Career: Environmental Educators
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service John and Karen Hollingsworth
Are you passionate about nature and eager to pass that love on to others? Environmental educators, also known as naturalists and interpreters, teach students about natural resources.
Environmental educators might do their teaching outside, while hiking, canoeing, or sitting around a campfire, for example. They often work for the government, schools, and nonprofit organizations in camps, parks, nature centers, environmental programs, and museums. Being in beautiful settings and participating in outdoor activities are two of the bonuses of this job. However, most opportunities are part-time, short-term, and low paying.
Environmental educators develop and teach programs about nature for people of all ages.
Did You Know?
- The National Association for Interpretation certifies interpreters.
Are You Ready To...?
- Learn about area plants and animals
- Develop displays and brochures that teach about the natural world
- Guide young children through activities
- Make sure children are physically and emotionally safe
- Take on administrative duties, such as scheduling school groups
- Spend less time with the public and more at your desk as you advance in your career
It Helps to Be...
A nature lover in good physical shape who enjoys working outdoors. You should enjoy the sciences. You need to be outgoing and enthusiastic and have good spoken and written communication skills. You should also be comfortable working with people of all ages.
Make High School Count
- Get a good grounding in the life sciences, such as biology and ecology, and the physical sciences, such as math and chemistry.
- Notice the way your teachers teach. What methods work? How do their styles differ?
- Join the environmental or outdoors club at your school.
- Volunteer for a government agency like the National Park Service or nonprofit group like The Sierra Club.
Did You Know?
- Special skills, from playing guitar to lifeguarding to speaking a second language, will make it easier for you to find work.
Outlook
The current concern for the environment is both good and bad for your future career. On the one hand, if the public is worried about the environment, government agencies and nonprofit groups have more money to hire environmental professionals.
On the other hand, the popularity of this career means that there are usually far fewer job openings than job hunters. That's why it's a good idea to get more education than required and to start gaining hands-on experience early.
Compensation
Year-round, full-time employment is rare for environmental educators. Most are limited to low-paying summer jobs in parks and day and overnight camps. A MyRoad review of 2009 postings for such jobs indicated that those who worked in environmental education tend to earn between $200 and $385 a week with free or low-cost room and board. If housing is not provided, they may take home a bit more. Benefits, such as health-care plans, are offered in some cases. Environmental educators tend to find their work very rewarding though, and that, along with the beauty of their surroundings and the opportunity to participate in outdoor activities, helps compensate for the low pay.
Those able to secure permanent positions and take on supervisory and administrative roles earn more and receive benefits. For example, a county government in California, advertising in 2009 for a naturalist with two years of experience, offered a salary of approximately $4,250 to $4,900 a month.
