Part-Time Naturalist - Patoka Lake State Park Date Posted: Sep 20, 2024 Requisition ID: 449644 Location: Birdseye, IN, US, 47513 Work for IndianaBegin a fulfilling career with the State of Indiana by joining one of the largest employers in the state, offering a diverse range of opportunities across 60+ agencies. At the state, you'll find competitive compensation, a robust benefits package and a commitment to work-life balance. Most importantly, you'll have the chance to make a real and measurable impact on the lives of Hoosiers across Indiana. At the State of Indiana, we don’t just talk about diversity and inclusion—we make it our goal to create a welcoming, accessible, and equitable workplace with a workforce that is representative of Indiana's population. As a proud equal opportunity employer, 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. About Patoka Lake: Patoka Lake is the second-largest reservoir in Indiana. The 8,800-acre lake provides a habitat for freshwater jellyfish, bald eagle nesting sites, river otters, and osprey. The property is home to one of only two resident, non-releasable bald eagles at a DNR state park or reservoir. Activities include archery, boating, cross-country skiing, fishing, disc golf, hiking, hunting, swimming, and waterskiing. Role Overview: As a Naturalist in this role, you will coordinate and oversee the interpretive services for assigned properties within the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) that are designated as complex. In this position, you will be required to provide a variety of interpretive programming for guests, staff, and the community, direct interpretive center management, develop property events and services, coordinate volunteer and partnership opportunities, participate in natural and cultural resource management projects, and coordinate and provide other interpretive services as needed. Salary Statement: The salary for this position traditionally starts at $19.30/hr but may be commensurate with education or work experience. A Day in the Life: The essential functions of this role are as follows:
Prepare and present various educational programs for property visitors as well as the community.
Assist in the operation of a nature center and/or related facilities, including, but not limited to, center maintenance and cleanliness, exhibit production, and related electronics associated with programs.
Assist in development and maintenance of brochures, flyers, and bulletin boards.
Assist in creating media releases concerning property activities and, in some circumstances, assist with posts and responses on any property social media and online platforms.
Assist senior Naturalist with volunteer and partner coordination.
Assist in resource management endeavors such as (but not limited to) habitat restoration, prescribed burns, and invasive and exotic controls.
Recommend purchases for the interpretive services and for resource management projects.
Follow guidance in proper handling, storage, and documentation of historical artifacts on the property.
Care for live educational animals housed at the property, including aquarium environment/care, animal health, and use/protection of animal during programs.
Maintain records associated with program statistics, attendance numbers, and evaluative information. Prepare and submit numbers.
Participate in property and division-wide interpretive training programs and statewide projects.
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. What You'll Need for Success: You must meet the following requirements to be considered for employment:
A Bachelor’s degree in Natural Resources, Biology, History, Interpretation (Cultural and/or Natural), Outdoor Recreation or related field is preferred.
Be willing to travel with reasonable accommodation.
Knowledge of interpretive and recreational philosophy, interpretive techniques, and recreation leadership skills as they relate to both cultural and natural history of the region.
Ability to work independently and provide self-motivation but accept guidance from a supervisor.
Communication skills that encompass speaking, writing, and relating to a broad range of audiences.
Organizational skills in project planning and coordination.
Must have working knowledge of audiovisual equipment, word processing, graphic layout/design and record keeping.
Working knowledge of the principles of cultural resources management and the application of those principles at the assigned park or reservoir.
Working knowledge of the principles of natural resources management and the application of those principles.
Ability to work outdoors and in a variety of weather conditions.
You must satisfy the following requirements to continue employment:
Certification as a Certified Interpretive Guide through the National Association for Interpretation, or willingness to obtain certification within first year of employment.
Supervisory Responsibilities/Direct Reports: This role may be utilized in a supervisory capacity based on agency needs.Benefits of Employment with the State of Indiana: The State of Indiana offers a comprehensive benefit package for part-time employees which includes:
Paid vacation, personal and sick time off
Competitive leave policies covering a variety of employee needs
12 company paid holidays, 14 on election years
New Parent Leave
Free Parking
Free LinkedIn Learning
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. Our policy is to provide equal employment opportunity to all people in all aspects of employer-employee relations without discrimination because of race, color, creed, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, physical or mental disability, or veteran status. We will comply with the spirit as well as the letter of all applicable state and federal laws.
If you are a qualified individual with a disability and require reasonable accommodations to complete this application, you can request assistance by contacting the Indiana State Personnel Department at [emailprotected] .
The State of Indiana has established a culture that welcomes equity, inclusion, and opportunity for all employees and applicants. We encourage you to apply if you feel you have the transferrable skills to be successful in this position and we look forward to reviewing your application.
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