Interpretive Naturalist

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:

• 2006 NOC: Biologists (2121.1) 
• 2006 NOC-S: Biologists and Related Scientists (C021) 
• 2011 NOC: Biologists and related scientists (2121) 
• 2016 NOC: Biologists and related scientists (2121) 

Duties and responsibilities vary from one position to another but, in general, interpretive naturalists:

• research the area’s natural history or environment
• conduct nature walks and field outings or provide campground talks
• respond to questions from the public
• prepare brochures and write newspaper articles and labels or signs
• develop, present and evaluate educational programming for the general public or specific audiences (for example, children, horticultural groups)
• assist with general facility operations.

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 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. Depending on their specialty, they may spend long hours outdoors. At many sites, interpreters work days, evenings and weekends especially in summer.

Interpretive naturalists may be employed full time, part time or on a contract basis by:

• national or provincial park services
• urban or rural nature centres
• science or ecology interpretive centres
• wildlife or bird sanctuaries
• zoos
• botanical gardens
• private ecotour operators.

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:

• supervisory or management positions such as program coordinator, or district interpretation or education supervisor
• administrative positions
• related fields such as commercial or tour company guiding, public relations, marketing or education.

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:

• Professional, Scientific and Technical Services [pdf]
• Public Administration [pdf]
• Health Care and Social Assistance [pdf]

The employment outlook [pdf] in this occupation will be influenced by a wide variety of factors including:

• time of year (for seasonal jobs)
• trends and events affecting overall employment (especially in the industries listed above)
• location in Alberta
• employment turnover (work opportunities generated by people leaving existing positions)
• occupational growth (work opportunities resulting from the creation of new positions)
• size of the occupation

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.

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

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