POSITION TITLE: Nature Preserve Steward

Hiring Organization/Employer:  DNR
Application Deadline:  8/1/2026
Education Required:  None
Location:  Merrillville, IN 

Description:  

 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 dedicate d 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.

 

 

Compensation & Benefits:  

 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. 

 

 

Preferred 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 field 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. 

 

 

 

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!  

 

 

 

 

Contact:  

 Emily J. Stork
Ecologist, Grand Calumet Region
Department of Natural Resources
Division of Fish, Wildlife & Nature Preserves
estork@dnr.in.gov
219-688-0632