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Weekend Naturalist Guide Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Weekend Naturalist Guide information

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How much do weekend naturalist guide jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for weekend naturalist guide in the United States is $19.71, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.70 and $19.95 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the main challenges a Weekend Naturalist Guide may face during guided tours?

Weekend Naturalist Guides often encounter challenges such as adapting to varying weather conditions, engaging diverse groups with different levels of outdoor experience, and responding to unexpected changes in the environment, like wildlife encounters or trail closures. Additionally, balancing educational content with entertainment can be demanding, especially with mixed-age audiences. Successful guides are flexible, resourceful, and skilled at communicating complex ecological topics in an accessible and engaging way.

What is the difference between Weekend Naturalist Guide vs Weekend Wildlife Educator?

AspectWeekend Naturalist GuideWeekend Wildlife Educator
Required CredentialsBasic naturalist certifications, outdoor experienceNaturalist certifications, teaching or outreach experience
Work EnvironmentOutdoor parks, nature reserves, guided toursEducational programs, nature centers, community events
Employer & IndustryNature parks, eco-tourism companiesEducational institutions, environmental organizations
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding outdoor guiding rolesComparing outdoor education roles

The Weekend Naturalist Guide primarily focuses on leading outdoor nature tours and engaging visitors with natural environments, often requiring certifications in naturalist knowledge. The Weekend Wildlife Educator, while similar, emphasizes educational outreach and teaching about wildlife, often within educational or community settings. Both roles involve outdoor work and environmental knowledge but differ in their focus on guiding versus educational outreach.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Weekend Naturalist Guide, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Weekend Naturalist Guide, you need a solid understanding of local ecology, wildlife, and environmental education, typically supported by relevant coursework or certifications in natural sciences or outdoor education. Familiarity with GPS devices, interpretive tools, and first aid certifications are commonly required. Strong communication, enthusiasm, and the ability to engage diverse groups are vital soft skills that enhance group experiences. These skills and qualifications are crucial to ensure safe, informative, and enjoyable nature experiences for participants.

What are Weekend Naturalist Guides?

Weekend Naturalist Guides are professionals who lead educational nature walks, hikes, or outdoor activities, typically on weekends. They share knowledge about local plants, animals, and ecosystems, helping visitors connect with nature through guided interpretation. These guides often work in parks, nature reserves, or environmental education centers and are skilled at engaging diverse groups. Their work may include answering questions, ensuring safety, and fostering environmental stewardship among participants.
More about Weekend Naturalist Guide jobs
What cities are hiring for Weekend Naturalist Guide jobs? Cities with the most Weekend Naturalist Guide job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Naturalist Guide jobs? The most popular types of Naturalist Guide jobs are:
What states have the most Weekend Naturalist Guide jobs? States with the most job openings for Weekend Naturalist Guide jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Weekend Naturalist Guide jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Weekend Naturalist Guide jobs are:
Seasonal Natural Resources Worker - Lincoln State Park

Seasonal Natural Resources Worker - Lincoln State Park

State of Indiana

Lincoln City, IN

$12.25/hr

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago


State Of Indiana rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 181 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

40th of 50 rated states


Job description

 Work for Indiana

Begin a fulfilling career with the State of Indiana by joining one of the largest employers in the state, offering a range of opportunities across 60+ agencies. At the state, you'll find competitive compensation, a robust benefits package, and a commitment to work-life balance. Most importantly, you'll have the chance to make a real and measurable impact on the lives of Hoosiers across Indiana.

About Lincoln State Park:
The 1,747-acre park was established in 1932 as a memorial to Lincoln's mother, Nancy Hanks, and commemorates the boyhood home of Abraham Lincoln, the 16th president of the United States. The park has an interpretive center to help visitors experience the life of early settlers in southern Indiana. The Little Pigeon Creek Baptist Church and cemetery are also located on the property. Lincoln's sister, Sarah, is buried there. The park offers 10 miles of hiking trails, two scenic lakes, campgrounds, cabins, and group cottages. You can also tour the Colonel Jones Home, the historic home of the merchant and Civil War officer who employed young Lincoln.


Salary Statement

The hourly wage for seasonal positions varies, starting at $12.25/hour. 

A Day in the Life:

The Seasonal Natural Resources Workers provide customer service and education to visitors about park features while maintaining the property's natural resources. Seasonal Natural Resources Worker positions and their essential functions are as follows:

  • Interpretive Specialists: Educate the public on property-specific nature, history, culture, and park services through memorable experiences. 
  • Naturalist Aides: Assists with education of the nature center programming, local/common flora and fauna, and local/common animal species. This position may also assist in the care of animals (feeding, watering, and bedding changes) and the general maintenance of the nature center.
  • Village Workers (Spring Mill State Park Only): Assists with education of period-appropriate trades, techniques, and crafts while presenting cultural history. Trades include woodworking, leatherwork, broom-making, blacksmith, weaving, and milling. 
  • Cave Tour Guides (O’Bannon Woods State Park Only): Educate the general public on the natural history of caves. Tour Guides assist with scheduling reservations and collecting tour fees. Further, research may be required on the identification and care of relevant flora and fauna.  Tour Guides are expected to maintain boats, equipment, and the registration shed.
  • Resource Management Techs: Assists with the control of invasive plant species natural area restoration trail maintenance, brush and tree removal, signage, timber marking, and/or timber stand improvement based on the property.

The job profile is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties,s or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Other duties, responsibilities, and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice.

What You'll Need for Success:

​​​​​​​You must meet the following requirements to be considered for employment:

  • High school diploma, GED, or one (1) year of work experience
  • May be expected to work afternoons, evenings, weekends, and holidays
  • May be required to wear a DNR-provided uniform
  • May be required to travel to different properties
  • May experience working in potentially inclement weather
  • May experience working with DOC work release crews
  • May be required to have a valid driver’s license. 
  • May perform duties in a variety of different environments, including an office environment, field environment, rugged terrain, and various adverse weather conditions (extreme heat, cold, rain, snow, sleet, etc.). 
  • May work around potentially dangerous heavy equipment (e.g. tractors, disks, mowers, planters, etc.).
  • Able to perform essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation.

Benefits of Employment with the State of Indiana:

This seasonal position does not offer benefits and is limited to 180 working days in an eleven (11) month continuous period  

Equal Employment Opportunity:

The State of Indiana is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to recruiting, selecting, developing, and promoting employees based on individual ability and job performance. Reasonable accommodations may be available to enable individuals with disabilities to complete the application and interview process as well as perform the essential functions of a role.

 If you require reasonable accommodations to complete this application, you can request assistance by contacting the Indiana State Personnel Department at jobs@spd.IN.gov.


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