Current Position: Park Naturalist
How long have you been with Ohio State Parks and in what capacity?
I have worked as a Naturalist for Ohio State Parks since 1992 at Salt Fork State Park and Lake Hope State Park.
How did you become involved in working as a Park Naturalist?
I have always enjoyed nature and the outdoors. As a child I always looked up to outdoor educators because they were worked outdoors and could socialize with many different people. My two passions are people and nature, so finding a job with both was ideal.
Describe a typical day at your job.
(If there is no such thing as a typical day, then please tell us about your primary responsibilities and duties.)
A typical day would include conducting a number of park programs such as leading hikes, bird walks, aquatic study, canoeing, and more. I also take care of the nature center and gift shop. Other duties include public relations, trail maintenance, and coordinating volunteers and interns.
How many hours a week do you work in this position?
40.
What aspects of your job do you enjoy the most?
I enjoy working outside and I enjoy the many different people I meet along the way. It is wonderful to be the "bridge" bringing people and nature together.
What do you find to be the greatest challenges of your job?
The greatest challenge is being able to bring everything together and meeting deadlines. I have to be able to juggle multiple tasks including developing, conducting and marketing programs and special events.
What kind of training/schooling is required in your position?
The minimum educational requirement is an associate degree in natural science. I graduated from The Ohio State University with a bachelors degree in Environmental Interpretation, Communications and Education. Probably the most important "training" for this position is a prerequisite love of people and nature. If you know some things about the outdoors and you enjoy talking with people, that’s a great start.
Is there any kind of training or general experience that you wish you had before taking your job?
Fundraising and grant writing have become more evident in my job duties. I didn’t have much experience or knowledge of them early on, but recent training has led to successful fundraisers and grant awards.
What are a few of the projects that you've been working on recently that have been the most interesting?
I am currently working on a project to have a classroom addition built onto the nature center at the park. A local architect donated the plans and I am now acquiring material funds through grants and fundraising. We are set to break ground this autumn. Two years ago I spearheaded the formation of our park’s Friends Group, a non-profit dedicated to fundraising for park projects.
If someone were interested in working as a Park Naturalist, what advice could you give them?
Make sure you enjoy two things, people and nature, because you are going to see a lot of both.
Please share any further thoughts you may have about working in the state park system:
Working for Ohio State Parks has been a great experience. I have met lifelong friends and I feel that I have made a difference in people’s lives, especially kids. I wouldn’t trade this job for the world.
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