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$8

$17

$24

How much do naturalist intern jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 20, 2026, the average hourly pay for naturalist intern in the United States is $17.04, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.42 and $19.23 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Naturalist Interns?

Naturalist Interns are individuals, often students or recent graduates, who assist professional naturalists in educating the public about the natural world. Their responsibilities typically include leading nature walks, developing educational materials, conducting research, and helping with conservation projects. This internship provides hands-on experience in environmental education, wildlife observation, and ecological studies, making it ideal for those interested in careers in environmental science or education.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Naturalist Intern, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Naturalist Intern, you need foundational knowledge in ecology, biology, or environmental science, often supported by coursework or a related degree. Familiarity with tools such as GPS devices, field guides, and data collection software is typically required. Strong observational skills, enthusiasm for environmental education, and effective communication are standout soft skills for this role. These skills are important for accurately studying natural environments and engaging the public in conservation efforts.

What is the difference between Naturalist Intern vs Environmental Educator Intern?

AspectNaturalist InternEnvironmental Educator Intern
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some positions prefer coursework in biology or environmental scienceSimilar; often requires background in education or environmental science
Work EnvironmentNature reserves, parks, wildlife centersEducational settings, parks, nature centers
Employer & Industry UsageWildlife organizations, parks, conservation agenciesEducational institutions, environmental nonprofits, parks
Common Search & Comparison IntentYesYes

Naturalist Interns focus on hands-on wildlife observation, conservation, and ecological research, often working outdoors. Environmental Educator Interns emphasize teaching environmental concepts, leading educational programs, and engaging the public. While both roles involve environmental work, Naturalist Interns are more field-oriented, whereas Environmental Educator Interns concentrate on education and outreach.

What are some typical projects or responsibilities for a Naturalist Intern during their internship?

As a Naturalist Intern, you can expect to be involved in hands-on educational programs, habitat restoration projects, and wildlife observation activities. Your daily tasks may include leading nature walks for visitors, assisting with data collection on local flora and fauna, and helping to create interpretive materials for environmental education. Interns often collaborate closely with experienced naturalists, park rangers, and educators, gaining valuable exposure to the operational side of conservation and public outreach. This role provides a great opportunity to develop communication skills and deepen your ecological knowledge while making a meaningful impact.
More about Naturalist Intern jobs
What cities are hiring for Naturalist Intern jobs? Cities with the most Naturalist Intern job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Naturalist jobs? The most popular types of Naturalist jobs are:
What states have the most Naturalist Intern jobs? States with the most job openings for Naturalist Intern jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Naturalist Intern jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Naturalist Intern jobs are:
Naturalist Intern jobs near you
Infographic showing various Naturalist Intern job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, 25% Part Time, and 25% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $35,436 per year, or $17 per hour.
Intern - Outreach Naturalist (Fall)

Intern - Outreach Naturalist (Fall)

State of South Dakota

Brookings, SD • On-site

$18.83/hr

Full-time

Posted 6 days ago

New

State Of South Dakota rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 51 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

40th of 50 rated states

Job description

Session: Fall (September - December)
Position Title:Outreach Naturalist Intern
Hiring Manager: Jason Nelson
Agency:Department of Game, Fish, & Parks
Location: Brookings
Minimum Salary: $18.83/hr
*APPLICANT MUST BE A CURRENT PART-TIME OR FULL-TIME STUDENT (MINIMUM OF 6 CREDIT HOURS) IN UPCOMING SEMESTER OR IN THE IMMEDIATELY PRECEDING SEMESTER.
Outreach naturalist intern will assist staff with programming needs during outreach events and programs at The Outdoor Campus. Interns will serve programs from preschool to adult age. Program topics include, but are not limited to, camping, hunting, fishing, cooking, South Dakota animals, and plants. Interns will assist with programs developed and scheduled by coordinators, develop future programs, and meet customer service needs.
Course work in the following areas will aide in consideration: Education, Outdoor Education, Communication, Public Relations, Biology, Natural Resources Management or similar environmental education. Must have enthusiasm!
Qualifications:
Applicant must be enrolled as a part-time/full-time student at a college, university, or technical institute at the time they apply. By the start of the internship, the student should have completed one year (nine months) of their chosen program.
All students are encouraged to apply, but preference may be given to applicants with a standing of junior/senior, South Dakota residents, and students of South Dakota institutions.
Apply at: https://gen-stateofsouthdako-trn.inforcloudsuite.com/hcm/xmlhttp/shorturl.do?key=4EO
*Positions can be filled prior to the closing date.*
South Dakota Bureau of Human Resources and Administration
Telephone: 605.773.3148
"An Equal Opportunity Employer"
#LI-Onsite

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