysis, and application relevance to natural sciences. Here's a concise guide:

1. Enhance Data Resolution: Use higher resolution imagery for detailed observation of natural habitats. Satellite providers like Planet Labs offer high-resolution earth observation data.

2. Leverage Multispectral and Hyperspectral Imaging: These technologies allow the study of various ecological and biological processes. Tools like ENVI can process this data to reveal insights not visible to the naked eye.

3. Incorporate Machine Learning: Improve data analysis and pattern recognition with machine learning. TensorFlow’s Earth Engine integration is a powerful tool for analyzing environmental changes over time.

4. Utilize Drones for Detailed Study: Drones can capture high-resolution images and videos of hard-to-reach places. The DJI Phantom 4 RTK is an example of a drone used for precision mapping and surveying.

5. Engage in Citizen Science Projects: Collaborate with the global community on platforms like iNaturalist which can complement remote sensing data with ground-truth observations.

6. Stay Updated with Remote Sensing Journals: Journals like Remote Sensing of Environment offer the latest research and advancements in the field.

By integrating these strategies, naturalists can significantly enhance the effectiveness and precision of their remote sensing endeavors.

How to Display Remote Sensing Skills on Your Resume