Careers - Education and Recreation
If you're interested in working out of doors and love working with children or the general public:
Ag Teacher- Works in a school setting teaching a variety of subjects with an Agriculture (Ag) emphasis, including forestry. Many schools in Ag areas have Ag academies in which the traditional subjects are also taught using Ag projects as models. Credentialed Ag teachers must have a four-year degree and then complete a 1-2 year credentialing program that includes student teaching. Most community college Forestry or Ag instructors must have a Masters degree, and most universities require their professors to have a PhD. Teachers must have good communication skills.
Docent- Usually works in parks, camps or museums interpreting the environment or displays for visitors. In outdoor education settings this job can also be known as a Naturalist. Qualifications vary greatly by location, from required degrees in forestry, botany or environmental studies, to training provided by the specific program. Docents must have good communication skills and like to work with people.
Park Ranger- Work in public park settings to assist visitors in various ways including navigation, education, interpretation, maintenance and safety. Students should be aware that a Ranger job is more of a law enforcement position that a traditional forestry job. College degrees specializing in natural resource or recreation management are sometimes required. Education in environmental or cultural sciences is helpful. Rangers must have good communication skills and like to work with people.
Recreation Management-Works for an organization to plan and administer recreation programs to help groups efficiently and safely make the best use of a recreation resource. Mangers should have a degree in Recreation Management and or a related administration field or physical education. The ability to communicate with people and manage multiple tasks and programs is imperative.
What classes should I take to prepare for college?
Classes that emphasize written and verbal communication skills will be extremely helpful. Experience in physical education, organized sport or recreation groups is useful, as well as experience working with children and the general public. Educators need a strong background in Science and the field they want to teach.
Which schools offer education programs for these types of jobs?
Many schools throughout the state provide Teacher Credential programs. Students interested in pursuing a credential should talk to the credentialing program early in their career to ensure their degree of choice is appropriate to the type of credential they wish to obtain. Cal Poly San Luis Obispo is one of the premier colleges for Ag Teacher preparation and, along with Fresno State University, offers an Ag Communication program that can help prepare students for these types of careers.
Related careers:
Environmental Journalist:- Many media outlets (newspaper, magazine, TV) hire reporters or writers specifically focused on environmental issues such as forestry and Ag. The Ag Communications or Natural Resource Management educational fields would prepare students for these types of careers.