1

Lead Naturalist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Lead individual, small group, and large group activities, games, and instructional classes ... or naturalist experience is a plus Excellent communication skills. Must be able to work holiday ...

Showing results 41-60

Lead Naturalist information

What is the difference between Lead Naturalist vs Naturalist?

AspectLead NaturalistNaturalist
Required CredentialsTypically requires a degree in biology, environmental science, or related field; certifications in outdoor education or conservation are commonUsually requires a similar degree or background; certifications may enhance prospects
Work EnvironmentLeads programs, manages staff, and coordinates activities in parks, nature reserves, or educational centersConducts nature walks, educational programs, and field research, often under supervision
Employer & Industry UsageFound in parks, nature centers, environmental organizations, and educational institutionsCommonly employed in similar settings, often as entry to mid-level roles

The main difference between a Lead Naturalist and a Naturalist is the level of responsibility. Lead Naturalists typically oversee programs, manage staff, and coordinate activities, while Naturalists focus on conducting educational and research activities. Both roles require relevant education and certifications, but Lead Naturalists usually have more experience and leadership duties.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a lead naturalist?

To thrive as a Lead Naturalist, you need expertise in ecology, environmental science, and wildlife identification, often supported by a relevant degree and field experience. Familiarity with GIS mapping tools, data collection systems, and certifications like Wilderness First Aid are commonly required. Strong communication, leadership, and interpretive skills help you engage both team members and the public effectively. These skills are crucial for guiding conservation efforts, ensuring safety, and fostering environmental education and stewardship.

What is a lead naturalist?

A Lead Naturalist is a professional who specializes in studying, interpreting, and educating others about the natural environment. They often oversee environmental programs, guide nature walks, and manage educational activities at parks, nature centers, or conservation organizations. In addition to conducting research and fieldwork, Lead Naturalists supervise junior staff, develop curriculum, and work to promote conservation efforts within their communities. Their role is crucial in fostering environmental awareness and stewardship among the public.

What are some common challenges faced by a lead naturalist and how can they be addressed?

As a Lead Naturalist, a common challenge is balancing administrative duties with hands-on fieldwork and educational programming. Additionally, adapting to varying weather conditions and managing diverse groups—such as school children, tourists, or volunteers—requires flexibility and strong communication skills. Building collaborative relationships with local organizations and continuously updating knowledge about local ecosystems can help address these challenges. Proactive planning and staying current with conservation best practices are also essential for success in this role.
More about Lead Naturalist jobs
Infographic showing various Lead Naturalist job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution.

$14.11 - $18/hr

Full-time, Part-time

Posted 10 days ago


Job description

Lead Park Ranger Aide-Seasonal
FT / PT Status - Part-Time
Salary - $14.11 - $18.00 Hourly Wage
Remote Work / In-Office - In-Office / On-SiteRecruiter - Tim Conyers tconyers@utah.gov 0
Application Deadline - 12/31/2026*
*This job posting may close at any time after the minimum advertising period of three (3) business days has passed, should a sufficient applicant pool be received. Applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible.
Key Responsibilities
Seasonal Employee, Utah State Parks
Snow Canyon State Park
Location: 1002 Snow Canyon Dr, Ivins, UT 84738
Utah State Parks is hiring seasonal employees to support park operations. Seasonal employees play an important role in providing excellent customer service, maintaining park facilities and grounds, supporting public safety, and helping visitors enjoy Utah's State Parks.
Why You Should Join Our Team:
Snow Canyon State Park is situated on the western edge of the Greater Zion area in Ivins, Utah. This desert park has a high level of biodiversity, extraordinary geological formations, and phenomenal dark skies. With its proximity to St. George and the surrounding communities, the park is a fantastic outdoor classroom for local youth. In 2025, over 2,500 elementary school children visited Snow Canyon on a ranger-guided field trip.
Working as a seasonal employee with Utah State Parks gives you the opportunity to work in some of Utah's most unique outdoor locations while gaining hands-on experience and serving the public. You will work alongside experienced park staff, develop valuable skills, and help provide safe, clean, and enjoyable experiences for millions of park visitors.
Whether you are interested in visitor services, outdoor recreation, park operations, groundskeeping, maintenance, or public safety, seasonal employment provides valuable experience and opportunities to learn more about careers with Utah State Parks.
Join a team that values teamwork, customer service, safety, and protecting Utah's natural, cultural, and recreational resources.
Qualifications
Applicants may be considered for one of the following seasonal positions based on their interests, experience, qualifications, and the staffing needs of the park.
LEAD PARK RANGER AIDE:
Job Description:
The Lead Park Ranger Aide will be working directly with the Park Naturalist in Snow Canyon's education program. They will spend most of their time presenting lessons for local K-6 school groups. As a secondary responsibility, the person hired for this position will develop and guide interpretive hikes for the general public and assist at the visitor center desk. A specialty project of your choosing will also be planned and executed throughout your season.
Principal Duties:
Education:
  • Teach lessons based on Utah SEEd Standards, core-curriculum, and/or age-specific outdoor education lessons during seated and guided hikes.
  • Educate students on basic outdoor recreation concepts such as Leave No Trace principles.
  • Research and update curriculum based programs.

Interpretation:
  • Develop and deliver formal programs and guided hikes.
  • Assist with writing and creating social media posts for the park's Instagram account.
  • Rove trails to clean up trash/vandalism, survey and maintain interpretive signs, and interact with visitors.
  • Assist the Park Naturalist during other public events, including outreach.

Visitor Center:
  • Provide information at the visitor center desk for a diverse audience.
  • Process retail sales on bookstore items, day-use and annual passes, and phone-in payments.
  • Register incoming campers and provide campground specific information.

Specialty Project:
  • Design, research, and develop a specialty project during your season. This project is used to help grow your skills and knowledge, as well as improve the park/visitor experience.
  • Other projects as assigned

Requirements for Lead position:
  • Applicant must be 18-years or older.
  • Computer Skills-Familiarity with data entry including Google Drive, Sheets, Docs, and other data processing programs.
  • Strong writing, typing, research, and organizational skills.
  • Ability to interact and communicate with park visitors with diverse backgrounds including children .
  • Comfortable with public speaking and managing large groups of people.
  • Collaborate and communicate with other staff members and volunteers.
  • Applicant must pass a background check.
  • Applicant must have a valid drivers license; able to operate vehicles, off-highway vehicles, or golf carts.
  • Applicant must work 4 - 5 days per week, Tuesday through Saturday. Some evenings or holidays may be required.
  • Applicant must be willing to work in conditions that require hiking up to 3-miles roundtrip; long periods of standing; recurring bending, crouching, stooping, stretching, reaching, lifting, or similar activities. Conditions also include working in a remote, outdoor desert setting with exposure to variable weather conditions including heat, cold, sun, wind, and rain.
  • Applicant must complete required state and agency training within the first weeks of employment: Defensive driving, security awareness, PCI security awareness, workplace harassment, and abusive conduct prevention training, etc.
  • Applicant must provide their own computer to use for research and writing.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
  • Seasonal employees work in outdoor environments and must be prepared for changing and adverse weather conditions.
  • Some Utah State Parks are located in remote areas. Employees may need reliable personal transportation for shopping, errands, and other personal needs.
  • Work schedules vary based on park operations, seasonal demands, and staffing needs. Employees must be available to work assigned schedules, which may include weekends, holidays, evenings, and emergency response assignments.
  • Seasonal employment provides valuable hands-on experience in State Park operations and opportunities to develop skills in customer service, groundskeeping, facility maintenance, outdoor recreation, public safety, and natural resource management.
  • If you enjoy working outdoors, serving the public, and helping maintain Utah's State Parks, we encourage you to apply.
  • Applicants must be willing to work in an outdoor setting, communicate well with others and be able to maintain professionalism while in potentially stressful situations.

About the Role
Location - 1002 Snow Canyon Dr. Ivins, UT 84738
Background Check Required - You must successfully pass a criminal history check.
Drug Test Required -
Schedule Code - TL - Time limited
Why You Should Join Our TeamIn Utah, we believe hard work is important, but balance is essential. Finding work/life balance is a vital element to our culture. To find out more about WHY Utah, click here. Other benefits may include:
  • Job Stability: Enjoy the security and reliability of employment within a well-established organization.
  • Career Growth: Develop valuable skills and gain opportunities for leadership within a large organization.
  • Meaningful Work: Contribute to an important service that benefits the community and supports organizational goals.
  • Supportive Work Environment: Be part of a team that values cooperation, strong work ethics, and mutual support.

The AgencyFor more information: https://stateparks.utah.gov/parks/snow-canyon/
EEO StatementThe State of Utah is committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity, or Veteran status. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. For accommodations, please contact (801) 957-9390.