ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Nature Center Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsNature Center JobsNature Center Jobs in Indiana

Nature Center information

See Indiana salary details

$13

$18

$25

How much do nature center jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for nature center in Indiana is $19.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.58 and $20.34 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some typical challenges faced by staff working at a nature center, and how can they be addressed?

Staff at nature centers often encounter challenges such as managing large groups of visitors, balancing educational programming with conservation efforts, and adapting to changing weather conditions during outdoor activities. Effective communication, strong teamwork, and flexibility are key to overcoming these challenges. Many nature centers provide ongoing training and encourage collaboration among educators, volunteers, and naturalists to ensure both visitor engagement and environmental stewardship are maintained.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a nature center director, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Nature Center Director, you need a background in environmental education or biology, experience in program management, and often a relevant degree or certification. Familiarity with environmental education software, grant management systems, and facility operations is typically required. Strong interpersonal skills, leadership, and a passion for community engagement help individuals excel in this role. These skills ensure effective program delivery, successful team leadership, and the ability to foster meaningful connections between the public and the natural environment.

What is a nature center?

A nature center is a facility or institution dedicated to educating the public about the natural environment, local wildlife, and conservation efforts. Nature centers often feature interactive exhibits, educational programs, guided hikes, and trails that allow visitors to explore and learn about nature firsthand. They may be operated by local governments, nonprofits, or educational organizations and serve as community resources for environmental education and outdoor recreation. Nature centers also frequently offer workshops, camps, and volunteer opportunities to engage people of all ages in environmental stewardship.

What is the difference between Nature Center vs Environmental Educator?

AspectNature CenterEnvironmental Educator
CredentialsTypically requires a degree in environmental science, biology, or related fieldsOften requires similar degrees and additional teaching certifications
Work EnvironmentPublic visitor centers, outdoor settings, educational facilitiesSchools, nature centers, outdoor programs, community events
Employer & IndustryNonprofits, parks, wildlife agencies, educational institutionsEnvironmental organizations, schools, government agencies
Primary FocusManaging the nature center, visitor engagement, educational programsDeveloping and delivering environmental education programs

While both roles focus on environmental awareness, a Nature Center typically manages the facility and visitor experience, whereas an Environmental Educator primarily develops and conducts educational programs. Both roles often overlap in skills and work environments, but their core responsibilities differ slightly.

What are the qualifications to work in a nature center?

The primary qualifications for a nature center job vary by position. Associate-level roles may include being fit enough to lift up to 100 pounds with assistance, as well as swim, stand, and walk for extended periods. Senior-level roles also require leadership skills and the ability to multi-task. Education requirements also vary, ranging from a high school diploma for associates to a master's degree for senior-level positions. Fulfilling the duties and responsibilities of a nature center job frequently requires a good sense of balance, excellent eyesight with or without corrective lenses, and the ability to hear and smell. Some nature center jobs involve driving specialized company vehicles, so a state driver's license is also helpful.

More about Nature Center jobs
What are popular job titles related to Nature Center jobs in Indiana? For Nature Center jobs in Indiana, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Nature Center jobs in Indiana look for? The top searched job categories for Nature Center jobs in Indiana are:
What cities in Indiana are hiring for Nature Center jobs? Cities in Indiana with the most Nature Center job openings:
Nature Center jobs near you
Infographic showing various Nature Center job openings in Indiana as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 59% Full Time, and 41% Part Time. Highlights an 97% In-person, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,515 per year, or $19 per hour.

Seasonal Natural Resources Worker - Potato Creek State Park

State of Indiana

North Liberty, IN

$12.25/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 5 days ago

State Of Indiana rating

6.8

Company rating: 6.8 out of 10

Based on 186 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

43rd 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 Potato Creek State Park:
Potato Creek State Park encompasses six square miles about 12 miles southwest of South Bend. A variety of natural habitats await, including the 327-acre Worster Lake, old fields, mature woodlands, restored prairies, and diverse wetlands. Each offers unique opportunities for plant and wildlife observation.

Potato Creek is currently hiring a Nature Center Worker


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, 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.

What State Of Indiana employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply