Now Hiring Seasonal Positions
Hour Requirements: This position works for 13 weeks at 25 hours a week.
Compensation: $15-$18.50/hour, commensurate with experience
The Seasonal Land Steward performs duties necessary for the maintenance and upkeep of lands owned and managed by The Nature Institute (TNI), including the Mississippi Sanctuary, Cypress Pond, the Freeman, Metzger, Larson Savanna, Hutchinson Bird Sanctuary, Olin Nature Preserve, and Heartland Prairie. Duties include grounds management and habitat management. The Seasonal Land Steward will work closely with the Stewardship Director and follow policies set forth by the Board of Directors and the Illinois Nature Preserves Commission. This position will require occasionally variable hours to assist in stewardship.
Essential Duties:
- Execute habitat management and habitat project plans under the supervision of the Stewardship Director. Tasks include cutting, spraying, brush hogging, and burning. Basic plant identification will be required. The Illinois Nature Preserves Commission guidelines will guide habitat management tasks.
- Perform habitat management. Tasks include weed eating, spraying herbicide, seeding, tree trimming, removing downed trees and limbs, removing stumps, and performing other grounds management tasks as needed.
- Assist with maintenance and repair of equipment, tools, trails, and roads.
- Operate tools and equipment for turf management, habitat management, and facilities maintenance tasks. Tools and equipment include motor vehicles, utility vehicles, mowers, chainsaws, brush cutters, shop saws, leaf blowers, sprayers, and power tools.
- Inspect and maintain trails and roads. Tasks include clearing downed trees and limbs, removing trash, and assisting the Land Steward and Stewardship Director with other tasks.
- Monitor, install, and repair signage on TNI properties.
- Assist the Stewardship Director in supervising volunteers.
- Follow safe working practices and use related safety equipment appropriately, as required.
Apply for this Job:
Please apply at www.TheNatureInstitute.org/now-hiring. A resume and cover letter must be uploaded in order for the application to be considered complete. If you have any questions about the position, email Rebekah Helmich at rhelmich@thenatureinstitute.org.
If you have any questions, contact Rebekah at the email above or call 618-466-9930.
Camp Season: June 2, 2025 to July 25, 2025 (No camp for the week of 6/30 – 7/4).
The Nature Institute is a private, non-profit conservation organization that fosters an awareness and appreciation for the natural world through preservation, restoration, and education. The Nature Institute manages nearly 500 acres along the Mississippi River bluffs in Godfrey, IL. This property includes a variety of natural communities that are home to a diverse population of plants and animals. In 1982, The Nature Institute held its first Discovery Day Camp at the Olin Nature Preserve in the historic Talahi Lodge. Each year the camp has successfully grown and it remains the only nature camp of its kind in the St. Louis metropolitan area. Open in June and July, the camp is organized by grade levels from PreK – Middle School. The camp is open to children of all backgrounds.
Junior Volunteer Counselor Position:
The Nature Institute is looking for fun, energetic junior counselors (JC) to volunteer for the summer of 2025. JCs will interact daily with campers, help lead hikes, crafts and ecological programs under the supervision of the Summer Day Camp Counselors and the Assistant Camp Director.
Qualifications:
- Persons 13 – 16 years of age.
- Applicants must possess enthusiasm, patience, desire for nature, and leadership skills.
- Be self-motivated and be able to work as a team .
- Applicants will be required to work outside in all weather conditions and be on their feet for long periods of time.
- Applicants must attend mandatory training on Sunday, June 1st, 2025 from 12 – 5 pm prior to working with campers.
- Applicants must have their own transportation.
- Applicant selection will favor those who are available to commit to at least 2 weeks this summer; Monday through Friday.
- The Nature Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Duties will include but are not limited to:
*Assist with supervision and safety of campers *Help complete daily chores
*Assist with daily programming *Assist in daily planning
*Serve as a positive role model *Ensure everyone has FUN!
Growth and Development:
Junior Counselors will report to and be evaluated by the Assistant Camp Director and summer camp counselors.
JCs will also meet once a week with the Assistant Camp Director for a brief training. JCs will receive a volunteer hours certificate at the end of the summer.
Feel free to reach out to our Assistant Camp Director, Dave, at dschiber@thenatureinstitute.org, or 618-466-9930 with any questions.
Application has been closed.
Application Deadline: March 1st, 2025. Application may close early if hiring needs are fulfilled earlier.
Employment Dates: 5/27 – 7/25 (No camp for the week of 6/30 – 7/4). Mandatory pre-camp training takes place 5/27 – 5/30.
Counselors must be available for all camp dates in order to be eligible for hire.
Compensation: $15 – 18/hr, determined by experience and education.
The Nature Institute is a private non-profit conservation organization that fosters an awareness and appreciation for the natural world through preservation, restoration, and education. The Nature Institute manages nearly 500 acres along the Mississippi River bluffs in Godfrey, IL. This property includes a variety of natural communities protecting a diverse population of plants and animals. In 1982, The Nature Institute held its first Discovery Day Camp at the Olin Nature Preserve in the historic Talahi Lodge. Each year the camp has successfully grown and it remains the only nature camp of its kind in the St. Louis metropolitan area. Open in June and July, the camp is offered to ages 3 – 14 and open to children of all backgrounds.
Summer Day Camp Counselor Position:
The Nature Institute is looking for fun, energetic camp counselors for the summer of 2025. Counselors will interact daily with campers, lead hikes, crafts, and teach ecological programs. We’re seeking individuals that are passionate about the natural world with a willingness to learn (and try!) new things. This position is Monday through Friday from 8 – 3:30. There is also an opportunity to help lead an overnight campout for our Middle School campers.
Qualifications:
- Minimum of 16 years of age.
- Applicants must be certified in CPR and First Aid. (Training Provided).
- Applicants must possess enthusiasm, patience, desire, and leadership skills.
- Be self-motivating and be able to work as a team to supervise and guide campers and volunteers.
- Applicants will be required to work outside in all types of weather conditions and be on their feet for long periods of time.
- Applicants must attend mandatory camp staff training prior to working with campers.
- Applicant selection will favor those who are available for all 7 weeks of camp and be available Monday through Friday 8-4.
- Applicants must undergo a standard background check.
- The Nature Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Experience:
Teaching experience, in any capacity, preferred but not required. Volunteer work or prior experience working with children is highly desirable. Background knowledge of natural resources, environmental education, or biology is helpful.
General and specific responsibilities:
Summer Day Camp Counselors are responsible for co-teaching a group of approximately 10 – 16 students with prepared lessons every day, with some shared supervision of campers between and after activities, plus some general program materials upkeep. TNI emphasizes dynamic teaching methods, such as the use of ecological skits, effective props, and hands-on activities. Although lesson plans are provided, staff are encouraged to be creative and to develop additional lessons and activities. Must be able to instruct and implement an established creative nature/outdoor exploration program for children ages 3-14.
Duties will include:
- Supervision and safety of campers
- Daily chores
- Carrying out daily nature based programming and planning
- Managing children’s behavior
- Serving as positive role model
- Making sure everyone has FUN!
Growth and Development:
Counselors will report to and be evaluated by the Camp Director and Assistant Camp Director.
For more information contact:
The Nature Institute, 618-466-9930, www.TheNatureInstitute.org
Application has been closed.
Application Deadline: March 1st, 2025
Employment Dates: Mid-March- July 25th
Compensation: $17 to $20, determined by experience and education.
The Nature Institute is a private non-profit conservation organization that fosters an awareness and appreciation for the natural world through preservation, restoration, and education. The Nature Institute manages nearly 500 acres along the Mississippi River bluffs in Godfrey, IL. This property includes a variety of natural communities protecting a diverse population of plants and animals.
Position Description:
The Nature Institute is currently seeking a part-time environmental educator with an enthusiasm for teaching and a love for the outdoors. In our education programs, we strive to create a welcoming and inclusive space for all ages to explore their connection with nature. The primary responsibility of the part-time Environmental Educator is to provide support with our environmental education and outreach programming throughout the spring and summer months.
This position is 15 – 30 hrs per week with a variable schedule during the spring months, and increases to 37.5/hrs per week in June and July. The nature of the work requires flexibility to work on weekdays, evenings, and weekends, depending on program needs. Schedules are provided 2 weeks in advance. This temporary position has a flexible start date in mid-March and runs through July 25th. Tuesday through Saturday availability is preferred.
Qualifications:
- Minimum of 18 years of age.
- At least two (2) years of relevant work experience preferred.
- Hold a degree or currently working towards a degree in science, education, or related field preferred.
- Prior teaching experience (formal or informal).
- A passion for youth education and the outdoors.
- Ability to teach in an outdoor setting, in all weather conditions.
- Ability to communicate effectively and be comfortable interacting with and working in close proximity to parents, children, teachers, and the general public, in a professional and friendly manner.
- Ability to coordinate and prioritize multiple tasks, deadlines, and projects in a timely manner.
- Confidence working with diverse audiences, from preschoolers to adults, from all backgrounds.
- Obtain and maintain First Aid/CPR certification (training provided).
- Enthusiasm, flexibility, and ability to work collaboratively with staff, partner organizations, and the public.
- Proficiency with Google Drive.
General and specific responsibilities:
- Follow provided lesson plans for diverse environmental education programs for people of all ages.
- Lead nature-based programming including, but not limited to: field trips, adult programs, Discovery Day Camp, homeschool programs, scouts groups, birthday parties, outreach programs, and preschool programs.
- Work with the education team to develop environmental education instructional materials for programming, classroom use, and for outdoor areas.
- Serve as an educator for our Discovery Day Camp throughout the summer months.
- Represent the organization at community events and in other venues, as applicable.
- Ensure indoor/outdoor play spaces and teaching facilities are maintained.
Seasonal Land Steward Application
The Nature Institute is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws.
This policy applies to all employment practices within our organization, including hiring, recruiting, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, leave of absence, compensation, benefits, training, and apprenticeship. The Nature Institute makes hiring decisions based solely on qualifications, merit, and business needs at the time.