Interpretive Naturalist

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.

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 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.

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.

Alberta Hotel and Lodging Association website: www.ahla.ca

Alberta Museums Association website: www.museums.ab.ca

Canadian Museums Association website: www.museums.ca

Canadian Tourism Human Resource Council website: www.cthrc.ca

ECO Canada (Environmental Careers Organization) website: www.eco.ca

emerit website: www.emerit.ca

Interpretation Canada website: www.interpcan.ca/new

For more information on career planning, education and jobs, visit the Alberta Learning Information Service (ALIS) website, call the Alberta Career Information Hotline toll-free at 1-800-661-3753 or 780-422-4266 in Edmonton, or visit an Alberta Works Centre near you.