1

Summer Nature Jobs in Evanston, IL (NOW HIRING)

LFA Summer Camps

Lake Forest, IL

$13.75 - $18/hr

LFA Summer Camps is seeking enthusiastic, responsible, and energetic individuals to join our summer ... The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Summer Nature information

See Evanston, IL salary details

$7

$15

$21

How much do summer nature jobs pay per hour?

As of May 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for summer nature in Evanston, IL is $15.24, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.93 and $16.83 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Summer Nature Camp Counselor, you need a solid understanding of environmental education, outdoor safety, and child supervision, often supported by CPR/First Aid certification and experience working with youth. Familiarity with outdoor activity equipment, basic first aid kits, and curriculum planning tools is commonly required. Strong communication, leadership, and adaptability help counselors engage campers and respond effectively to changing situations. These skills ensure a safe, educational, and enjoyable experience for campers while fostering respect for nature.

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 Summer Nature jobs?

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 job categories do people searching Summer Nature jobs in Evanston, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Summer Nature jobs in Evanston, IL are:
What cities near Evanston, IL are hiring for Summer Nature jobs? Cities near Evanston, IL with the most Summer Nature job openings:

Urban Green - River Trail Nature Center - Summer 2026 Youth Crew

Career Site

River Forest, IL

$15/hr

Temporary

Posted 9 days ago


Job description

Position Summary

The Student Conservation Association (SCA) in partnership w/ the Forest Preserve District of Cook County seek Crew Members for the 2026 Chicago Conservation Leadership Corps Program. Crew Members will spend their first week learning job skills that will prepare them for the program and give them skills that they can use in the future. They then engage in rewarding and valuable physical work outdoors on conservation and restoration projects in the Forest Preserves of Cook County including trail work, invasive species removal and nature center projects in a team with ten other crew members and their adult leaders. Throughout each week time will be devoted to learning about the local ecology and environment. Once a student is hired, they will usually be placed at the forest preserve work site that is closest to their home. Members can meet on-site if they live close to the nature center, or we can provide transportation from a local designated pick-up and drop-off site for members who do not have transportation to the worksite. Sagawau Environmental Learning Center, Little Red School House, Sandridge Nature Center, River Trail Nature Center.

Location

Northbrook, IL

Schedule

June 29, 2026 - July 30, 2026

Key Duties and Responsibilities

Making sure you arrive on time to your selected work location
Assist your Crew Leaders with hands-on service projects over the summer in all weather conditions
Assist your crew in natural habitat restoration and trail maintenance
Properly using hand tools like loppers, bow saws, shovels, rakes, etc.
Participate in all program Environmental Education days
Recording your work hours, and filling out a proper timesheet
Providing feedback, a positive work environment, and motivator for your crew
Follow all program rules and regulations

Marginal Duties

Assist with data and photo collection, program wrap-up & reporting.
Assisting with Nature Center tasks

Required Qualifications

18 years old (15 year old would need a workers permit) enrolled in high school or a 2026 high school graduate.
Willing to work with others as part of a team and be a positive teammate
Willing to work outdoors doing physically strenuous activities in summer heat and conditions
Be able to commit to attend the whole program (all 5 weeks)
Able to attend an Orientation and an in person or virtual Zoom interview
Complete all hiring paperwork from SCA, including the Workers Permit for those who need one
Meet either at the worksite or the designated pick-up and drop-off location

Preferred Qualifications

Local to Chicago and Cook County

Hours

26 per week

Living Accommodations

no living accommodations offered for this position

Compensation

$15.00/hr (26 hours/week)

All allowances are subject to applicable federal, state, and local taxes.

Personal Vehicle Information

Not needed

Additional Benefits


AmeriCorps: Not Eligible

Equal Opportunity Statement

The Student Conservation Association, Inc., is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The SCA strives to cultivate a work environment that encourages fairness, teamwork, and respect among all staff members and is committed to maintaining a work atmosphere where lifestyles may grow personally and professionally.