Naturalist - Indiana Dunes State Park Date Posted: Jun 7, 2024 Requisition ID: 444230 Location: Chesterton, IN, US, 46304 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 Indiana Dunes State Park: Indiana Dunes consists of 2,182 acres of primitive, beautiful, historic, and unique Hoosier landscape and includes more than three miles of beautiful beach along Lake Michigan’s southern shore. In the early 1900s scientists, recreationists, and nature enthusiasts, recognizing the value and potential of the Indiana dunes area, fought to have the region preserved. As a result, in 1925, the state park was established. Large sand dunes, located along the shoreline, tower nearly 200 feet above Lake Michigan. A wide range of habitats and plant species are found in the park, with vegetation stabilizing some of the sand. These habitats provide homes for many types of plants and animals. The lake also provides a habitat for many aquatic species, as well as a constantly changing fishery. 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 $42,900.00 but may be commensurate with education or work experience. 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 property's 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. 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 preferred.
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
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 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
Flexible work scheduling options, including the potential for hybrid remote work for employees whose work may be performed outside state facilities
Deferred compensation 457B account (similar to 401k 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
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. 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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