Naturalist

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, youll find competitive compensation, a robust benefits package and a commitment to work-life balance. Most importantly, youll have the chance to make a real and measurable impact on the lives of Hoosiers across Indiana.

About the Department of Natural Resources (DNR):

The Indiana Department of Natural Resources protects, enhances, preserves, and wisely uses natural, cultural, and recreational resources for the benefit of Indianas citizens through professional leadership, management, and education.

Potato Creek State Park encompasses six square miles that includes a 327-acre lake. Native Americans hunted, fished, and gathered in the area. The tubers they collected were known a "wild potatoes." European settlers turned the wooded area into agricultural fields. A century later, natural areas were recreated and a dam installed to create Worster Lake. The park includes fields, woodlands, restored prairies, and diverse wetlands. Activities include bridle trails, bicycling, canoeing, fishing, hiking, skiing, and swimming.

Role overview:

Must be available to work weekends, holidays, and occasional evenings.

Salary:

The salary for this position traditionally starts at $42,900.00 but may be commensurate with education and work experience. Use our Compensation Calculator to view the total compensation package.

A Day in the Life:

The essential functions of this role are as follows:

• Plan, coordinate, and present various educational programs for property visitors as well as for the community.
• Manage a nature center and/or other interpretive facility which includes hiring and training seasonal naturalist aides and support staff.
• Conduct research, develop inventory, and coordinate active management of the natural and cultural resources of the property.
• Develop and maintain brochures and bulletin boards.
• Maintain aquariums, terrariums, and vivarium, including the care of live educational animals.
• Manage the propertys social media and other online platforms.
• Assist in the development of new nature center facilities or visitor centers and associated exhibits.
• Coordinate interpretive activities with central office staff and property managers.
• Interact with property visitors daily and respond to requests in writing for information from the public.
• Plan and organize special events and festivals on the property, or on other DNR properties.
• Oversee maintenance of the facility and exhibit construction work by skilled craft-persons.
• Manage the property volunteer program and serve as liaison with the property friends' group and other partners as appropriate.
• Recruit, select, onboard, and train employees to ensure role responsibilities and expectations are clearly understood while providing opportunities to continue professional development.
• Set expectations, measure progress, provide ongoing feedback, and evaluate the performance of employees. Ensure work adheres to quality standards, deadlines, and proper procedures.

The job profile is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties 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.

This position is exempt from overtime compensation for additional work hours which may be required to complete essential functions or other assigned work. Exempt employees may work more than 75 hours in a pay period without additional compensation and must report a minimum of 75 hours per pay period of work hours and/or paid leave taken to receive their base biweekly salary.

What Youll Need for Success:

Individuals in this role should minimally be able to articulate or demonstrate the following:

• Thorough knowledge of natural resources principles and theories of interpretation and environmental education.
• Thorough knowledge of natural resources rules and regulations and the ability to explain and interpret them to the public.
• Thorough knowledge of federal and state regulations regarding migratory birds and endangered species.
• Ability to plan and present programs, exhibits, demonstrations and videos in a creative and imaginative manner that are cohesive, thematic, and engaging.
• Ability to communicate effectively.
• Ability to manage and interact professionally through social media channels.
• Working knowledge of special event planning techniques and logistics.
• Working knowledge of volunteer management techniques and practices.
• Ability to delegate work, set clear direction, and manage workflow
• Ability to effectively give feedback, provide guidance or corrective action, coach, and develop employee skillsets
• Certification as a Certified Interpretive Guide through the National Association for Interpretation, or willingness to obtain certification within first year of employment.

Bachelor's degree in Natural Resources, Biology, History, Interpretation (Cultural and/or Natural), Outdoor Recreation or related field preferred.

Individuals should have the ability to perform essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation.

Supervisory Responsibilities/Direct Reports:

This role may provide direct supervision for one or more staff members.

Benefits of Employment with the State of Indiana:

The State of Indiana offers a comprehensive benefit package for full-time employees which includes:

• Three (3) medical plan options (including RX coverage) as well as vision and dental plans

• Wellness Rewards Program: Complete wellness activities to earn gift card rewards

• Health savings account, which includes bi-weekly state contribution

• Deferred compensation 457(b) account (similar to 401(k) plan) with employer match

• Two (2) fully-funded pension plan options

• A robust, comprehensive program of leave policies covering a variety of employee needs, including but not limited to:

• 150 hours of paid New Parent Leave and up to eight weeks of paid Childbirth Recovery Leave for eligible mothers

• Up to 15 hours of paid community service leave

• Combined 180 hours of paid vacation, personal, and sick leave time off

• 12 paid holidays, 14 on election years

• Education Reimbursement Program

• Group life insurance

• Referral Bonus program

• Employee assistance program that allows for covered behavioral health visits

• Qualified employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program

• Free Parking for most positions

• Free LinkedIn Learning access

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.