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Summer Naturalist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

City of Rockville

Naturalist

Rockville, MD

$18 - $24/hr

Job Summary Croydon Creek Nature Center is seeking an enthusiastic and engaging Naturalist to join ... Plan and lead at least two week-long nature-based summer day camps. Provide daily care for the ...

City of Rockville, MD

Naturalist

Rockville, MD · On-site

$18 - $24/hr

... engaging Naturalist to join our education team. The ideal candidate has knowledge of Maryland ... Plan and lead at least two week-long nature-based summer day camps. * Provide daily care for the ...

Pathfinder Ranch

Outdoor Education Naturalist

CA · On-site

$676 - $796/wk

Responsive recruiter Under the supervision of the Program Manager, the Naturalist uses established ... summer heat for the children of Palm Springs. We have since grown to provide Camp, Outdoor ...

Aitkin County

LLCC Volunteer Naturalist

Aitkin, MN · On-site

Long Lake Conservation Center (LLCC) is looking for Master Naturalist volunteers. LLCC is Minnesota ... Long Lake is a Residential Environmental Learning Center and Summer Camp for MN youth! For more ...

Global Treks and Adventures

$16.75 - $21.25/hr

A naturalist guide and cultural guide website/web-app to Reykjavik and south Iceland. The ultimate ... summer or fall semester. "If you want to stand out from the crowd, give people a reason not to ...

Global Treks and Adventures

$16.75 - $21.25/hr

A naturalist guide and cultural guide website/web-app to Reykjavik and south Iceland. The ultimate ... summer or fall semester. "If you want to stand out from the crowd, give people a reason not to ...

Global Treks and Adventures

$16.25 - $20.50/hr

A naturalist guide and cultural guide website/web-app to Reykjavik and south Iceland. The ultimate ... summer or fall semester. "If you want to stand out from the crowd, give people a reason not to ...

Global Treks and Adventures

$16.25 - $20.50/hr

A naturalist guide and cultural guide website/web-app to Reykjavik and south Iceland. The ultimate ... summer or fall semester. "If you want to stand out from the crowd, give people a reason not to ...

Global Treks and Adventures

$16.50 - $20.75/hr

A naturalist guide and cultural guide website/web-app to Reykjavik and south Iceland. The ultimate ... summer or fall semester. "If you want to stand out from the crowd, give people a reason not to ...

Global Treks and Adventures

$16.25 - $20.50/hr

A naturalist guide and cultural guide website/web-app to Reykjavik and south Iceland. The ultimate ... summer or fall semester. "If you want to stand out from the crowd, give people a reason not to ...

Global Treks and Adventures

$16.25 - $20.50/hr

A naturalist guide and cultural guide website/web-app to Reykjavik and south Iceland. The ultimate ... summer or fall semester. "If you want to stand out from the crowd, give people a reason not to ...

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Summer Naturalist information

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$9

$18

$29

How much do summer naturalist jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for summer naturalist in the United States is $18.41, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.42 and $20.19 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Summer Naturalist vs Summer Camp Counselor?

AspectSummer NaturalistSummer Camp Counselor
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma; environmental or biology knowledge beneficialHigh school diploma; child supervision experience often preferred
Work EnvironmentNature centers, parks, outdoor settingsCampgrounds, recreational facilities, outdoor activity areas
Employer & IndustryEnvironmental organizations, parks, nature reservesSummer camps, youth programs, recreational organizations
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

The Summer Naturalist primarily focuses on environmental education and outdoor activities related to nature, often working in parks or nature centers. In contrast, a Summer Camp Counselor manages children's activities and supervision at summer camps. While both roles involve outdoor settings and working with youth, the Summer Naturalist emphasizes environmental knowledge, whereas the Camp Counselor centers on child supervision and recreational activities.

What is a summer naturalist?

Summer Naturalists are seasonal educators who work in outdoor or environmental education programs, typically during the summer months. They lead nature hikes, teach about local ecology, and engage campers or visitors in activities that promote environmental awareness and stewardship. Summer Naturalists often work at camps, parks, nature centers, or wildlife preserves, helping people of all ages connect with and learn about the natural world. Their role is both educational and interpretive, making nature accessible and interesting to the public.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a summer naturalist?

To thrive as a Summer Naturalist, you need a solid understanding of ecology, environmental science, and local flora and fauna, often supported by coursework or experience in natural sciences. Familiarity with field guides, GPS devices, and outdoor education tools is commonly required. Strong communication, enthusiasm, and leadership skills help engage diverse audiences and foster environmental stewardship. These abilities ensure effective education, safety, and memorable experiences in outdoor settings.

What are some common challenges summer naturalists face when leading outdoor educational programs?

Summer Naturalists often encounter challenges such as adapting activities to changing weather conditions, managing groups of participants with varying levels of outdoor experience, and addressing unexpected encounters with wildlife. Effective communication and flexibility are key, as programs may need to be adjusted on short notice. Additionally, maintaining participant engagement and safety while fostering environmental stewardship can require creative problem-solving and strong leadership skills.
More about Summer Naturalist jobs
What cities are hiring for Summer Naturalist jobs? Cities with the most Summer Naturalist 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 Summer Naturalist jobs? States with the most job openings for Summer Naturalist jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Summer Naturalist jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Summer Naturalist jobs are:
Summer Naturalist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Summer Naturalist job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 30% Full Time, 59% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 8% Contract, and 1% Summer. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $38,295 per year, or $18.4 per hour.

Naturalist

City of Rockville

Rockville, MD

$18 - $24/hr

Temporary

Posted 5 days ago

Job description

Job Summary Croydon Creek Nature Center is seeking an enthusiastic and engaging Naturalist to join our education team. The ideal candidate has knowledge of Maryland's native flora and fauna, experience leading environmental education programs and a passion for connecting people of all ages with the natural world. Responsibilities include developing and presenting educational programs, caring for a collection of native animal ambassadors, including amphibians, turtles, snakes and an owl, and supporting the daily operations of a busy public nature center.

This position involves working both indoors and outdoors in a variety of weather conditions throughout the year. This is a year-round, temporary part-time (non-benefitted) position. Hours typically range from 12-20 per week depending on seasonal programming needs and include approximately 3-5 weekend days per month.

Essential Job Functions Under the direction of Nature Center supervisors, responsibilities include: Develop and present environmental education programs for schools, scouts, families, adults and the public. Plan and lead at least two week-long nature-based summer day camps. Provide daily care for the Nature Center's live native animal collection, including amphibians, reptiles and other animal ambassadors.

Provide excellent customer service over the phone and in person. Process program registrations, payments and daily reports using the City's registration system. Handle cash and credit card transactions.

Assist with volunteer training and supervision. Assist with special events and seasonal programs as assigned. Work independently and collaboratively with staff and volunteers to support the Nature Center's mission and daily operations.

Qualifications Qualifications/Skills Excellent public speaking and presentation skills. Ability to communicate effectively with children, adults and diverse audiences. Strong organizational and time-management skills.

Ability to work independently and collaboratively. Basic computer proficiency, including Microsoft Office. Ability to safely handle native reptiles and amphibians (or willingness to be trained).

Ability to obtain CPR/AED/First Aid certification. Valid driver's license preferred. Physical Requirements Ability to walk over uneven natural terrain and lead hikes outdoors in a variety of weather conditions.

Ability to lift and carry up to 30 pounds. Ability to stand for extended periods while teaching programs or caring for animals. Ability to safely handle live animals after training.

Ability to work evenings and weekends, as needed. Experience Experience developing and leading environmental education, interpretive or outdoor recreation programs. Experience working with children and families.

Experience caring for live animals or willingness to learn. Experience working with volunteers is a plus. Education Bachelor's degree in environmental science, biology, environmental education, natural resources, education or a related field preferred.

Equivalent combinations of education and relevant experience will also be considered.

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