Environmental and Outdoor Education
Within teaching, training, and education jobs you will work in many settings and with a variety of audiences, applying technology and instructional principles to facilitate and support engaging, interactive educational programs. You should have excellent organizational and public speaking skills, and can work effectively with a variety of people, sometimes in changing situations that call for creativity and adaptability. You may expand to applying principles and techniques of education and training to facilitate, develop, and support engaging and interactive training programs or courses for a wide variety of audiences.
Industry Insights
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Estimated employment nationwide in 2024
Projected change in employment through 2034
Mid-career annual salary (nationwide median)
How the work is typically performed
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Career Pathways & Progression
Position Responsibilities
Individuals at this level assist with program delivery, serve as camp counselors or environmental education interns, and support senior staff. They lead small groups on nature walks, help prepare teaching materials, and handle logistics like set‑up and safety.
Job Types & Titles
- Environmental Education Intern
- Camp Instructor
- Volunteer Naturalist
- Junior Environmental Educator
Qualifications Snapshot
Education
High‑school diploma or associate degree; coursework in environmental science, education or biology is helpful.
Certifications
Basic CPR/First Aid; Leave No Trace Level‑1 Instructor is recommended.
Experience
Volunteering or internships in nature centers, camps or parks.
Position Responsibilities
Technicians deliver interpretive programs, lead field trips and camps, manage resources at nature centers and parks, and coordinate volunteers. They apply pedagogy and natural history knowledge to engage participants and often travel to schools and community sites.
Job Types & Titles
- Park Interpreter
- Environmental Education Specialist
- Nature Center Instructor
- Interpretive Ranger
- Outreach Coordinator
Qualifications Snapshot
Education
Bachelor’s degree in environmental education, natural resources, biology, ecology or a related field.
Certifications
Certified Interpretive Guide (National Association for Interpretation) and/or state Environmental Educator Certification.
Experience
1-3 years of program delivery, outdoor leadership or teaching experience; ability to design lesson plans and manage groups.
Position Responsibilities
Professionals design curricula, develop and evaluate programs, train staff and volunteers, and coordinate community partnerships. They may work in schools, parks, universities or non‑profits and often write grants, develop educational materials and supervise junior educators.
Job Types & Titles
- Environmental Educator II
- Curriculum Developer
- Education Program Coordinator
- Extension Agent
- Outreach Manager
Qualifications Snapshot
Education
Bachelor’s degree plus advanced coursework or a master’s degree in environmental education, curriculum & instruction or natural resource management.
Certifications
Certified Environmental Educator (via NAAEE affiliate) and Certified Interpretive Guide; advanced instructor credentials may be required.
Experience
3-5 years of experience in program development, curriculum design, community engagement and staff supervision.
Position Responsibilities
Managers and directors oversee environmental education programs, set strategic direction, manage budgets and staff, cultivate partnerships, and ensure programs meet educational standards. They may lead departments at parks, museums, non‑profits or educational institutions.
Job Types & Titles
- Education Director
- Interpretive Services Manager
- Training and Development Manager
- Program Director
- Chief Interpreter
Qualifications Snapshot
Education
Master’s degree in environmental education, educational leadership, public administration or a related field.
Certifications
Certified Interpretive Manager (NAI) or equivalent leadership credential; project management certification may be beneficial.
Experience
5+ years of increasing responsibility in environmental education with experience in leadership, grant writing and strategic planning.
Who Hires Environmental and Outdoor Education Professionals?
Explore leading organizations in this field and discover career opportunities.
National Park Service
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
U.S. Forest Service
NatureBridge
Outward Bound USA
The Nature Conservancy
Portland Parks & Recreation - Environmental Education
California State Parks - Interpretation and Education
Education & Certification
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