{"schemaVersion":"1.0","exportedAt":"2026-05-15T12:39:52.996Z","occupation":{"soc":"19-1031.03","title":"Park Naturalists","group":"Life, Physical & Social Science","sector":"54","jobZone":4,"jobZoneInferred":false},"framework":{"version":"v.26.05","description":"","contextCovered":"This framework covers the full range of park naturalist practice — from entry-level visitor services and assisted program delivery to advanced leadership of interpretive divisions, staff development, and strategic agency-level program direction — anchored in national and regional park settings requiring biology, history, geography, and public service expertise.","levels":{"emerging":{"label":"Emerging","statements":["Visitor inquiries and park regulations — explain and respond to under direct supervisor guidance at a park visitor center or trailhead.","Interpretive program schedules — review and follow as prepared by senior naturalists when assisting with field trips and guided walks.","Scientific, historic, and natural features along designated park trails — identify and describe to small visitor groups using provided reference materials.","Illustrated presentation slides and handouts — assemble and organize using presentation and word processing software under staff direction.","Park visitor center operations — assist with daily opening, closing, and routine facility tasks alongside experienced park staff.","Public safety and emergency protocols — recognize and report hazardous conditions or visitor emergencies to supervisory personnel promptly.","Visitor feedback and complaints — document accurately using office suite software and route to the appropriate staff member for resolution.","Biological and ecological terminology — apply correctly in written visitor communications and basic interpretive signage drafts.","Seasonal program materials — help prepare printed handouts and desktop-published brochures under the direction of lead naturalist staff.","Park geography and trail maps — read and interpret accurately to orient visitors and support field trip logistics in familiar park zones."]},"developing":{"label":"Developing","statements":["Guided field trips covering scientific, historic, and natural park features — plan and lead independently for general public audiences with minimal supervisor oversight.","Illustrated lectures and interpretive talks — prepare and deliver with moderate autonomy, adapting content to diverse visitor backgrounds and age groups.","Public events at the park — organize logistics, coordinate with park operations staff, and manage day-of execution for small to mid-sized programs.","Park program subjects and schedules — confer with park staff and contribute recommendations based on seasonal conditions and visitor interest data.","Visitor center operations — oversee routine functions including exhibit maintenance, supply inventory, and volunteer coordination during assigned shifts.","Electronic mail and web platform tools — use routinely to communicate program updates, manage registrations, and post interpretive content to park websites.","Seasonal staff orientation — assist in onboarding new staff by demonstrating program delivery methods and explaining park policies and procedures.","Emergency response duties — execute practiced protocols to protect visitor safety and natural resources when incidents occur in the field.","Written interpretive content — draft and revise for accuracy and clarity using word processing and desktop publishing software for park audiences.","Visitor behavior and group dynamics — monitor during programs and adjust facilitation approach to maintain engagement and address emerging concerns."]},"proficient":{"label":"Proficient","statements":["Full-scope interpretive programming — design, deliver, and evaluate across all park habitats, historical sites, and seasonal themes without supervisory direction.","Annual public events calendar — plan, organize, and execute a varied schedule of park events integrating community partnerships and multi-agency coordination.","Non-routine visitor situations including complaints, accessibility needs, and sensitive cultural topics — resolve using advanced judgment and service-orientation skills.","Seasonal staff activities — direct the full cycle of supervision including scheduling, task assignment, performance monitoring, and constructive feedback.","Interpretive media — produce polished illustrated presentations, web content, and map-based materials using the full park technology suite for public and agency audiences.","Complex problem scenarios in the field such as wildlife conflicts or weather-related hazards — assess independently and implement emergency protocols to protect life and property.","Biology, history, archeology, and geography knowledge domains — integrate across program content to deliver scientifically accurate and contextually rich visitor experiences.","Park program effectiveness — monitor attendance trends, collect and analyze visitor feedback data in spreadsheet software, and adapt offerings to identified gaps.","Interdepartmental collaboration — coordinate with law enforcement, maintenance, and resource management staff to align interpretive programming with operational priorities.","Learning strategy selection — adapt instructional approaches for formal school groups, diverse adult learners, and special-interest audiences in both indoor and outdoor settings."]},"advanced":{"label":"Advanced","statements":["Interpretive program vision and long-term curriculum framework — establish for an entire park unit or regional system, aligning content with agency mission and conservation goals.","Seasonal and permanent naturalist staff — develop professionally through mentoring, structured training plans, and performance management at an organizational scale.","Strategic public events and community engagement initiatives — lead design and execution of high-visibility programs that build lasting park-community relationships.","Interagency and cross-sector partnerships — forge and sustain with academic institutions, tribal entities, and nonprofit organizations to advance park interpretation and stewardship.","Organizational emergency preparedness policy for naturalist operations — author and implement, integrating public safety, natural resource protection, and staff readiness protocols.","Park interpretive identity and brand — direct production of comprehensive media assets including web platforms, publications, and signage that communicate park values to broad audiences.","Budget allocation and resource planning for interpretive divisions — lead annual and multi-year planning cycles, justifying needs to agency leadership using program performance data.","Critical complex problems at the intersection of public access, ecological sensitivity, and cultural heritage — resolve through systems-level reasoning and multi-stakeholder deliberation.","Organizational learning culture — model and institutionalize by championing evidence-based practice, professional development participation, and knowledge-sharing across park staff.","Visitor services policy and program standards — set and advocate for at the agency or regional level, influencing how park naturalist roles are defined and resourced across multiple sites."]}}},"sources":{"onet":"v30.2 (CC BY 4.0)","crosswalk":"https://skillscrosswalk.com","generator":"LER.me"},"attribution":"© EBSCOed"}