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Summer Animals Jobs in Raleigh, NC (NOW HIRING)

All JobsSummer Animals JobsSummer Animals Jobs in Raleigh, NC

Summer Animals information

See Raleigh, NC salary details

$7

$15

$21

How much do summer animals jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for summer animals in Raleigh, NC is $15.44, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.08 and $17.07 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Summer Animals vs Summer Camp Counselors?

AspectSummer AnimalsSummer Camp Counselors
Required CredentialsNone typically requiredCPR/First Aid certification often required
Work EnvironmentZoos, aquariums, wildlife centersSummer camps, outdoor activity settings
Industry UsageWildlife education, conservation programsChild supervision, activity planning
Common Search IntentWildlife activities, animal care jobsChildcare, youth activity jobs

Summer Animals typically refer to roles involving animal care and education in wildlife or zoo settings, often requiring no formal credentials. Summer Camp Counselors focus on supervising children and organizing activities at summer camps, often needing certifications like CPR. While both roles are seasonal and outdoor-oriented, they serve different industries and audiences.

What are some common challenges faced by animal care staff working at summer animal programs or camps?

Animal care staff at summer programs or camps often face challenges such as adapting to the fluctuating needs of both animals and campers, managing outdoor environments in varying weather conditions, and ensuring the safety and well-being of all participants. Balancing educational activities with hands-on animal care requires strong communication and multitasking skills. Additionally, staff must be prepared to respond quickly to emergencies and work collaboratively with veterinarians, educators, and other team members to provide a positive experience for both animals and visitors.

What are Summer Animals?

Summer animals are species that are particularly active, visible, or prevalent during the summer months. These can include migratory birds, insects like butterflies and bees, mammals that come out for food, and reptiles and amphibians that thrive in warm weather. Their behaviors are often influenced by the increased temperatures, availability of food, and longer daylight hours. Observing summer animals can provide insight into seasonal changes and local ecosystems.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Animal Caretaker, and why are they important?

To excel as an Animal Caretaker, you need a solid understanding of animal behavior, basic veterinary care, and proper handling techniques, often supported by a high school diploma or relevant animal care certifications. Familiarity with animal management software, feeding protocols, and specialized cleaning equipment is typically required. Patience, attention to detail, and compassion are essential soft skills for ensuring animal well-being and building trust. These qualifications enable caretakers to maintain healthy, safe environments for animals and provide attentive, individualized care.
What are the most commonly searched types of Animals jobs in Raleigh, NC? The most popular types of Animals jobs in Raleigh, NC are:
What cities near Raleigh, NC are hiring for Summer Animals jobs? Cities near Raleigh, NC with the most Summer Animals job openings:
Summer Animals jobs near you
Infographic showing various Summer Animals job openings in Raleigh, NC as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 60% Full Time, and 40% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $32,119 per year, or $15.4 per hour.
Outdoor Camp Counselor (School's Out Camps)

Outdoor Camp Counselor (School's Out Camps)

Piedmont Wildlife Center

Durham, NC

$13.50 - $17.75/hr

Other

Posted 12 days ago

Job description

Do you love being outside? Are you passionate about mentoring children and helping them build meaningful connections with nature? Piedmont Wildlife Center is seeking Outdoor Camp Counselors to join our team of dedicated educators and nature enthusiasts. Interviews will be scheduled in early August. 

About Our Organization: Piedmont Wildlife Center is a Durham-based non-profit organization encouraging conservation and inspiring people to build lifelong connections with nature through immersive outdoor education, citizen science, and wildlife stewardship. We pursue this mission through afterschool, homeschool, and year-round camp programming in the great outdoors. The Center also offers conservation-focused field trips and outreach programs with our Ambassador Animals.

Land Acknowledgement: Our camps operate out of Leigh Farm Park in Durham County and Blackwood Farm Park in Orange County. Both parks are remnants of 19th-century plantations and are on land that was once part of the shared territory of Saponi, Tuscarora, Occaneechi, Cheraw, Eno, Shakori, Catawba, and Lumbee nations. The county parks departments have preserved multiple historic structures in our locations. In addition, we operate camps at Umstead State Park in Wake County which was once a segregated park and indigenous territory. It is imperative that we discuss this history with our staff and campers, amplify the stories of the indigenous and enslaved peoples who cared for the land and continue learning about and examining the parks' legacy.  

Position Summary: Outdoor Camp Counselors lead nature-based day camps for children ages 5-12. Each counselor co-leads a group of up to 15 campers, along with a teen Counselor-in-Training (CIT). The role includes facilitating engaging, hands-on activities that encourage curiosity, environmental awareness, and connection to the natural world.

Counselors create a safe, inclusive, and fun outdoor learning environment while supporting both group dynamics and individual camper needs. Whether your strengths lie in education, outdoor survival skills, ecology, or storytelling, counselors should be passionate about sharing their unique skillset with campers, helping them develop their own connection to nature, and inspiring them to protect the natural world around them. 


Required Availability

Day Camp at Leigh Farm Park (8:00-3:30)

  • September 21-25, 2026
  • September 28 - October 2, 2026
  • October 5-9, 2026

Counselors will also have the opportunity to work our homeschool program and single-day camps as a substitute when needed. 

Primary Responsibilities:

  • Lead outdoor activities focused on environmental education, nature connection, and exploration
  • Ensure camper safety and support positive group dynamics
  • Collaborate with your co-counselor to adapt daily plans and meet the needs of all campers
  • Communicate with program managers about camper behavior, safety concerns, and program feedback
  • Mentor our Counselors-in-Training (ages 13-17)

Required Qualifications:

  • At least 18 years of age
  • Ability to work all of the dates listed above
  • Experience working with children in educational or recreational settings
  • Excellent communication, interpersonal, and leadership skills
  • Able to hike at least 2 miles with a group
  • Comfortable working outdoors in all weather conditions
  • Experience with stories and inquiry-based teaching methods
  • Flexibility with changes in programming and scheduling
  • Reliable transportation
  • Willingness to obtain a First Aid & CPR certification (adult and pediatric). If you are not certified, Piedmont Wildlife Center will provide the certification during staff training. 


Preferred Qualifications:

  • Working toward or holding a degree in education, environmental science, or a related field
  • Environmental education experience
  • Experience with storytelling, inquiry-based learning, and/or nature mentoring
  • Knowledge of local ecology, wildlife tracking, or outdoor survival skills
  • Relevant outdoor certifications such as Wilderness First Aid/Responder, Certified Interpretive Guide, Leave No Trace Master Educator, and/or NC Environmental Educator.


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