Certified Naturalist

Build a career as a professional naturalist

Who is this course for

This course is meant for individuals who are looking at a professional development pathway for careers as a resident naturalist, freelance naturalist, safari guide, nature educator, natural history communicator and wildlife interpreter. The course will also benefit anybody involved in nature conservation, environmental advocacy, climate change education, skill development and green livelihoods.

No prior experience required, anyone with a passion for building deep connections for people with the natural world is likely to benefit.

What will you learn

The course will build on generic guiding skills including knowldege of ecotourism industry, role and responsibilities of a guide, interpretation skills, safety and risk management skills, group management & more

One of the main roles of a naturalist is to help humans understand the natural world and to help them to form a positive, sustainable relationship with their environment. Good interpretation should be able to establish a connection between the audience and the object of interpretation.

When used effectively, interpretation is persuasive and can prompt people to make changes in their thinking and behavior.

This course is designed to help you develop skills to do just that !

Earn an industry recognised certificate

You will receive a Govt Of India vocational skill certificate on successfully  completing the course. The course is accredited by NCVET and affiliated with the Tourism Hospitality Skills Council (THSC). 

Placement opportunities and ecopreneur incubation will be offered on demand.

Glimpses from some of modules course modules

Prepare for Guiding Activity on Safaris and Nature Trails
    • Providing and collecting pre-trip information from guests
    • Understanding your guests/tourists
    • Designing an impactful nature experience
Conduct an interactive nature experience
    • Learning how to maintain guiding quality while walking, driving/being driven
    • Learn how to be inclusive and design for various age groups, demography, interest areas
    • Storytelling, Embodied Presence, Understanding & Managing ineterests and demography
Nature Interpretation 101
Interpretive Philosophy ~  “Chief aim of Interpretation is not instruction, but provocation”
Designing opportunities to explore the meanings of our natural world, through the development of interpretive themes
Building Primary Interpretive themes & Sub-themes
Natural History
    • Flora & Fauna Identification
    • Basic Geology & Biogeography of India
    • Insects & Arthropods,
    • Amphibians & Reptiles
    • Birds & Mammals
    • Plants & Fungi
    • Reading Tracks, Signs & Calls
Become a Certified First Aid Senior Professional

Certification in First Aid through Red Cross.

Health & Safety
    • Following standard safety procedures to avoid work hazards
    • Following Leave No Trace Principles
    • Ensuring Green Practices are followed by all stakeholders
    • Following personal hygiene practices & precautionary health measures

Ready to begin your journey as a naturalist?

 

Apply now!

 

Handling customers and guiding techniques were very helpful sessions for me.

Devraj

Naturalist - Waterwoods

The concise, informative and interactive sessions conducted by The Naturalist School had just the right amount of information

Divya Danielle Pant

Manager - KAAV

The most obvious workshop that was conducted at the right time, as it helps members of new resorts that have been authorized for safaris… and Ethics - in the newly changed post covid world.

Kishan

Asst. Chief Naturalist - Evolve Back

Great experience all together. Trainers really understand the participants well.

Shanmugakumar

Deputy Chief Naturalist - Evolve Back

I enjoyed the practical elements the best. Working in groups and having opportunities to discuss about our guests.

Anikethan

Assistant General Manager - Kabini River Lodge

I understood communication skills and guiding techniques, the role of the naturalist team building, storytelling and how to handle guests in the Safari and Nature walks.

Chandru

Naturalist - Waterwoods

In some way it brought a lot of unity with the naturalists and drivers. Taught me how to deal with guests in a better way and how to keep them happy.

Vinod Bharadwaj

Naturalist - Bison Lodge

Understanding communication and working as a team to make the guest experience better

Bheemaiah

Naturalist Kabini River Lodge

The Naturalist School team's dedication and warm hospitality made me feel right at home. From engaging learning sessions to thrilling wildlife encounters, it was an adventure I'll always cherish.

Hussain Kachwala

Wildlife Photographer, Bangalore