PARK NATURALIST
 
DEFINITION:

Under the direction of a Chief Park Naturalist, Principal Park Naturalist, 
or other supervisory official, conducts programs, services and activities 
designed to inform the public of the historical, natural, and scientific 
features of a park, park system or other geographic area; does related 
work as required.

NOTE:  The examples of work for this title are for illustrative purposes 
only. A particular position using this title may not perform all duties listed
in this job specification. Conversely, all duties performed on the job may 
not be listed.

EXAMPLES OF WORK:

Conducts programs, services and activities designed to inform the public 
of the historical, natural, and scientific features of a park, park system or 
other geographic area.

Conducts tours and field trips to highlight scientific, historic, and natural 
features of parks, forests, historic sites or other attractions. 

Prepares and presents classes, lectures, interpretive talks and exhibits 
about park features. 

Confers with supervisors and other park staff to assist in the determination 
of subjects and schedules for park programs. 

Participates in preparation of park programs. 

Provides visitor services, such as disseminating information about the 
park and surrounding areas, explaining park regulations, answering 
questions, handling complaints, and providing general assistance to 
visitors. 

Assists with the operations of visitor centers and other facilities. 

Assists with the work involved in developing and maintaining interpretive 
exhibits related to nature study, area history, and recreational services.

Interprets history, ecology, and the natural sciences to the general public 
and to school children, in the field, classroom, and other settings.

Maintains inventory of equipment and supplies used to conduct programs.

Conducts field research of natural areas and submits recommendations 
concerning the use of natural resources for program purposes. 

Records budget expenditures for programs and submits itemized lists 
for program materials and supplies.

Recommends program alterations for improved efficiency, scope of 
service, and productivity.

Writes news releases, articles for newsletters, radio scripts, and copy 
or use in park system literature and brochures.

Keeps attendance records of program activities.

Assists in the survey of flora and fauna found within the park or park 
system.

Prepares, assembles, staffs, and  dismantles displays and exhibits 
used to represent and interpret the functions, facilities, and resources 
of the park system.

Prepares clear, sound, accurate, and informative reports containing
findings, conclusions, and recommendations.

Maintains essential records and files.

Will be required to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or 
manual recording and computerized information systems used by 
the agency, office, or related units. 

REQUIREMENTS:

EDUCATION:

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's 
degree in the Natural Sciences, Forestry, Conservation, Natural 
Resources Management, Agriculture, or Park Management.

LICENSE:

Appointees will be required to possess a driver's license valid in 
New Jersey only if the operation of a vehicle, rather than employee 
mobility, is necessary to perform the essential duties of the position.

KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:

Knowledge of the natural sciences.

Knowledge of the methods used to conduct research in the natural 
sciences. 
         
Ability to use equipment and materials commonly utilized in preparing 
lectures, talks, exhibits, and interpretive programs for nature education.

Ability to prepare and present interpretive programs, lectures, talks, 
classes and tours.

Ability to arrange and maintain interpretive exhibits.

Ability to perform field research and make recommendations regarding 
the use of natural resources.

Ability to write interpretive, informational and public relations materials 
for the public, media and other audiences. 

Ability to conduct tours, interactive programs, classes, lectures and 
exhibits. 

Ability to provide visitors with information and assistance regarding 
the park and surrounding areas and the use of facilities.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with 
program participants, associates, and the public.

Ability to prepare clear, sound, accurate, and informative reports   
containing   findings, conclusions, and recommendations. 

Ability to maintain essential records and files.

Ability to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual 
recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or 
related units.

Ability to read, write, speak, understand, or communicate in English 
sufficiently to perform the duties of this position. American Sign 
Language or Braille may also be considered as acceptable forms 
of communication.

Persons with mental or physical disabilities are eligible as long 
as they can perform essential functions of the job with or without 
reasonable accommodation.  If the accommodation cannot be 
made because it would cause the employer undue hardship, 
such persons may not be eligible.

This job specification is applicable to the following title code:
Job
Spec
Code
Variant
State,
Local or
Common
Class of
Service
Work
Week
State
Class
Code
Local
Class
Code
Salary
Range
Note
02606
L
N
  
N/A
21
-

This job specification is for local government use only.
Salary range is only applicable to state government.
Local salaries are established by individual local jurisdictions.

 2/16/2006