1

Nature Education Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Nature Intern

Barrington, IL

$15 - $20/hr

Nature Intern Oak Leaf Northwest Nature School is now accepting Intern Applications for the 2026/2027 School Year Required Background/Major in Nature Education, Environmental Biology or Early ...

Nature Instructor

Frederick, MD · On-site

$16.75/hr

Present nature education programs and nature craft programs in the evenings and on weekends. Themes may include animals, plant identification, hikes, geology programs and other nature related topics

next page

Showing results 1-20

Nature Education information

See salary details

$11K

$50.8K

$74K

How much do nature education jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for nature education in the United States is $50,833.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20,000.00 and $67,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is nature education?

Nature education refers to teaching and learning activities focused on connecting people—often children—with the natural environment. It aims to foster understanding, appreciation, and stewardship of the environment through hands-on experiences, outdoor exploration, and ecological lessons. Educators in this field use nature walks, wildlife observation, and interactive projects to help students develop skills in science, critical thinking, and environmental ethics. Nature education can take place in schools, parks, camps, or nature centers, and is valuable for promoting physical health, curiosity, and lifelong respect for nature.

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

To thrive as a Nature Educator, you need a solid background in environmental science, ecology, or education, often supported by a relevant degree or certifications like Project Learning Tree. Familiarity with outdoor education tools, curriculum development platforms, and safety protocols is essential. Strong communication, enthusiasm, and the ability to engage diverse audiences are standout soft skills in this role. These skills and qualities are crucial for effectively inspiring environmental stewardship and delivering impactful learning experiences in outdoor settings.

What are some common challenges faced by nature education professionals when leading outdoor programs, and how can these be addressed?

Nature education professionals often encounter challenges such as unpredictable weather, varying participant skill levels, and maintaining engagement across diverse age groups. Adapting lesson plans to suit different conditions, preparing contingency activities, and fostering inclusive participation are key strategies for success. Collaboration with other educators and continual professional development can also help in staying adaptable and responsive to changing group needs.

What is the difference between Nature Education vs Environmental Educator?

AspectNature EducationEnvironmental Educator
CredentialsTypically requires degrees in environmental science, biology, or educationSimilar credentials, often with additional certifications in environmental topics
Work EnvironmentOutdoor parks, nature centers, museums, schoolsOutdoor settings, community programs, schools, conservation organizations
Industry UsageUsed broadly in education and conservation sectorsFocused on promoting environmental awareness and sustainability

Both roles involve educating the public about nature and the environment, often requiring similar backgrounds. Nature Education tends to encompass a broader scope of outdoor and informal learning, while Environmental Educators focus specifically on environmental issues and sustainability. Understanding these nuances helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

More about Nature Education jobs
What cities are hiring for Nature Education jobs? Cities with the most Nature Education job openings:
What states have the most Nature Education jobs? States with the most job openings for Nature Education jobs include:
Infographic showing various Nature Education job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 55% Full Time, 22% Part Time, and 23% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $50,833 per year, or $24.4 per hour.
Nature Education Specialist

Nature Education Specialist

The Clark Art Institute

Williamstown, MA

Full-time

Posted 27 days ago


Job description

Position Summary:
Reporting to the Director of Learning and Engagement, the Nature Education Specialist provides leadership for the Clark's nature-based programming, working with other departments across the institute to realize strategic priorities. This role develops and implements interdisciplinary, inclusive and engaging programs for schools, the public, members, and other groups. The Nature Education Specialist
collaborates closely with colleagues across the institute, as well as with community partners, to deepen the Clark's commitment to environmental stewardship and foster meaningful outdoor experiences on the museum's 140-acre campus.

Primary Responsibilities:

  • Develops and oversees a range of outdoor and nature-based programs, including guided walks, seasonal events, workshops, public seasonal activities (e.g. snowshoeing) and wellness offerings.
  • Collaborate with Gallery Education colleagues to develop nature-based school programs that align with state and national standards
  • Collaborate with Family and Community Programs colleagues to integrate nature programming into family and community activities
  • Work with the Manager of Sustainability to discover opportunities for collaboration and for expanding the Institute's value of environmentalism.
  • Cultivate relationships with local and regional organizations to enhance and expand programming and accessibility to the Clark's grounds.
  • Supervise nature program logistics, including scheduling, working with vendors, compiling reports and statistics, evaluation, and overseeing budget.
  • Works with Head of Gallery Education to develop and train a group of docents who want to help lead nature-based programming initiatives for school programs and the public.
  • May oversee part-time and seasonal staff and interns supporting nature programs.
  • Contribute to grant proposals, reports, and donor communications related to nature initiatives.
  • Serve as an ambassador for the Clark's natural campus, advocating for its thoughtful use and long-term stewardship.
  • Collaborates with the Clark's contracted beekeeper to offer programs for staff and community.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's degree in environmental education, outdoor education, museum studies, or related field; advanced degree preferred.
  • Minimum 3 years of experience developing and delivering public programs, preferably in a museum, park, or cultural institution.
  • Strong background in environmental education, outdoor leadership, or community engagement.
  • Excellent communication and collaboration skills.
  • Commitment to equal opportunity, accessibility, and inclusion in program design and audience engagement.
  • Ability to work outdoors in a variety of weather conditions and terrain.
  • First aid/CPR certification or willingness to obtain preferred.


Physical Demands and Work Environment

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

  • Physical Demands:
    • Must be able to walk long distances on uneven terrain and participate in outdoor activities for extended periods.
    • Ability to lift and carry up to 30 pounds for setup and breakdown of program materials.
    • Comfortable working in varied weather conditions including heat, cold, rain, and snow.
    • May require evening or weekend hours depending on programming needs.
    • Some administrative tasks will be performed indoors in an office setting with standard equipment.
  • Work Environment: Work will be performed outdoors and in an office environment/museum spaces. The noise level in the work environment is usually low to moderate.