Interpretive Naturalist
Interpretive naturalists explain the natural and scientific features of parks, botanical gardens and wilderness areas to visitors.
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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.
2006 NOC
2006 NOC-S
2011 NOC
2016 NOC
2021 NOC
2023 OaSIS
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.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2006 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
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
To identify or change your interest codes, complete the Interests Exercise in CAREERinsite.
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 for this NOC group 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.
To fill in or change the values for your abilities, complete the Abilities Exercise in CAREERinsite.
A Quick Guide
You are born with abilities that help you process certain types of information and turn it into action. These abilities influence which skills you can learn more easily.
The abilities or aptitudes shown for this NOC group come from the General Aptitude Test Battery (GATB). The GATB measures 9 aptitudes. It groups them into 3 categories: mental, visual, and physical.
The abilities scores range from 1 to 5, with 5 being stronger.
Interpretive naturalists need:
They should enjoy:
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
This chart shows which job skills are currently in highest demand for this occupational group. It was created using this occupation's 38 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Oct 29, 2021 and Oct 11, 2024.
Review these skills to learn:
Construction Specialization: Team player | 23 |
---|---|
Construction Specialization: Accurate | 21 |
Attention to detail | 21 |
Construction Specialization: Excellent written communication | 21 |
Health benefits: Health care plan | 18 |
Tasks: Produce reports | 17 |
Construction Specialization: Excellent oral communication | 17 |
Health benefits: Dental plan | 17 |
Health benefits: Vision care benefits | 16 |
Health benefits: Paramedical services coverage | 14 |
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.
To expand or narrow your program options, visit Post-Secondary Programs and start your search with:
Completing a program does not guarantee entrance into an occupation. Before enrolling in an education program, prospective students should look into various sources for education options and employment possibilities. For example, contact associations and employers in this field.
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.
Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
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.
This section shows the industries where the majority of people in this occupation work. The data is based on the 2016 Census.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Biologists and related scientists
2016 NOC: 2121
79.3% of people in this occupational group work in:
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.
This section shows the short-term demand forecasted for this occupation in Alberta over a 3-year period. It also shows the number of people employed in the occupation.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2021 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Source: 2023-2025 Alberta Short-Term Employment Forecast
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.
To see data for all occupations, visit Occupations in Demand.
This section shows the employment outlook for this occupation in Alberta over a 5-year period.
Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Annual growth is from 2021 to 2025. New positions created each year are in addition to job openings created by employment turnover.
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.
Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Unless otherwise noted, the data shown here is for all industries and all regions in Alberta.
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.
To see the full survey data for this NOC group, visit the wage profile.
Other wage sources
To make an informed wage and salary decision, research other wage sources [pdf] to supplement this data.
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.
Wages* | Low (5th percentile) | High (95th percentile) | Average | Median |
---|---|---|---|---|
Starting | $22.00 | $55.00 | $34.71 | $33.00 |
Overall | $24.00 | $70.91 | $46.17 | $46.86 |
Top | $26.00 | $101.09 | $60.62 | $58.00 |
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.
Pay brackets for hourly wages
ALL INDUSTRIES | $91,023 |
---|---|
Professional, Scientific & Technical Services | $87,887 |
Health Care & Social Assistance | $100,349 |
Public Administration | $97,896 |
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 Mar 31, 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.