Share your love of history, culture, or science with park visitors!
A Park Naturalist assists park staff in preparation and presentation of natural and cultural history interpretive programs for children through seniors on- and off-site; develops and cares for live and static exhibits; may handle live animals such as reptiles, raptors, mammals, and insects; greets park visitors, provides park information, and leads hikes and tours; assists with evening and weekend programs that may involve multi-media presentations, music, guest speakers, and helps at special events. Naturalists will also be involved in designing informational displays, writing informative articles, researching area history, and performing routine maintenance on trails and interpretive facilities.
Preferably, individuals would volunteer for any four-week period or regularly scheduled hours May through September. Most of the time is spent between Memorial Day and Labor Day and weekends and holidays. The volunteer should plan to provide 20–24 hours per week during the assigned period or 6–8 hours for a one-day shift. A special need exists for volunteers during spring and fall months for assistance with school groups, both in the state parks and schools. From Memorial Day to Labor Day, this opportunity is often associated with evening campfire programs, weekend lecture series, and special events.
The Park Naturalist volunteer position may include the following benefits:
- training and orientation,
- supervision,
- Workers’ Compensation insurance,
- reimbursement up to $100 per month for travel, and meals, or to the extent funds are available,
- volunteer uniform
- other special provisions unique to the site, and
- possible college credit.
Applicant should have experience leading children aged 3–12 years; be an excellent communicator, highly enthusiastic, flexible, self-motivated; able to work with minimum supervision, and possess basic knowledge of natural sciences, effective writing skills, and a desire to share knowledge and experiences with people of all ages, especially children. Also helpful would be artistic and photographic skills, familiarity with audio-visual equipment, and an extra abundance of patience. Must provide own transportation and housing. CPR and standard first aid certifications are a plus.
The use of Park Naturalists is governed by the Volunteer Policy Guidelines (
15 KB) adopted by the Parks Division, Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife & Parks, and other applicable laws, rules, and policies.
Find locations where Park Naturalist positions are available.
