Nature Preserves Steward

Organization:	Indiana Department of Natural Resources [more info]
Salary:	$13.50
Duties and Responsibilities:	Nature Preserve Stewards assist the Regional Ecologist in fulfilling the mission of the Division of Fish, Wildlife & Nature Preserves by executing ecological habitat restoration and maintenance work on state dedicated nature preserves and other natural areas of significance. This position involves almost exclusively outdoor work in remote preserves throughout the Grand Calumet Region which is centered primarily in Gary, Hammond, and East Chicago where there are remnants of globally imperiled dune and swale habitat, as well as remediated wetlands along the Grand Calumet River. Nature Preserve Stewards in the Grand Calumet Region work very closely with field staff from partner organizations and agencies (e.g.: The Nature Conservancy, Lake County Parks and Rec, etc.) on shared natural resource management goals. The work consists primarily of the selective chemical and mechanical control of invasive plant species which threaten our native habitats. This requires the knowledge or ability to learn to distinguish invasive plants from the wide diversity of co-occurring native plants. During the growing season, we are focused primarily on selective herbicide applications to invasive plant species. During the fall, Nature Preserve Stewards also assist on the preparation for prescribed burns and assist on prescribed burns, conditions permitting. Year-round there are other tasks to be performed including trash abatement, property boundary signage, nature preserve inspections, equipment maintenance, and assistance with biological inventories or monitoring efforts. Terms of Position: Multiple intermittent positions are open on this job posting (seasonal and year-round). The hourly rate for both position types is the same and neither offers any paid leave time or other compensatory benefits. There are multiple seasonal position openings. These are meant to offer us assistance during the growing season which is our season of peak need, from May through mid November. We have some current staff departing in mid-August to resume school and thus we are now looking to fill out the remainder of that term through mid November. The hope is to get people started as early as mid August and have them through mid November 2026. We hope to offer these seasonal positions annually, meaning a chance of return employment. There is also the potential that an incoming seasonal candidate could, after their mid-November end date, be asked to stay on and fill a year-round intermittent position. These positions are limited to no more than 11 consecutive months and no more than 180 days per term. However, the terms are renewable following a minimum 30-day break in service.
Qualifications:	Candidates shall have a minimum of a high school diploma or GED or one (1) year of work experience. A valid driver’s license is required. Completion of some college coursework in wildlife management, natural resources, biology, ecology, forestry and/or related areas of study or relevant work experience in related fields may be helpful, but is not necessary. Ability to understand and apply (through on the job training and using previous, relevant experience) basic biological principles, plant identification, herbicide application, invasive plant life histories and management techniques for the ecological management of forest, wetland, and prairie habitats. Ability to work well in both a diverse team setting as well as independently. Ability to lift equipment, tools, or materials up to 50lbs. Ability to sustain periods of strenuous physical activity in adverse field conditions. Ability to work cooperatively with diverse team members.
Teen Opportunity:	No
How to Apply:	Please feel free to contact me directly to express your interest and let me know if you have any questions about the position or how to apply. You may apply using the state job bank, requisition ID 471212 which can be found with the following direct link: https://workforindiana.in.gov/job/Merrillville-Seasonal-Natural-Resource-Worker-Nature-Preserves-IN- 46410/1367386200/ The job posting date appears to be earlier in 2026, but this is actually a reposting as of 7/17/2026 for the purposes of hiring people to fill positions of staff leaving in mid August for school. The position will remain open until filled. Contact me for more details and apply now, if interested!
Address:	5690 Chase St. Merrillville, IN 46410
Categories:	Environmental/Biological Science, Other, Restoration Technician
Type:	Part-Time Job
Timeframe:	Seasonal
Contact:	Emily Stork Regional Ecologist  (219)688-0632 estork@dnr.in.gov