Seasonal Natural Resources Worker - Salamonie River State Forest

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Date Posted:
Mar 30, 2025

Requisition

Location:

Lagro, IN, US, 46941

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.

About Salamonie River State Forest:
Salamonie River State Forest was created as a demonstration riverside forest for the reclamation of eroded land. The state forest was established in the mid-1930s when local people assisted the state in purchasing the hilly land and bluffs along the Salamonie River. Several hundred acres of land were reforested and many recreation facilities were built, including Hominy Ridge Lake and the large stone shelter house near the lake.

Today, the forest encompasses 950 acres offering many recreational opportunities to visitors, including camping, fishing, hiking, hunting, and wildlife watching.

Salamonie River State Forest is currently looking to hire Laborers & Security Officers.

Salary Statement:

The hourly wage for seasonal positions varies, starting at $12.25/hour.

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 and their essential functions are as follows:

• 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: Perform 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.
• Entomology Workers (Taxonomists): Sort through samples of exotic forest or tree pests of specific concern. Survey samples are collected from high risk sites to determine locations of exotic insects and pathogens in Indiana. Samples of concern are processed and forwarded to a certified taxonomist for further identification and classification.
• Forest Worker: Assist in duties related to the survey, biological monitoring, and/or control of forestry resources.
  • Nursery Workers: Collect, weigh, test, bail, and grade seedlings for quality and use. This role also packages tree seedlings and fulfills customer orders.
• Forestry Program Interns: Primarily conduct field inspections of forest lands and complete associated reports. Duties may include assisting with forest inventories, timber marking, educational programs, and timber stand improvement.
• Security Officers: Monitor the activities of visitors and report problems to property management or other authorities. Security Officers patrol the property and enforce regulations in a courteous, but firm manner. This role provides security to facilities, construction sites, and logging operations as needed, including late night visits to areas prone to vandalism, disturbances, and illegal activities.
• Gate Attendants (Ferdinand State Forest Only): Provide quality customer service at assigned property station. The main responsibilities of this position include the collection of revenue from fees and permits, and cash/credit card handling duties.

• High school diploma, GED, or one (1) year of work experience.
• May be expected to work afternoons, evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• May be required to wear a DNR-provided uniform.
• May be required to travel to different properties.
• May be required to have a valid driver’s license.
• May experience working with DOC work release crews.
• 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.).
• 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.
  • Ability to understand and apply through on-the-job training and using previous, relevant experience basic biological principles, ecological variables and…