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Naturalist Guide Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

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Naturalist Guide information

See Indiana salary details

$7

$18

$37

How much do naturalist guide jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for naturalist guide in Indiana is $18.75, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.03 and $18.99 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a typical day look like for a Naturalist Guide?

A typical day for a Naturalist Guide often involves leading groups on nature walks or eco-tours, providing educational commentary about local flora and fauna, and ensuring the safety and comfort of participants. You might also spend time planning routes, conducting wildlife observations, maintaining equipment, and collaborating with other guides or park staff. Some days may require early starts or late finishes, especially for sunrise or nocturnal tours. This role is highly interactive and dynamic, offering diverse work environments that range from forests and coastlines to wetlands and mountains.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Naturalist Guide position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Naturalist Guide, you need an in-depth knowledge of local ecology, biology, and environmental science, often supported by relevant degrees or field experience. Familiarity with GPS navigation, interpretive tools, and first aid certification (such as Wilderness First Responder) are typically required. Excellent communication, storytelling skills, and the ability to engage diverse audiences help set outstanding guides apart. These capabilities ensure safe, engaging, and educational experiences that foster appreciation and stewardship of natural environments.

What is a Naturalist Guide job?

A Naturalist Guide is a professional who leads educational tours in natural environments, sharing knowledge about local wildlife, ecosystems, and conservation. They help visitors connect with nature through guided hikes, boat tours, or wildlife-watching excursions. Their responsibilities include interpreting ecological features, ensuring visitor safety, and promoting conservation awareness. Naturalist Guides often work in national parks, wildlife reserves, or eco-tourism destinations.

What are popular job titles related to Naturalist Guide jobs in Indiana? For Naturalist Guide jobs in Indiana, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Naturalist Guide jobs in Indiana look for? The top searched job categories for Naturalist Guide jobs in Indiana are:
Infographic showing various Naturalist Guide job openings in Indiana as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 77% Full Time, and 23% Contract. Highlights an 80% In-person, and 20% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,001 per year, or $18.8 per hour.
Seasonal Natural Resources Worker - Lincoln State Park

Seasonal Natural Resources Worker - Lincoln State Park

State of Indiana

Lincoln City, IN

$12.25/hr

Full-time

Posted 10 days ago


State Of Indiana rating

6.9

Company rating: 6.9 out of 10

Based on 182 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

42nd of 50 rated states


Job description

 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 Lincoln State Park:
The 1,747-acre park was established in 1932 as a memorial to Lincoln's mother, Nancy Hanks, and commemorates the boyhood home of Abraham Lincoln, the 16th president of the United States. The park has an interpretive center to help visitors experience the life of early settlers in southern Indiana. The Little Pigeon Creek Baptist Church and cemetery are also located on the property. Lincoln's sister, Sarah, is buried there. The park offers 10 miles of hiking trails, two scenic lakes, campgrounds, cabins, and group cottages. You can also tour the Colonel Jones Home, the historic home of the merchant and Civil War officer who employed young Lincoln.


Salary Statement

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

A Day in the Life:

The Seasonal Natural Resources Workers provide customer service and education to visitors about park features while maintaining the property's natural resources. Seasonal Natural Resources Worker positions and their essential functions are as follows:

  • Interpretive Specialists: Educate the public on property-specific nature, history, culture, and park services through memorable experiences. 
  • Naturalist Aides: Assists with education of the nature center programming, local/common flora and fauna, and local/common animal species. This position may also assist in the care of animals (feeding, watering, and bedding changes) and the general maintenance of the nature center.
  • Village Workers (Spring Mill State Park Only): Assists with education of period-appropriate trades, techniques, and crafts while presenting cultural history. Trades include woodworking, leatherwork, broom-making, blacksmith, weaving, and milling. 
  • Cave Tour Guides (O’Bannon Woods State Park Only): Educate the general public on the natural history of caves. Tour Guides assist with scheduling reservations and collecting tour fees. Further, research may be required on the identification and care of relevant flora and fauna.  Tour Guides are expected to maintain boats, equipment, and the registration shed.
  • 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.

The job profile is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties,s or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Other duties, responsibilities, and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice.

What You'll Need for Success:

​​​​​​​You must meet the following requirements to be considered for employment:

  • 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 experience working in potentially inclement weather
  • May experience working with DOC work release crews
  • May be required to have a valid driver’s license. 
  • 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.).
  • Able to perform essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation.

Benefits of Employment with the State of Indiana:

This seasonal position does not offer benefits and is limited to 180 working days in an eleven (11) month continuous period  

Equal Employment Opportunity:

The State of Indiana is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to recruiting, selecting, developing, and promoting employees based on individual ability and job performance. Reasonable accommodations may be available to enable individuals with disabilities to complete the application and interview process as well as perform the essential functions of a role.

 If you require reasonable accommodations to complete this application, you can request assistance by contacting the Indiana State Personnel Department at jobs@spd.IN.gov.


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