Is becoming a park naturalist right for me?
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How to become a Park Naturalist
There are a few things that aspiring park naturalists can do before beginning proper education. Explore the local landscape and practise observing nature. Take in the surroundings that are in your area or neighbourhood. Think about how the landscape has changed and the forces that shaped it into what it is today. Being a park naturalist is a very observant role, so practising taking in the surroundings and understanding why things are the way they are, can help build up an appreciation of nature, wildlife and the importance of preservation.
Requirements that are needed for this job can vary from employer to employer. For the most part, a person needs to have a bachelor’s degree in ecology, biology, forestry, or geology and they also need to have some experience working in nature. Prior work experience is usually key to securing a job. One way to do this is to offer to work as a volunteer in order to gain experience. Having experience working with kids is usually an asset as well, as a park naturalist’s job often includes working with children, whether that means touring with families or with an entire classroom of children.