Career as a Naturalist
A naturalist is a student of natural history and the science of the natural world. John Muir was a naturalist. So were John James Audubon, James Darwin, Sir David Attenborough, Ralph Waldo Emerson, and Theodore Roosevelt. Each of these individuals is famous for their contributions to the understanding and preservation of plant and animal life on the planet.
Another definition of naturalist is wildlife enthusiast. By this definition, nearly a third of the population are naturalists. According to the US Fish and Wildlife Service, more than 66 million people over the age of 16 feed, photograph, and observe wildlife, spending more than $40 billion a year in the process. Most are amateurs, of course, but their activities support and nurture the role of professional naturalists.
The primary role of a professional naturalist is to share knowledge about the natural environment with the public. They do this by leading nature walks, taking people on excursions into remote regions, giving scientific and ecological demonstrations, and giving presentations to groups who want to support wildlife preservation efforts. Professional naturalists also do hands-on work in the field. They observe animal and plant life, and share their findings with colleagues and officials. They also restore, maintain, preserve, and protect natural habitats on lands specifically dedicated to wilderness populations.
Naturalists work in a variety of environments, including nature centers, parks and forests, wildlife reserves, wildlife and natural history museums, wilderness areas, oceans and rivers, and any other natural habitats. Most work for government agencies such as the National Park Service or departments of fish and game. Those working in the private sector are usually employed by nonprofit conservation and restoration organizations, ecotourism companies, or outdoor schools.
Some of the many job titles a naturalist might hold are wildlife manager, fish and game warden, fish and wildlife officer, land steward, field biologist, park naturalist, and environmental interpreter. There are literally dozens of careers available to aspiring naturalists. The job tasks may be very different, but the requirements are generally about the same. You must enjoy working outdoors, be physically fit, and have good interpersonal skills. Most employers require a bachelor’s degree, preferably in a life science such as biology, botany, or zoology. A degree in ecology, forestry, natural history, teaching, or anthropology would be acceptable, too. Because of the increased influence of the Green Movement, there are many people interested in pursuing naturalist careers. Don’t be surprised by the competition when you go looking for your first job. Fortunately, there is a growing need for naturalists, and there are plenty of opportunities for someone with good training, experience (paid or unpaid), and determination.
Do you want to work outdoors? Do you dream of traveling to exotic locations to work in places of rare beauty? Do you love nature enough to want to make it your life’s work to preserve the world’s ecosystem? Then consider becoming a naturalist. It’s not a career that will make you rich, but the work can be enormously rewarding. A career as a naturalist is a great choice for anyone who is passionate about plants and animals and wants to protect their natural habitats. Read on to learn more about this fun and exciting career.
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