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How much do teen conservation jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for teen conservation in the United States is $21.34, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.90 and $25.00 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Teen Conservation vs Environmental Educator?

AspectTeen ConservationEnvironmental Educator
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles may require volunteer experienceHigh school diploma; often a degree in environmental science or education
Work EnvironmentOutdoor settings, conservation projects, parks, and nature reservesClassrooms, community centers, outdoor programs, and educational events
Employer & IndustryNonprofits, parks departments, conservation organizationsSchools, nonprofits, government agencies, environmental programs

Teen Conservation roles focus on engaging youth in hands-on conservation activities, often outdoors and volunteer-based. Environmental Educators typically have formal education and teach broader environmental topics in various settings. Both roles promote environmental awareness but differ in scope, credentials, and work environment.

What is a Teen Conservation job?

A Teen Conservation job typically involves young people, usually high school students, participating in environmental stewardship activities such as trail maintenance, habitat restoration, invasive species removal, and public education. These positions are often part of summer programs run by parks, nonprofits, or conservation corps, and they aim to teach teens about ecology, teamwork, and leadership. Participants not only help protect natural resources but also gain valuable work experience and skills that can benefit them in future careers.

What types of projects and responsibilities can I expect as a teen conservation worker?

As a teen conservation worker, you’ll typically participate in hands-on environmental projects such as trail maintenance, habitat restoration, invasive species removal, and park clean-ups. You may also help with educational outreach or assist staff in monitoring local wildlife. These roles often involve working outdoors as part of a team, providing opportunities to learn practical skills and contribute directly to conservation efforts. Teamwork, adaptability, and a willingness to learn are key, and you’ll likely gain valuable experience that can support future careers in environmental science or related fields.

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

To thrive as a Teen Conservationist, you need a foundational understanding of environmental science, basic fieldwork skills, and a passion for conservation, often gained through school programs or youth conservation groups. Familiarity with data collection tools, GPS devices, and basic ecological monitoring systems is helpful. Strong teamwork, communication, and adaptability are valuable soft skills in collaborating with peers and professionals in outdoor settings. These skills and qualities are important for effectively contributing to conservation projects and fostering personal growth in environmental stewardship.
What states have the most Teen Conservation jobs? States with the most job openings for Teen Conservation jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Teen Conservation jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Teen Conservation jobs are:
Teen Conservation jobs near you
Infographic showing various Teen Conservation job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 14% Full Time, 43% Part Time, and 43% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $44,377 per year, or $21.3 per hour.
Urban Green - Gap Year Young Adult Conservation Crew

Urban Green - Gap Year Young Adult Conservation Crew

Student Conservation Association

River Forest, IL • On-site

$18.50/hr

Temporary

Posted 18 days ago

Job description

Conservation begins here.
The Student Conservation Association (SCA), America's #1 conservation service organization in partnership with the Forest Preserve District of Cook County seeks qualified applicants to sign up for our Young Adult Gap Year Conservation Leadership Corp! This position is designed to provide conservation job training experience for young adults, 18 years or older.
This 18-week program begins June 22nd and runs through October 30th 2026. Team members will gain vital workforce development skills and environmental education through hands-on service to the land and leadership skills through mentorship of high school teens during a summer job high school program.
During Part 1 of the internship, you will work 26 hours per week (6/22-7/30) and during Part 2 (8/10-10/30) you will work 30 hours per week, with an unpaid break between August 3rd -August 7th
Program Snapshot:
  • Program Dates: June 22-October 30, 2026
  • Local Training Dates: June 24 -June 27 (Monday - Friday)
  • Weekly Schedule:Part 1: Monday- Thursday, 8 am-3pm (30-minute unpaid lunch); Part 2: Monday - Thursday, 7 am - 3:30 pm (30-minute unpaid lunch)
  • Program Hours: 26 hours Part 1; 30 hours Part 2
  • Pay Rates: Part 1: $17.50 per hour, 26 hours per week; Part 2: $18.50 per hour, 30 hours per week

Location: River Forest, Illinois- Salt Creek Maintenance Center
Primary Responsibilities:
Complete as a team an assortment of hands-on conservation and restoration projects within different areas in the Forest Preserves of Cook County and help co-lead weekly educational field days for high school students. During the summer (Part 1 of internship), crew members will act as Assistant Crew leaders (ACL) to a group of ten high school students at a local nature center through the Chicago Conservation Leadership Corps program (CCLC). CCLC youth conduct hands-on conservation activities including invasive plant removal and trail maintenance projects and participate in environmental education activities to gain knowledge about their local environment. During Part 2, interns will create a new team of 4 crew members with 2 crew leaders once the CCLC program ends. There will be a week unpaid break August 3rd-7th so the crew will be off to prepare for the start of the GAP Crew August 10th. This newly formed crew will perform ecological restoration and will gain advanced conservation job skills and real-world experience to prepare members for future jobs in forestry and restoration skills. Work includes training and practice to remove invasive plants using herbicide, chainsaws, brush cutters as well as training to conduct brush pile burns, collect native seeds, and advanced ecology as designated by the Forest Preserves of Cook County.
During the fall portion of the program, the GAP Crew members will become certified in CPR/First Aid, receive their alternative herbicide certification, and gain certifications in chainsaw. As with all SCA crews, SCA Community Core Curriculum will be utilized to introduce topics such as self-care; mental health; Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion; conservation ethics; environmental justice; and more.
Specifically, the Crew Member will:
  • Act as a Crew Supervisor Assistant by facilitating teamwork, managing field-based tasks, and guiding crew dynamics during the summer for high school youth
    • Serve as an Advisor, by training youth in technical conservation work skills, mentoring personal and professional development, and teaching environmental stewardship
    • Act as a Project Manager Assistant, by communicating with your crew leaders, program partners, and other staff ensuring successful and timely completion of work projects, and upholding a positive representation of SCA and the Forest Preserves District of Cook County
    • Perform tasks as a crewby organizing logistics, completing documentation, communicating effectively, having regular check-ins with program staff
  • Marginal Duties: helping crew leaders with data collection, time sheet management, and tool maintenance
    Qualifications:
    • Experience or being open to working outdoors as a part of team in conservation leadership during all weather conditions
    • Experience with conservation work skills or related skills preferred - i.e. trail maintenance, trail construction, habitat restoration, chainsaw, carpentry, landscaping, and gardening
    • Ability to perform manual, physical labor for up to 8 hours per day, exposed to the elements and most occasionally lift and/or move 40 pounds or more
    • Must be able to complete the full length of the program all 18 weeks: 6 weeks June 22nd-July30th and 12 weeks August 10th-October 30th
    • Must be able to attend Local Crew training (6/22-6/27):
    • Must be a minimum of 18 years of age
    • Must have ability to legally work in the US
    • Must be able to get to and from the morning pick-up location
    • Must be able to meet SCA's criminal background check standards
    • Knowledge of mid-western ecology, or knowledge of the forest preserves is a big plus

    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.

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