Seasonal Natural Resources Worker – Sugar Ridge Fwa

The State of Indiana is hiring Seasonal Natural Resources Workers for the Sugar Ridge Fish & Wildlife Area in Winslow, IN. Responsibilities include wildlife and habitat management, wetland management, prescribed burning, and equipment operation. Candidates should have an interest in natural resources and be able to work outdoors in various conditions. On-site housing is available, and the pay rate is $13.50 per hour with no benefits.
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.

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 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. [Additional roles listed but abbreviated for relevance]

WHAT YOU’LL NEED FOR SUCCESS
• 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.