Want to work at TNI? Check out our open seasonal positions below.
Application Deadline: March 1st, 2026. Application may close early if hiring needs are fulfilled earlier. Employment Dates: 5/26 – 7/24 (No camp for the week of 6/29 – 7/3). Mandatory pre-camp training takes place 5/26 – 5/29. 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 non-profit conservation organization dedicated to promoting awareness and appreciation of nature through preservation, restoration, and education. It manages nearly 500 acres along the Mississippi River bluffs in Godfrey, IL, protecting diverse plant and animal populations. Since 1982, it has hosted a unique Discovery Day Camp at the Olin Nature Preserve, catering to children aged 3 to 14 from all backgrounds during June and July.
Summer Day Camp Counselor Position:
The Nature Institute is seeking enthusiastic and dynamic camp counselors for the summer of 2026. Counselors will engage daily with campers, leading activities such as hikes, crafts, and ecological programs. We are looking for individuals who are passionate about the natural world and possess a willingness to learn and embrace new experiences. This position operates Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 3:30 PM, with an additional opportunity to assist in leading an overnight campout for our middle school campers.
Qualifications:
- Must be at least 16 years of age.
- Certification in CPR and First Aid is required (training will be provided).
- Applicants should demonstrate enthusiasm, patience, a strong desire to lead, and effective leadership skills.
- Ability to be self-motivated and work collaboratively to supervise and guide campers and volunteers.
- Willingness to work outdoors in various weather conditions and remain on their feet for extended periods.
- Attendance at mandatory camp staff training prior to engaging with campers is required.
- Preference will be given to applicants available for the full 7 weeks of camp, Monday through Friday, from 8 AM to 4 PM.
- Applicants must complete a standard background check.
- The Nature Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Experience:
Teaching experience, while preferred, is not a strict requirement. However, volunteer work or previous experience working with children is highly desirable. Additionally, a background in natural resources, environmental education, or biology would be advantageous.
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 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:
- Supervising and ensuring the safety of campers
- Assisting with daily chores
- Implementing and planning nature-based programming
- Managing children’s behavior effectively
- Serving as a positive role model
- Ensuring that every camper has an enjoyable experience!
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
Camp Season: June 1, 2026 to July 24, 2026 (No camp for the week of 6/29 – 7/3).
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 2026. 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, May 31st, 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.
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.