Park Naturalists
O*NET 19-1031.03 · SOC 19-1031
Park Naturalist is a solid career choice. Median pay is $73k a year with +5.3% projected growth through 2035 (about as fast as average) and about 2,100 openings a year. AI exposure: Moderate.
Bureau of Labor Statistics projections 2025–2035 · Data updated 2026-07-27
What You'd Actually Do
- →Lead guided nature walks explaining local plants and wildlife.
- →Develop interpretive programs and exhibits for park visitors.
- →Identify and record plant and animal species within park boundaries.
- →Educate school groups about local ecosystems and conservation topics.
- →Monitor trail conditions and report environmental changes to park staff.
Education & How to Get In
A bachelor's degree is the standard entry point for Park Naturalist roles. Related majors and internship experience during college significantly improve your chances. Many employers also value relevant certifications or project portfolios alongside the degree.
Get Started Learning
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Work Environment
People-facing, clinics, schools, or client sites
Collaborative, frequent interaction with teams, clients, or patients
A Day in the Life
While every role varies by employer and specialization, a typical day as a Park Naturalist involves a mix of core responsibilities:
Personality Fit (RIASEC)
Who Thrives as Park Naturalist?
Based on the interests and work style this role actually demands, these personality types tend to fit it best. Salary and growth tell you if a career is worth entering; personality fit tells you whether you'll still want it in five years.
Not sure which you are? Take the 7-minute quiz →
See Open Park Naturalist Roles
Browse live openings to get a feel for requirements and pay in your area.
Similar Careers
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Job Outlook
Employment of Park Naturalists is projected to grow 5.3% from 2025 to 2035, about as fast as average for all occupations.
Will AI Replace This Job?
- ·34% social/interpersonal tasks, hard for AI to replace
- ·32% creative/strategic tasks, AI augments, doesn't replace
Scored from the mix of routine, creative, physical and social tasks the role involves, adjusted for sector and projected growth. An estimate, not a forecast.
Common Questions
How much does a Park Naturalist make?
The median Park Naturalist earns $73k a year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' May 2025 wage data. Half earn more than that and half earn less, and pay varies considerably by state, industry and experience.
Will AI replace Park Naturalist jobs?
Our model puts Park Naturalist at 25 out of 100 for automation exposure, which is moderate, likely AI-complementary. The main drivers: 34% social/interpersonal tasks, hard for AI to replace; 32% creative/strategic tasks, AI augments, doesn't replace.
Is Park Naturalist a growing field?
Employment is projected to grow 5.3% between 2025 and 2035, which is about as fast as average. That works out to roughly 2,100 openings a year, counting both new positions and people leaving the occupation.
What degree do you need to be a Park Naturalist?
A bachelor's degree is the standard entry point for Park Naturalist roles, and relevant internships matter as much as the subject.
How long does it take to become a Park Naturalist?
Typically about four years, typically a bachelor's degree. O*NET classes this role as Job Zone 4 of 5, which describes how much preparation people in it usually have.
Is a Park Naturalist career right for you?
Your personality, values, and strengths matter as much as the job market. Take the quiz to see your personalized Future-Fit Score for this career and hundreds more.
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