Natural Resources Intern

POSITION TITLE:     Natural Resource Intern
DIVISION:               Parks and Natural Resources Division
REPORTS TO:        Park Operations Manager - Natural Resources
FLSA STATUS:        Non-Exempt, $12 per hour

Purpose of Position

The Natural Resource Internship position will be directly involved in the development and implementation of stewardship workshops, data collection, and achieving long-term natural resource sustainability. In collaboration with staff, volunteers, and community partners the Natural Resource Intern will work to achieve the goals outlined above. This position will advocate for the parks and natural resources that make up Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation

Essential Job Functions

The following duties are normal for this position. These are not construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. 

• Natural Resource Stewardship Program support
  
  
  
  • Conduct species inventories, record, and organize inventory data.
  
  
  • Contribute to monthly progress reports on invasive and nuisance species mitigation efforts, seasonal vegetative life cycles, hazard tree removals, and various natural resource management projects.
  
  
  • Modify and create standard operating procedures (SOPs) for daily tasks such as seed collection or pruning.
  
  
  • Organize and develop stewardship and volunteer program materials.
  
  
  
  


• Departmental support
  
  
  
  • Work collaboratively with the Parks & Natural Resources and Marketing teams to conduct parks and recreation data collection and analysis.
  
  
  • Assist with tree work, trail maintenance, painting, custodial operations, and equipment maintenance.
  
  
  • Support departmental program areas with stewardship and volunteer needs.
  
  
  
  


• Performs additional duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Interest in volunteer management and park stewardship.


• Ability to operate a motor vehicle to conduct work activities.


• Must be able to work independently and possess strong organizational and time management skills.


• Skills in Microsoft office suite & basic computer functions.


• Ability to communicate effectively 1-on-1, with a group, and in public meetings; includes ability to speak and write clearly; includes ability to interact with members of the public to resolve problems.


• Ability to exert heavy physical effort necessary to perform certain park maintenance tasks, involving some combination of climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crawling, lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling of objects and materials weighing 20-90 lbs.


• Ability to work extended periods of time at a keyboard or workstation.


• Ability to stand/walk for extended periods of time.
  
  
  

Minimum Qualifications 

• Must be at least 18 years old.


• Student enrolled in or interested in pursuing a career in Natural Resource Management, Parks & Recreation, or Environmental related field.


• Experience in leadership and volunteer roles.


• Driving is an essential function of this position and individual must possess and maintain a valid Indiana driver’s license and be insurable.

Qualifications Preferred to Perform Essential Job Functions

• Higher Education in Biology, Environmental Education, Natural Resources, or a related field.


• Prior teaching/facilitation experience in environmental education


• Prior experience working with a variety of


• Indiana Pesticide Applicator certification or be able to acquire certification within 1 month of hire.

The Carmel/Clay Board of Parks and Recreation is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without unlawful discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, family or marital status, ancestry, age, veteran status, or any other legally protected status.