Yosemite National Park is many things: public land, protected habitat, tourism destination, and so much more. But have you ever dreamt of Yosemite as a place to polish up your resume with a professional development course?
Yosemite Conservancy’s Outdoor Adventure team curated a series of programs that allow you to learn and grow professionally within the beauty of Yosemite’s natural grandeur.
Certificate of Interpretive Guiding (CIG) Course
Yosemite Field School: California Naturalist Certification Course
Yosemite Backpack: Intro to Leave No Trace
These three professional development courses are great for many fields and vocations, though each has a slightly different focus. Detailed course descriptions can be found below. Successful completion of these courses results in a professional certificate that will help you stand out in your career.
Don’t need a professional certificate, but are looking for a deeper connection to the park? Consider the Conservancy’s 2026 Yosemite Field School programs.
Why Take a Professional Development Program with Yosemite Conservancy?
For over a century, naturalists and professionals have looked to Yosemite Conservancy and its predecessors for training excellence. As conservation professionals, we believe in providing programs that empower and educate stewards across disciplines.
Certificate of Interpretive Guiding (CIG) Course
This could be you building your career immersed in the beauty of Yosemite.
Certificate of Interpretive Guiding (CIG) Course Quick Facts:
- May 4-7, 2026
- CIG certificate lasts a lifetime and course includes 1-year National Association of Interpretation (NAI) membership
- Park entry for dates of program included
- Lodging options: Includes space at shared campsites or an option to upgrade to Yosemite Valley Lodge or Curry Village tent cabins for an additional fee. Lodging blocks expire 30 days prior to the program and the campground is first-come, first-served.
- $285 (course only registration fee) or $600 (course + certification)
Yosemite Conservancy, in partnership with the National Association for Interpretation (NAI) and Yosemite Hospitality, offers the Certificate of Interpretive Guiding (CIG) Course for anyone delivering interpretive programs or engaging with the public at interpretive sites.
This nationally recognized 32-hour course is designed for new hires, professionals refreshing their skills, or those starting a second career, helping participants improve presentation techniques and deliver high-quality interpretive programs.
The curriculum covers the foundations of interpretation, including history, definition, and principles; methods to make programs purposeful, enjoyable, relevant, and organized; and strategies for using tangible objects to convey intangible ideas and concepts.
The CIG certificate lasts a lifetime and includes a complimentary one-year NAI membership, added to your current membership if applicable. To earn the CIG certificate, participants must submit a program outline and deliver a 10-minute interpretive talk.
Yosemite Field School: California Naturalist Certification Course
Yosemite Field School: California Naturalist Certification Course Quick Facts:
- Course includes two sessions: May 26-28 and July 21-24, 2026
- Earn your UC California Naturalist certificate while immersed in Yosemite’s geology, wildlife, fire ecology, and cultural heritage during this two-session field-based certification.
- National Association of Interpretation of Certificate of Interpretive Guiding
- Park entry for dates of program included
- After completing all course requirements, participants may purchase 4 undergraduate credits through UC Davis Continuing and Professional Education for an additional fee.
- $799 registration fee
The California Naturalist course includes programming in both Yosemite Valley and Tuolumne Meadows.
Have you ever wanted to become a certified naturalist — and do it in the heart of Yosemite National Park? This immersive UC California Naturalist Certification Course, offered by Yosemite Conservancy in partnership with UC Environmental Stewards, combines science, stewardship, and adventure in one of the world’s most spectacular landscapes.
Over two multi-day sessions in spring and summer, you’ll build deep knowledge of Yosemite’s geology, wildlife, plant communities, fire ecology, and cultural heritage alongside expert naturalists, scientists, and park staff. Between sessions, you’ll complete independent field work, contribute to community science through iNaturalist, and design your own stewardship capstone project.
This course follows in the tradition of Yosemite’s pioneering naturalist education programs dating back to the 1920s — and upon successful completion, you’ll earn your official California Naturalist certificate through the University of California.
Yosemite Backpack: Intro to Leave No Trace
Yosemite Backpack: Intro to Leave No Trace Quick Facts:
- June 20-22, 2026
- Leave No Trace Level 1 Instructor Course
- Pre- and Post- backpacking camping is available at shared campsites at Wawona Campground.
- $349 registration fee
Level up your Leave No Trace skills on this introductory backpacking course! Rooted in the Leave No Trace (LNT) principles, this program equips adventurers of all ages to enjoy the outdoors responsibly and help protect the long-term health of our environment.
On this one-night backpacking adventure to Alder Creek, you’ll hike through stunning terrain while engaging in interactive discussions on LNT practices — including trip planning, cooking, waste disposal, and more. By the end of the course, you’ll not only have gained hands-on experience but will also earn your certification as a Level 1 Leave No Trace Instructor, ready to model best practices and share low-impact values with others.
Thank you for considering a professional development course with Yosemite Conservancy’s Outdoor Adventure team.
Photos of Yosemite Conservancy programs by Jenn Emerling.
