Careers for naturalists are varied and can include work in the field, in a lab, or in an office.
The field is where you go to observe and collect samples of plants, animals and geological features. This can be done in any ecosystem on earth, from the deepest rainforest to the driest desert.
In a lab, you might be tasked with identifying species of plants or animals using their DNA or other biological markers like body structure or behavior. You might also be asked to do things like create a map of an area using satellite imagery data or draw conclusions about climate change based on data about temperature changes over time. You may also be asked to collect samples from the field and bring them back to the lab for further analysis.
Finally, there are many jobs where you’ll work indoors doing things like creating databases of information about various species so that it can be easily accessed by researchers and other professionals who need access to this kind of information quickly and easily (e.g., when they’re trying to identify a new species).
Careers for naturalists
Naturalists are people who study and work with the natural world. They might be interested in studying wild animals and plants, or they might prefer to focus on how humans interact with the environment.
Some common jobs for naturalists include:
Ecologist
Wildlife Biologist
Botanist
Zoologist
Naturalists are often involved in a variety of different fields. They can work as botanists, ecologists, zoologists, or wildlife biologists. Naturalists are also commonly found in the field of conservation, where they help to protect endangered species and ecosystems.
A career as a naturalist is not limited to those who have a college degree in biology or environmental science. The field is open to people with an interest in nature who wish to pursue careers that allow them to work outside and enjoy the great outdoors on a regular basis.
Naturalists can have a wide range of careers, from working in zoos or aquariums to teaching biology at a university. Naturalists often work in the field and may be called upon to help with research projects. They must have an aptitude for science and math, as well as an interest in the natural world. A bachelor’s degree can provide the grounding needed to pursue one of these careers.
Zoo keepers work in zoos or animal parks, where they care for the animals and make sure that they are healthy. They may also train animals for shows and other events.
Aquarium workers work in aquariums and marine life centers, where they care for marine animals such as fish and crabs. They keep records on how well each animal is doing, find new sources of food when necessary, clean tanks regularly, and make sure that temperature levels are correct throughout the day (which may mean adjusting heating lamps). Aquarium workers also help with research projects designed to improve our understanding of marine life.
Naturalists who want to teach at universities typically need at least a master’s degree so that they can earn tenure-track positions (meaning they will be able to stay in their position indefinitely). Most universities require natural sciences majors who want to teach at their schools to
Naturalists are a rare breed, but they don’t just spend all their time in the woods. Naturalists can work in a variety of fields, including forestry, conservation, wildlife-related education, and more.
Forestry: If you love being outside and enjoy learning about plants and animals, then a career as a forester might be right for you. Foresters work with trees to ensure that forests remain healthy and sustainable. They do this by managing the trees’ growth and harvesting practices.
Conservation: Conservationists are concerned with preserving natural resources so they can be used responsibly. They also study ecosystems to understand how they function and help humans better interact with them.
Wildlife-related Education: If you love animals but don’t want to work with people directly, then perhaps wildlife education is for you! A career as a wildlife educator can allow you to share your passion for animals with others while also giving back to nature through research or conservation efforts.
Other Options: Many naturalists find jobs as park rangers, curators at museums or zoos/aquariums, or even outdoor guides!
