No matter how much we humans try to unravel it, nature remains a wonder and a mystery that nurtures the mind, body, and soul. Every living species on earth plays a vital role in the environment. As a type of biologist, a Naturalist not only studies the mutual relationships of species and how they relate ... Continue Reading
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Explore Career No matter how much we humans try to unravel it, nature remains a wonder and a mystery that nurtures the mind, body, and soul. Every living species on earth plays a vital role in the environment. As a type of biologist, a Naturalist not only studies the mutual relationships of species and how they relate to their environment but also educates the public on environmental issues.
What are the typical responsibilities of a Naturalist?
A Naturalist would typically need to:
As a Naturalist, you would typically enjoy a varied work life. On some days, you could be in charge of planning and leading a challenging nature hike. On others, you could be comfortably seated at your computer in your office indoors, researching, and formatting a brochure meant to inform people about local bird species.
It is possible to work as a freelancer. Travel is typically a part of your work, either locally or in remote areas.
Naturalists typically have a standard work schedule of up to 40 hours per week. They usually work from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Finding a new job might seem challenging. Naturalists can boost their job search by asking their network for referrals, contacting companies directly, using job search platforms, going to job fairs, leveraging social media, and inquiring at staffing agencies.
Naturalists are generally employed by:
Professional associations and organisations, such as the International Society of Naturalists (INSONA), are crucial for Naturalists interested in pursuing professional development or connecting with like-minded professionals in their industry or occupation. Membership in one or more adds value to your resume while bolstering your credentials and qualifications.
Given the high competitiveness in the field, pre-entry experience is often necessary to secure a job. Any academic program that a potential Naturalist takes up typically requires a period of supervised experience, such as an internship.
Any experience in conservation, management, education or planning can prove helpful. Consider taking up volunteer work overseas by assisting with conservation schemes. Certain organisations offer structured training as volunteer officers, allowing you to take up specific responsibilities depending on the location of the job. You may also opt to work as a Naturalist in a park, a role that involves touring with families or an entire classroom of students.
Environmental consultancies may offer work experience to graduates. Project placements at organisations may be part of a master’s degree program. Advertised work experience may be paid or unpaid. Unpaid work experience is usually less competitive.
Work shadowing or work placement during a vacation period can also be very beneficial.
An aspiring Naturalist typically requires a bachelor's degree in ecology, biology, environmental biology, wildlife management, forestry, geology, agriculture or natural resources. Keep in mind that while you may find entry-level roles with an associate degree or a higher national diploma (HND), you would need to strengthen your job application with evidence of adequate experience and practical skills.
Combining the life sciences with geoscience by choosing the appropriate major and supporting electives is helpful for aspiring Naturalists.
You may increase your employability by acquiring a master’s degree. You may study biology, botany, earth science, ecology, geography, land management, marine science, planning, sustainable development, wildlife conservation, or zoology. If your first degree is in an unrelated subject, it is particularly advisable to earn a relevant master’s degree. Advanced degree programs typically include forest resource measurement and teach planning and surveying skills.
Pursuing a PhD program may be useful for Naturalists seeking high-level roles in government bodies, research work and academia.
High school students with a background in biology, chemistry, evolutionary science, maths and geography typically get accepted into a relevant degree course.
While not mandatory, certification demonstrates a Naturalist’s competence in a skill set, typically through work experience, training, and passing an examination. When acquired from an objective and reputed organisation, it can help you stand out in a competitive job market, carry a significant salary premium of up to 18 per cent, increase your chances of advancement, and allow you to become an independent consultant. Successful certification programs protect public welfare by incorporating a Code of Ethics.
You may acquire certification in first aid and CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation). Or you may get certified as an environmental professional focusing on environmental research and education or environmental operations.
Performance, experience, and the acquisition of professional qualifications drive career progression. Employees with consistently high performance levels may be eligible for promotion every two to three years.
At entry-level, you may work as an assistant Naturalist or field assistant, but you may take up more senior and managerial roles as you progress. More than fieldwork, senior posts typically involve office work, which includes planning, budgets, people management and administrative aspects of environmental management.
Career progression is more structured in larger than smaller organisations. If you work in an organisation that may not have a well-defined career hierarchy, you may need to relocate, travel, or change jobs or organisations. Transition between the public, private or voluntary sectors may open up further opportunities. There may be a path from Naturalist to Ecologist to a Senior Ecologist in certain environmental consultancies, followed by becoming Principal Ecologist.
You may research or work on policy issues upon securing an advanced degree. If you work in a university, you may complete your PhD and head to postdoctoral research. You may also take up the roles of Senior Researchers, Lecturer or Professor.
Conservation jobs being highly competitive, participation in diverse activities may demonstrate your enthusiasm and passion for environmental issues, enhance your resume and add to your experience. You may volunteer to join any local biodiversity steering group. Networking and meeting the key players can also be beneficial.
Candidates with the necessary skills, experience, and an advanced degree in a relevant subject have the best job prospects.
Continuing professional development (CPD) will help an active Naturalist build personal skills and proficiency through work-based learning, a professional activity, formal education, or self-directed learning. It allows you to upskill continually, regardless of your age, job, or level of knowledge.
When you begin working, you may find training opportunities that you can use on the job. Subsequently, you may need to demonstrate enthusiasm to take on additional responsibilities. Upskilling may be possible through training courses suggested and sponsored by your employer, depending on budget, or you may need to source and fund them yourself. Various professional bodies offer training opportunities, conferences and events.
Training for various environmental qualifications for employees, students, professionals or people with a specific interest in this work area is also possible. To enrich your job prospects, you may also pursue a higher academic qualification as part of continuing education (CE).
History of Naturalism as a Philosophy
Pre-Socratic philosophers were called “natural philosophers” as they explained all phenomena through natural causes, not including the role of gods, spirits or magic in the creation or operation of the world. What followed was Epicureanism, a system that explained that everything that exists is the inevitable outcome of uncreated natural forces or tendencies and atoms moving in a void.
Metaphysical Naturalism, a western phenomenon, became heretical and illegal as Christianity grew and secularism declined during the Middle Ages. It resurfaced as Materialism during the Age of Enlightenment when political reforms made genuine free speech possible again. With scientific advances in quantum physics, Materialism evolved into the doctrine of Physicalism. Naturalism is more widely accepted than before in modern times, especially in the scientific community, despite people’s commitment to supernaturalist viewpoints.
Potential Pros & Cons of Freelancing vs Full-Time Employment
Freelancing Naturalists have more flexible work schedules and locations. They have full ownership of the business and can select their projects and clients. However, they experience inconsistent work and cash flow, which means more responsibility, effort and risk.
On the other hand, a full-time Naturalist has company-sponsored health benefits, insurance, and retirement plans. They have job security with a fixed, reliable source of income and guidance from their bosses. Yet, they may experience boredom due to a lack of flexibility, ownership, and variety.
When deciding between freelancing or being a full-time employee, consider the pros and cons to see what works best for you.
Naturalists have unique perspectives, a keen awareness and sensory acuity regarding the environment. They closely observe the growth of plants, birds and animals, seeking to use their findings to understand and explain our planet’s evolution, conservation and the origin of the human species.
The world is a gigantic forest comprising humans, animals, birds, plants and trees. Every time you look around, you are bound to experience something new. If you have a natural affinity to work outdoors and educate people about the environment, being a Naturalist can be a gratifying career.
The earth’s age is about one million years, and more than one million species have gone extinct.
What do Naturalists do?
A Naturalist would typically need to:
Accredited
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