What Are Nature & Wildlife Jobs at Summer Camp?

Nature and Wildlife Jobs at Summer Camps

Nature and wildlife jobs at summer camps combine ecological education with hands-on wildlife observation in a uniquely rewarding setting. From traditional sleepaway camps with nature lodges and small animal collections to specialty environmental residential camps running serious wildlife study, instructors get to teach campers how to observe, identify, and care about the living world around them. If you love both classroom-style natural history and time in the field, this is a perfect fit.

As a nature and wildlife instructor at an overnight camp, you’ll teach animal identification, behavior, ecology, habitat study, and ethical wildlife observation. You’ll lead hikes, run pond and stream studies, and care for any small animals housed at camp (turtles, snakes, hamsters, lizards). Many co-ed residential camps blend wildlife with broader nature, adventure, and farming programs, giving multi-discipline instructors a rich and varied summer.

What does a nature and wildlife instructor at summer camp do?

You’ll teach animal ID, behavior, ecology, and habitat study while leading hikes, pond studies, and caring for any small animals on camp. Most sleepaway camps with wildlife programs run daily activities throughout the summer camp season.

What background works best for these jobs at sleepaway camps?

Wildlife biology, environmental science, ecology, or zoology backgrounds are ideal. Working naturalists, zookeepers, and wildlife rehabbers are excellent fits at residential camps with serious wildlife programs.

Do summer camps keep live animals on-site?

Many do. Traditional sleepaway camps and specialty nature residential camps often keep small reptiles, amphibians, and rodents in dedicated nature lodges. Larger camps with farm programs may also keep chickens, goats, and other animals.

What does the pay look like for nature and wildlife jobs at camp?

Pay is competitive and commensurate with experience and credentials. Overnight camps include room, board, and laundry alongside salary, which makes the overall summer camp package noticeably more valuable than the base figure.

Is nature and wildlife usually combined with other outdoor roles?

Often yes. Many co-ed residential camps blend nature and wildlife with broader nature, adventure, and farming programs. Multi-discipline instructors are especially valued at sleepaway camps with deep outdoor education offerings.