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Summer Nature Jobs in Basking Ridge, NJ (NOW HIRING)

Nature/Science Internship

Montclair, NJ ยท On-site

$15.25 - $20.50/hr

Under the general direction of the Summer Camp Director, the Nature/Science Intern is responsible for creating a safe environment with an appropriate curriculum and program for their assigned ...

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Summer Nature information

See Basking Ridge, NJ salary details

$7

$16

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How much do summer nature jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for summer nature in Basking Ridge, NJ is $16.37, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.89 and $18.08 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a summer nature job?

Summer Nature jobs are seasonal positions that involve working outdoors in natural settings, such as parks, camps, nature centers, or conservation areas. These jobs can include roles like camp counselor, park ranger assistant, outdoor educator, or conservation crew member. They typically focus on environmental education, habitat maintenance, or leading activities for children and visitors. Summer Nature jobs are ideal for individuals who enjoy working outside, have a passion for nature, and want to gain hands-on experience in the environmental field.

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

AspectSummer NatureSummer Camp Counselor
Required CredentialsBasic outdoor skills, environmental knowledgeFirst aid, child supervision, activity planning
Work EnvironmentNatural settings, parks, nature reservesCampgrounds, recreational facilities, outdoor settings
Employer & IndustryEnvironmental organizations, nature centersSummer camps, youth programs
Common Search IntentNature activities, outdoor educationChild supervision, camp activities

Summer Nature roles focus on outdoor environmental education and conservation, often involving guiding visitors or leading nature-based activities. Summer Camp Counselors primarily supervise children, organize camp activities, and ensure safety. While both roles are outdoors and involve leadership, Summer Nature emphasizes environmental knowledge, whereas Summer Camp Counselors focus on child engagement and supervision.

What are some common challenges faced by summer nature camp counselors and how can they be addressed?

Summer Nature Camp Counselors often encounter challenges such as managing diverse groups of children in an outdoor setting, adapting to rapidly changing weather conditions, and ensuring safety during hands-on nature activities. Effective communication, preparedness with contingency plans, and strong teamwork are essential for overcoming these challenges. Counselors benefit from training in first aid, conflict resolution, and outdoor leadership, which help them create a positive, engaging, and safe environment for campers.
What are popular job titles related to Summer Nature jobs in Basking Ridge, NJ? For Summer Nature jobs in Basking Ridge, NJ, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Summer Nature jobs in Basking Ridge, NJ look for? The top searched job categories for Summer Nature jobs in Basking Ridge, NJ are:
What cities near Basking Ridge, NJ are hiring for Summer Nature jobs? Cities near Basking Ridge, NJ with the most Summer Nature job openings:
Infographic showing various Summer Nature job openings in Basking Ridge, NJ as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 43% Full Time, 29% Temporary, and 28% Summer. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $34,051 per year, or $16.4 per hour.

Nature/Science Internship

Montclair YMCA

Montclair, NJ โ€ข On-site

$15.25 - $20.50/hr

Temporary

Re-posted 29 days ago


Job description

To proceed with your application for this position, please complete the Predictive Index Behavioral Assessment linked below. Ensure you finish the assessment for your application to be reviewed.

Behavioral Assessment Link



POSITION SUMMARY:


Under the general direction of the Summer Camp Director, the Nature/Science Intern is responsible for creating a safe environment with an appropriate curriculum and program for their assigned specialty area.


OUR CULTURE:


At the YMCA of Montclair, we strive to be the Employer of Choice, provide World-Class Service, and be the Charity of Choice. Our goal is to be a place where employees are empowered and excited to come to work. All staff ensure that members experience customer centric, individual attention each and every day. We strive to be the preferred partner to collaborate with others, identifying and meeting our community needs.


ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

  • Build your skills in environmental science and education through interactive outdoor programming, conservation initiatives, and engaging STEM-based learning experiences.
  • Assist in assuring the safety and health of all campers in accordance with applicable NJ state and ACA requirements through proper supervision. Actively participate with all children.
  • Assist, implement, and evaluate age-appropriate lesson plans on a weekly basis.
  • Maintain all equipment and property, minimizing damage. Inform director if new equipment is needed or equipment is in need of repair.
  • Assist in packing up equipment, materials, supplies, etc. and camp close down at the end of camp season. Submit inventory of supplies packed to Camp Director.
  • Communicate positively and enthusiastically with campers, parents, staff and volunteers.
  • Treat each child and parent with dignity and respect. Show attentiveness to all parent and camper issues.
  • Maintain a safe work environment, free of clutter, debris, and hazardous conditions.
  • Report all accidents and incidents involving self, participants, guests or other employees.
  • Familiar with and able to implement emergency procedures.
  • Ensure cleanliness of facility or property.
  • Assist in planning and implementation of special camp-wide theme programs, including Family Days and Open Houses.
  • Recognize and respond to potential problems in group or individual discipline problems in accordance with camp policies and procedures.
  • Evaluate current season, program, and self. Make recommendations for next season.
  • Attend and actively participate in staff trainings and meetings.
  • Assist during waterfront activities by serving as a lookout, swim instructor, boater, buddy, or clipboard counselor.
  • Assist at assigned bus stop with campers and parents.
  • Demonstrate and model the YMCA’s four core values of Caring, Honesty, Respect, and Responsibility.
  • Exhibit personal and professional behavior in a manner consistent with the best interest of the Association, so as not to bring discredit to the Association.
  • Perform such other job-related duties as may be periodically assigned by the Supervisor.
  • Cooperate; work effectively and congenially with all YMCA staff members, volunteers, and members of the Association.
  • Attend required Abuse Risk Management training and adhere to procedures related to managing high-risk activities and supervising members and participants.
  • Follow employee and volunteer screening requirements and use screening instruments to screen for abuse risk. Provide employees and volunteers with on-going supervision and training related to abuse risk.
  • Respond quickly to policy and procedure violations using the Y’s disciplinary procedures and respond seriously and confidentially to reports of suspicious and inappropriate behaviors and follow mandated reporting requirements.
  • Communicate to all employees and volunteers the Y’s commitment to protect our members from abuse.
  • Ensure unused rooms and closets remain locked; routinely monitor high-risk locations (locker rooms and rest-rooms), etc.

LEADERSHIP COMPETENCIES:


  • Emotional Maturity
  • Communication
  • Critical Thinking and Decision Making
  • Relationships
  • Collaboration


QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Must be at least 18 years of age.
  • Previous experience in camping, recreation, teaching, childcare, or physical education as an older camper or staff member is preferred.
  • All interns working ACA accredited camps are required to have 24 hours of pre-camp training as a condition of employment.
  • Knowledge of and commitment to the mission of the YMCA and its capacity to build strong kids, families and communities. The ability to articulate and model YMCA’s four core values of Caring, Honesty, Respect and Responsibilities are essential.
  • Current Montclair State University student working toward a bachelor’s degree.
  • Must have a CPR/AED and First Aid Certification OR get certified within 90 days of employment.
  • Commit to 2 full days and ½ days for the other depending on availability.

WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS:


This work requires the following physical activities: climbing, bending, stooping, kneeling, twisting, reaching, sitting, standing for extended periods of time, walking, lifting, finger dexterity, grasping, repetitive motions, talking, feeling, hearing, and visual acuity (with the aid of glasses if necessary). The work is performed primarily outdoors and may require occasional travel. Must be able to lift 50 lbs.


WORK SCHEDULE: Commit to 2 full days per week and/or 1/2 days


LOCATION: 131 Germantown Rd, West Milford, NJ 07480


This will be an unpaid, credit-based internship opportunity for current students seeking hands-on experience in outdoor education, youth development, and camp programming.