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Guide, Interpreter, Natural Interpreter, Naturalist, Park Guide, Program Leader, Recreation Guide
In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.
The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used. Here is how this occupation has been classified over time:
| Starting | $35.12 |
|---|---|
| Overall | $48.26 |
| Top | $65.88 |
Interest in synthesizing information to conduct ecological and environmental impact studies and to prepare reports, and to develop new practices in biological research
Interest in precision working with instruments and equipment to conduct experiments in plant and animal growth, heredity and breeding
Interest in consulting to advise on issues related to biological processes and research and the development of new products; may supervise biological technologists and technicians and other scientists
The interest code helps you figure out if you’d like to work in a particular occupation.
It’s based on the Canadian Work Preference Inventory (CWPI), which measures 5 occupational interests: Directive, Innovative, Methodical, Objective and Social.
Each set of 3 interest codes is listed in order of importance.
A code in capital letters means it’s a strong fit for the occupation.
A code in all lowercase letters means the fit is weaker.
Duties and responsibilities vary from one position to another but, in general, interpretive naturalists:
To make information interesting and meaningful for visitors, interpretive naturalists may participate in developing and presenting interpretive theatre (dramatic) programs. Or they may conduct interviews and collect specimens or take photographs to gather information about the local environment and create illustrations for presentations.
In many parks, interpretive naturalists specialize in particular types of visitor programming, such as guided tours. Depending on their specialty, they may spend long hours outdoors. At many sites, interpreters work days, evenings and weekends, particularly in summer.
Interpretive naturalists need:
They should enjoy:
This chart shows which job skills are currently in highest demand for this occupational group. It was created using this occupation's 12 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Nov 17, 2020 and Jul 30, 2021.
Review these skills to learn:
| Personal Suitability: Accurate | 12 |
|---|---|
| Personal Suitability: Excellent oral communication | 12 |
| Personal Suitability: Excellent written communication | 12 |
| Personal Suitability: Team player | 11 |
| Supervise biological technologists and technicians and other scientists | 10 |
| Conduct research into the structure, function, ecology, biotechnology and genetics of micro-organisms, including bacteria, fungi, protozoans, and algae | 7 |
| Conduct studies into the identification, effects and control of human, plant and animal pathogens and toxins | 7 |
| Plan and conduct studies of the environment, and of the population, distribution, structure and functional characteristics and behaviour of plants and animals | 6 |
| Resource Usage and Environmental Studies: Site remediation | 5 |
| Resource Usage and Environmental Studies: Environmental assessment and monitoring | 5 |
Most interpretive naturalists have related post-secondary education. This is a multidisciplinary field that draws from a wide range of academic disciplines, such as:
Experience in the performing arts is a definite asset.
When choosing a program, prospective interpretive naturalists should discuss their career plans with people currently working in the type of environment they would like to work in (for example, parks or wildlife interpretive centres).
The following schools offer programs or courses that are related to this occupation but are not required to enter the field.
For a broad list of programs and courses that may be related to this occupation try searching using keywords.
Certification is not required, as there is currently no legislation regulating this occupation. However, Tourism HR Canada offers Heritage Interpreter certification that is recognized across Canada. Certification training is accessible from the emerit website. Associations such as Alberta Museums Association (AMA) and the Canadian Museums Association (CMA) also offer professional development opportunities.
Individuals interested in working within National Parks may find training and accreditation offered by the Interpretive Guides Association (IGA) to their benefit. The accreditation programs available through IGA include:
IGA also offers courses in group management. These are required by those who do not have certification from the Association of Canadian Mountain Guides (ACMG) for guiding hikes on trails in the provincial and national mountain Parks.
The Outdoor Council of Canada (OCC) offers outdoor leadership certification for entry-level leaders. Aspiring leaders can take courses in 3 areas: hiking, paddling and equine.
Interpretive naturalists may be employed full time, part time or on a contract basis by:
Many positions are seasonal. Temporary positions are excellent entry-level opportunities for gaining experience. Competition for permanent positions is keen, so related work experience (as an employee or volunteer) is essential.
Experienced interpretive naturalists may move into:
In some organizations, advancement to supervisory and management positions requires a graduate degree and years of related experience.
Interpretive naturalists are part of the larger 2011 National Occupational Classification 2121: Biologists and related scientists. In Alberta, 80% of people employed in this classification work in the following industries:
The employment outlook [pdf] in this occupation will be influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
In Alberta, the 2121: Biologists and related scientists occupational group is expected to have an above-average annual growth of 2.1% from 2019 to 2023. In addition to job openings created by employment turnover, 58 new positions are forecasted to be created within this occupational group each year.
Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.
| Wages* | Low (5th percentile) | High (95th percentile) | Average | Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting | $23.08 | $53.84 | $35.12 | $32.21 |
| Overall | $32.45 | $67.40 | $48.26 | $50.11 |
| Top | $36.06 | $110.04 | $65.88 | $62.26 |
Swipe left and right to view all data. Scroll left and right to view all data.
* All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production) and other forms of compensation.
High Reliability, represents a CV of less than or equal to 6.00% and 30 survey observations and/or represents 50% or more of all estimated employment for the occupation.
| Health Care & Social Assistance | $107,924 |
|---|---|
| Public Administration | $99,637 |
| ALL INDUSTRIES | $92,613 |
| Professional, Scientific & Technical Services | $87,920 |
Alberta Museums Association (AMA) website: www.museums.ab.ca
Canadian Museums Association (CMA) website: www.museums.ca
ECO Canada website: www.eco.ca
emerit website: emerit.ca
Tourism HR Canada website: tourismhr.ca
Get information and referrals about career, education, and employment options from Alberta Supports.
Updated May 19, 2021. The information contained in this profile is current as of the dates shown. Salary, employment outlook, and educational program information may change without notice. It is advised that you confirm this information before making any career decisions.