|
Have you ever thought about being a teacher, but in a classroom without walls? Would you like to make a career out of leading nature walks, or handling animals as an educator, or donning 18th century clothing and taking visitors on a journey into the past? Can you see yourself running your own nature center? Would you like to work in some of the most beautiful, meaningful places on earth? If you want to creatively teach people of all ages about the world around them, check out Natural and Historical Interpretation!
 The Program
Interpretation is the art of translating complex ideas and information in interesting and entertaining ways. Interpreters strive to link visitors with special places: parks, wilderness areas, historical sites, and tourist attractions. Hocking College prepares you by immersing you in both content and techniques
Our classes stress first-hand, field oriented learning experiences. You will learn to identify a variety of flora and fauna, as well as discover the connections of these living things to each other, and to us. We use the backdrop of Southeastern Ohio to learn research techniques that uncover the stories of the people and cultures that surround us.
Your training will include opportunities for certificates in:
 Learn By Doing
You will put this knowledge to practical use by planning and presenting programs to a variety of public groups, including schools, scouts, tourists, and local organizations. We offer outreach programs to local organizations and schools, and assist local parks and naturalists with special events and attractions.
On our campus, Hocking Woods Nature Center provides the opportunity to work with live animals (reptiles, raptors, ectc.), as well as present programs on a variety of environmental themes. We even operate our own portable planetarium! Our trails, ponds, streams, and forests offer a naturalist's dream teaching site, and a great way to practice skills.
Learn to transport visitors "back in time" at Robbins Crossing Living History Village. Students research specific stations, and gain experience in teaching such pioneer skills as blacksmithing, woodstove cooking , candlemaking, and woodworking. Dressed in period clothing, our students present programs to thousands of local school children, as well as tourists riding the local Hocking Valley Scenic Railroad.
 Jobs for Grads
Out of the Box - Right after graduating grads find jobs in many diverse fields in both the public and private sectors at camps, schools, living history museums, nature centers, zoos, parks, etc.
Jobs titles include:
- Park Naturalist
- Interpretive Ranger
- Zoo Educator
- Camp Counselor
- Outdoor Education Counselor
- Environmental Educator
- Animal Handler (wild and domestic)
- Living History/Re-enactor
- Nature Preserve Staff
Down the Road - If you desire a leadership role within the organizations listed above, consider a bachelors degree. With expanded education and experience, the possibilities are endless.
|
