Seasonal Natural Resources Worker - Morgan Monroe State Forest

The State of Indiana•Monroe, LA

9d•$12•Onsite

About The Position

Work for Indiana 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 Morgan-Monroe State Forest: The Morgan-Monroe State Forest encompasses more than 25,000 acres. It is forested with some of the state's finest hardwoods. The original settlers of the area cleared and attempted to farm the ridges but were frustrated by the rocky soil that was unsuitable for agriculture. The state purchased the eroded, abandoned land in 1929 to create Morgan-Monroe State Forest. Activities include camping, gold panning, hiking, hunting, and picnicking. Other features include the Draper Cabin, a 100-year-old cabin renovated to modern standards, and the Cherry Lake Lodge. Both are available for reservation. Salary Statement: The hourly wage for seasonal positions varies, starting at $12.25/hour. A Day in the Life: 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 forestlands 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 area 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 the collection of revenue from fees and permits, and cash/credit card handling duties.

Requirements

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.).
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 50lbs.
Ability to sustain periods of strenuous physical activity.
Ability to carry out assignments with general instruction and limited supervision.

Responsibilities

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.
Work to maintain and repair property buildings, grounds, and facilities.
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.
Perform a wide variety of tasks to support property staff. Duties may include inventory, stocking, reporting, budgeting, and assisting with other administrative duties.
Answer inquiries about the property and provide quality customer service to the park visitors.
Assist property management with operations and administrative functions.
Sort through samples of exotic forest or tree pests of specific concern.
Process and forward samples of concern to a certified taxonomist for further identification and classification.
Assist in duties related to the survey, biological monitoring, and/or control of forestry resources.
Collect, weigh, test, bail, and grade seedlings for quality and use.
Package tree seedlings and fulfills customer orders.
Primarily conduct field inspections of forestlands and complete associated reports.
Assist with forest inventories, timber marking, educational programs, and timber stand improvement.
Monitor the activities of visitors and report problems to property management or other authorities.
Patrol the property and enforce regulations in a courteous, but firm manner.
Provide security to facilities, construction sites, and logging operations as needed, including late night visits to area prone to vandalism, disturbances, and illegal activities.
Provide quality customer service at assigned property station.
Collect revenue from fees and permits, and cash/credit card handling duties.