Crystal Nadine Wold

  Degree:    Bachelor of Science
  Major:      Environment & Natural Resources

  Additional education undertaken after graduation:
  Watershed & Project Learning Tree workshops

  Years in the Field:    2
  Current Job Title:      Interpretive Naturalist
  Organization:            Three Rivers Park District

  How did you find this job?
  I started by networking, researching organizations online, and
  cold-calling. Then I submitting my resume and cover letter to a
  facility supervisor at Three Rivers who forwarded them to other
  supervisors. They called and wanted to meet with me informally,
  and I got the seasonal job that day. One year later I gained a
  promotion after submitting my resume and cover letter again
  and taking part in a formal interview.

Previous Job Titles and Organizations:
Garden Naturalist, Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden-- Minneapolis
Interpretive Specialist, Tamarack Nature Center-- White Bear Lake Township
Environmental Educator, Ann Sullivan School-YMCA-- Minneapolis
Tour Guide, Bell Museum of Natural History- University of Minnesota
Environmental Education Intern, Carpenter Nature Center-- Hastings

Please describe your job:
I develop and conduct programs to increase awareness of environment and park facilities and orient presentations to a specific and/or variety of audiences to assure effective communication. I am involved in the raptor training of a Great Horned Owl, as well as cleaning and caring for the bird. I participate in evaluations of programs to determine their effectiveness, assist in evaluating acquired data, and help make adjustments to programs when necessary. Finally, I have developed new curriculum and critiqued, improved and revised existing programs.

What from your undergraduate educational experience was most helpful in preparing you for this career?
The internship requirement was most valuable. It's really about getting out into the field and gaining experience. Science classes, such as mammology, botany and dendrology helped me gain a solid knowledge base for these activities.

What is the biggest misconception about this occupation or field?
Depending on the organization and facility, you will not always be working outside..

What advice do you have for current students?
Get an Internship and another one and another one. Start working in your field of interest as soon as possible (i.e. NOW!). Gain experience by practicing your interests. Finally: NETWORK, NETWORK, NETWORK!!!

Is there anything else you would like to add that we didn't ask you?
This is a job for passion, not money. It’s a challenging field to get into, but don’t give up!! Be patient— rewards do follow. You may have to work at two to three places part time for a while before landing a steady full time job. This is a career if your passion is in it.