Naturalist - Pokagon State Park
Decker, IN, US, 46703
Work for Indiana
Begin 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 Pokagon State Park:
The Indiana Department of Natural Resources protects, enhances, preserves, and wisely uses natural, cultural, and recreational resources for the benefit of Indiana's citizens through professional leadership, management, and education. Pokagon State Park is named to acknowledge the rich Native American heritage of the state and region. Leopold and Simon Pokagon, father and son, were notable leaders of the Potawatomi. Pokagon means “something used to shield,” a fitting attribute of two leaders who championed for Native-American rights. The park is framed by Lake James and Snow Lake which offer opportunities for boating, swimming, fishing, and scenic sunsets. Pokagon is also a favorite winter destination for cross-country skiing, sledding, twin-track tobogganing, and ice fishing and a twin-track toboggan run.
Role Overview:
As a Naturalist in this position, you will provide a variety of interpretive programming for guests, staff, and the community, assisting with interpretive center management, promoting property events and services, and participating in natural and cultural resource management projects. In this position, you will also work with volunteers, and provide other interpretive services under general guidance.
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:
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 [email protected].
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.
Nearest Major Market: Angola
