Seasonal Natural Resources Worker - Sugar Ridge FWA

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, 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.

About Sugar Ridge Fish & Wildlife Area:
The Sugar Ridge Fish & Wildlife Area is composed of six areas, totaling approximately 8,500 acres. Much of the area was strip-mined and then donated to the state. It features about 100 pits and lakes, along with rows of overburden from the mining operation. The land that has not been mined is mostly rough and rolling. Most revenues are derived from hunting, fishing, and trapping license sales. Sugar Ridge also receives federal Pittman-Robertson and Dingell-Johnson program funds to aid fish and wildlife restoration.

Role Overview:

Participate in all aspects of wildlife and habitat management on 8,500-acre Sugar Ridge Fish & Wildlife Area and 2500-acre Blue Grass Fish & Wildlife Area. Seasonal workers will gain experience in managed wetlands, bottomland hardwood forests, and upland prairies. Seasonal workers hired for this position will likely be heavily involved in water level manipulation, wetland management, prescribed burning, and woodland management. Seasonal employee will assist in trapping and banding of Doves and Wood Ducks on the wildlife area in the Summer.

Sugar Ridge FWA is currently hiring for a Wildlife Tech, and provided housing is available on-site.

TASKS INCLUDE:

Wetland management, prescribed burning, tree removal with hand tools, operation of tractors and agricultural implements (disking, mowing, planting food crops, etc.), operation of skid loader with stump grinder and/or forestry cutter, timber stand improvement, litter removal, control of noxious weeds and other undesired vegetation, sign maintenance, welding, vehicle and equipment maintenance, lawn mowing, and weed eating.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Completed or enrolled in wildlife, fisheries, or other natural resource-related course of study preferred but not required. Interest in, and knowledge of farming, construction, waterfowl, wetlands, and/or bottomland hardwood forests will be considered in candidate selection. You must be able to perform demanding tasks in a variety of outdoor conditions. Must have a valid driver’s license.

PAY RATE:

$13.50 an hour. No benefits or paid holidays.

HOUSING:

On-site housing is available.

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 include:

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 based on the property.

Laborers – Work to maintain and repair property buildings, grounds, and facilities. Laborers perform various duties based on property needs. Possible duties may include landscaping, mowing, firewood processing, structure maintenance, sign creation, trail upkeep, carpentry, and plumbing, based on property needs.

Clerks – Preform a wide variety of tasks to support property staff. Duties may include inventory, stocking, reporting, budgeting, and assisting with other administrative duties.

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

Nature Preserves Steward – Assists Regional Ecologists to implement habitat restoration and management plans for native plant and animal communities, including endangered, threatened, or rare species. Duties may include physical or chemical removal of invasive plant species, natural area restoration, controlled/prescribed burns, trail maintenance, brush and tree removal, signage, timber marking and/or timber stand improvement.

Biological Naturalist Aides – Assist District Biologists with future succession control, food plot plans, fish, wildlife, and vegetation surveys. Duties may include data collection, species monitoring, mowing, planting, and managing habitats for wildlife.

Creel Clerk - interview anglers, collect biological information and tissues from various fish species, and enter data on relevant forms and/or systems.

Wildlife Science Tech – Assist Wildlife Science Biologists with research and management activities focused on a species or group of species. Duties may include developing and conducting surveys, building, and maintaining traps, equipment maintenance, coordinating volunteers, entering data, staffing check stations, and processing carcasses.

Wildlife/Hatchery Tech – Assist properties with wildlife management activities or Hatchery Biologists with fish production and stocking. Duties may include fish culture, fish stocking, facility and equipment maintenance, wildlife habitat management activities including prescribed fire, planting, mowing, disking, and tree cutting. This role may also assist with wildlife surveys and samples.

Shooting Range Officers – Monitor the activities of visitors using the shooting range while providing quality customer service and education on safe gun handling. This role will enforce shooting range standard operating procedures and provide basic maintenance to ensure the safety of visitors and staff.

• High school diploma, GED, or one (1) year of work experience.
• Individuals may be expected to work afternoons, evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• Individuals may be required to wear a DNR-provided uniform.
• Individuals may be required to travel to different properties.
• Individuals may be required to have a valid driver’s license.
• Individuals may experience working with DOC work release crews.
• Individuals 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.).
• Individuals 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 is required.
  • Ability to understand and apply through on-the-job training and using previous, relevant experience basic biological principals, ecological variables and interactions, plant identification, herbicide application, invasive plant management techniques (of conservation biology, the management of forests, wetlands, and prairie habitats), and life histories of invasive plants.
  • Ability to lift equipment, tools, or materials up to 50 lbs.
  • 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. 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 jobs@spd.IN.gov.