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Park Ridge Park District / Wildwood Nature Center

Lead Instructor, Wildwood Program/Nature Center

Pay: $19–$21/hr

Posted: 4 weeks ago

Location: Park Ridge, IL (Onsite)

Last Updated: 2 days ago

Hours: Part-Time

Expires: 10/4/2026

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What they do

A Self-Enrichment Teacher teaches classes that are taken by people wishing to learn new skills; they may be in academic subjects but generally do not lead to a degree or certification. Leads group classes or gives private instruction, and manages scheduling, advertising and record keeping. Works in a community education program or independently.

$34,781 / year median in Illinois

+12% projected growth

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Job Description

Lead Instructor, Wildwood Program/Nature Center

Organization:

Park Ridge Park District / Wildwood Nature Center [more info]

Salary:

$19.00-$21.00 per hour Duties and

Responsibilities:

Wildwood Nature Center is a five-acre park that has one and a half acres of restored native tallgrass prairie, two ponds, a campfire circle, walking trails, and a small woodland area. Our Program Center houses three classrooms that are utilized year-round with programming for all ages, scout groups, birthday parties, special events, and summer camps. Wildwood also uses three classroom spaces at the Maine Park Leisure Center where our Nature Preschool program and our Outdoor Nature classroom is located. Our Nature Center facility houses an animal exhibit room that is home to over 50 animals and our Nature Nook, an educational playroom. This building is open year-round to the public.

Description:

The Park Ridge Park District has an opening for a Lead Instructor for nature programming for ages 2-12, scout programs, special events, and birthday parties. Selected individual will be responsible for planning, implementing, and leading the day-to-day classroom activities while infusing environmental education and outdoor exploration. Will provide direction and coaching to the assistant Instructors and maintain records and communication with parents.

Qualifications:

Requires minimum of two years working with and supervising children and young adults. Must be creative, enjoy nature, demonstrate leadership skills and flexibility in order to establish and direct a comprehensive safe nature teaching environment. This position requires the ability to maintain self-control, composure, motivate and solve problems. Candidate must possess the ability to lead groups of children on a 30-90-minute nature hike in all weather conditions. Intermediate level of experience in written and verbal communication in the English Language, Microsoft Office is required. Must have a current First-Aid and CPR Certification or the ability to become certified (through the District) within three months of hire.

Education:

High School diploma or G.E.D.

Availability:

Hours vary from week to week to include evening and weekend hours (including Saturdays and Sundays); will average approximately 5-20 hours per week depending on availability.

Teen Opportunity:

No How to

Apply:

Full job description and application link: https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/portal/B0740028DEE3C448CF2AD769B3A4602A/jobs/393511

Address:

529 & 531 Forestview Ave. Park Ridge, IL 60068

Categories:

Education, Parks/Outdoor Recreation

Type:

Part-Time Job

Timeframe:

Year Round

Contact:

Jennifer Clauson Wildwood Nature Manager (847)232-8747 jclauson@prparks.org (

Posted:

7/25/26)