Seasonal Natural Resources Worker - Ferdinand State Forest

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 Ferdinand State Forest

Ferdinand State Forest is a 12,844-acre forest that includes a large lake and two camping areas. The area surrounding Ferdinand is rich in German heritage and seasonal community festivals. Activities include boating, camping, fishing, hunting, picnicking, and swimming.

Salary Statement

The hourly wage for seasonal positions varies, starting at $12.25/hour.

A Day in the Life

The Seasonal Natural Resources Workers perform duties related to the survey, biological monitoring, and/or control of property natural resources.

Seasonal Natural Resources Worker Positions and Their Essential Functions

• Resource Management Techs: Assists with the control of invasive plant species Natural area restoration Trail maintenance Brush and tree removal Signage Timber marking and/or timber stand improvement

• Laborers: Work to maintain and repair property buildings, grounds, and facilities Possible duties may include:

• Landscaping
• Mowing
• Firewood processing
• Structure maintenance
• Sign creation
• Trail upkeep
• Carpentry
• Plumbing

• Clerks: Perform a wide variety of tasks to support property staff Duties may include:

• Inventory
• Stocking
• Reporting
• Budgeting
• Assisting with other administrative duties

• Office Assistants: Answer inquiries about the property and provide quality customer service to park visitors This position also assists property management with operations and administrative functions.

• Entomology Workers (Taxonomists): Sort through samples of exotic forest or tree pests of specific concern Survey samples are collected from high-risk sites to determine locations of exotic insects and pathogens in Indiana Samples of concern are processed and forwarded to a certified taxonomist for further identification and classification

• Forest Worker: Assist in duties related to the survey, biological monitoring, and/or control of forestry resources

• Nursery Workers: Collect, weigh, test, bail, and grade seedlings for quality and use This role also packages tree seedlings and fulfills customer orders

• Forestry Program Interns: Primarily conduct field inspections of forestlands and complete associated reports Duties may include:

• Assisting with forest inventories
• Timber marking
• Educational programs
• Timber stand improvement

• Security Officers: Monitor the activities of visitors and report problems to property management or other authorities Security Officers patrol the property and enforce regulations in a courteous, but firm manner This role provides security to facilities, construction sites, and logging operations as needed, including late-night visits to areas prone to vandalism, disturbances, and illegal activities

• Gate Attendants (Ferdinand State Forest Only): Provide quality customer service at assigned property station The main responsibilities of this position include:

• Collection of revenue from fees and permits
• Cash/credit card handling duties

What Youll Need for Success

High school diploma, GED, or one (1) year of work experience May be expected to work afternoons, evenings, weekends, and holidays May be required to wear a DNR-provided uniform May be required to travel to different properties May be required to have a valid drivers license May experience working with DOC work release crews May perform duties in a variety of different environments, including an office environment, field environment, rugged terrain, and various adverse weather conditions (extreme heat, cold, rain, snow, sleet, etc.) May work around potentially dangerous heavy equipment (e.g. tractors, disks, mowers, planters, etc.)

Some positions may require:

• Completion of some college coursework in wildlife management, natural resources, biology, ecology, forestry, and/or related areas of study
• Ability to understand and apply through on-the-job training and using previous, relevant experience basic biological principles, ecological variables and interactions, plant identification, herbicide application, invasive plant management techniques, and life histories of invasive plants
• Ability to lift equipment, tools, or materials up to 50lbs
• Ability to sustain periods of strenuous physical activity
• Ability to carry out assignments with general instruction and limited supervision

Benefits of Employment with the State of Indiana

This seasonal position does not offer benefits and is limited to 180 working days in an eleven (11) month continuous period

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