Occupational Profile

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Interpretive Naturalist

Interpretive naturalists explain the natural and scientific features of parks, botanical gardens and wilderness areas to visitors.

Avg. Salary $84,973.00
Avg. Wage $45.86
Minimum Education 2 years post-secondary
Outlook N/A
Employed 2,600
In Demand Lower

Also Known As

Guide, Interpreter, Natural Interpreter, Naturalist, Program Leader, Recreation Guide

Skills Shortage

Employers that Recruited in the Last 2 Years

43%

Average Wage

Starting

Overall

Top

Average Wage

Starting	$33.14
Overall	$45.86
Top	$61.02

Certification Not Regulated
Strength Required Lift up to 5 kg

NOC & Interest Codes

The Interpretive Naturalist is part of the following larger National Occupational Classification (NOC).

Biologists NOC 2121.1

Biologists

NOC code: 2121.1

INNOVATIVE: Interest in synthesizing information to conduct ecological and environmental impact studies and to prepare reports, and to develop new practices in biological research
OBJECTIVE: Interest in precision working with instruments and equipment to conduct experiments in plant and animal growth, heredity and breeding
DIRECTIVE: 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

Reading Interest Codes

A Quick Guide

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.

Learn More

Duties

Updated Oct 17, 2014

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 particular 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.

Working Conditions

Updated Oct 17, 2014

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.

Strength Required Lift up to 5 kg

Skills & Abilities

Updated Oct 17, 2014

Interpretive naturalists need the following characteristics:

an enthusiastic interest in nature
the ability to communicate with visitors in a pleasant, confident and engaging manner
the ability to relate well to all kinds of people and work as part of a team
creativity for developing presentations
writing skills for developing educational and marketing materials
flexibility.

They should enjoy synthesizing information to develop innovative programs and exhibits, using instruments and equipment to perform tasks requiring precision and being responsible for projects.

Educational Requirements

Updated Oct 17, 2014

Most interpretive naturalists haverelated post-secondary education. This is a multidisciplinary field that draws from a wide range of academic disciplines:

the natural sciences (for example, biology, botany, environmental science, forestry, zoology)
education
recreation and leisure studies
drama, communication arts and other liberal arts (for example, anthropology, archeology, history, native studies).

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 in which they would eventually like to work (for example, parks or wildlife interpretive centres).

The Alberta Hotel and Lodging Association offers emerit Heritage Interpreter certification that is recognized across Canada.Associations such as Interpretation Canada, Alberta Museums Association and the Canadian Museums Association also offer professional development opportunities.

Related Education

The following schools offer programs or courses that are related to this occupation but are not required to enter the field.

Ambrose University

Bachelor of Science - Biology

Burman University

Concordia University of Edmonton

Grant MacEwan University

Bachelor of Science - Biological Sciences

Mount Royal University

Bachelor of Science - Environmental Science

Red Deer College

St. Mary's University

Bachelor of Science 4Yr - Biology

The King's University

University of Alberta

University of Calgary

University of Lethbridge

For a broad list of programs and courses that may be related to this occupation try searching using keywords.

Employment & Advancement

Updated Oct 17, 2014

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 co-ordinator 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 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 that never existed before)
size of the occupation.

Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.

Wage & Salary

Updated Oct 17, 2014

Biologists and related scientists NOC 2121

Biologists and related scientists

NOC code: 2121

Survey Methodology

Survey Analysis

Overall Wage Details

Average Wage

Average Salary

Hours Per Week

Overall Wage Details

Average Wage	$45.86 / hr
Average Salary	$84,973.00 / yr
Hours Per Week	37.3 hrs

Hourly Wage

For full-time and part-time employees

Low
High
Average
Median

Starting

Overall

Top

Wages*	Low (5th percentile)	High (95th percentile)	Average	Median
Starting	$19.50	$54.74	$33.14	$31.25
Overall	$27.99	$68.42	$45.86	$43.04
Top	$33.00	$106.05	$61.02	$56.29

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.

A: High Reliability

Data Reliability Code Definition

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.

Industry Information

Health Care & Social Assistance

Public Administration

ALBERTA, ALL INDUSTRIES

Professional, Scientific & Technical Services

Health Care & Social Assistance	$99,887.00
Public Administration	$99,290.00
ALBERTA, ALL INDUSTRIES	$84,973.00
Professional, Scientific & Technical Services	$76,498.00

Skills Shortage

Employers that Recruited in the Last 2 Years

43%

Recruiting Employers that Experienced Hiring Difficulties

33%

Employers with Unfilled Vacancies of over 4 Months

16%

2015 Vacancy Rate

Related High School Subjects

English Language Arts
Science
- Biology
Social Studies