Ecologist
Date Posted: Jun 2, 2026
Requisition ID: 476394
Location:
Indianapolis, IN, US, 46142
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 the Department of Natural Resources (DNR):
The Indiana Department of Natural Resources protects, enhances, preserves, and wisely uses natural, cultural, and recreational resources for the benefit of Indiana's citizens through professional leadership, management, and education. The Division of Nature Preserves identifies, protects, and manages an array of nature preserves and natural areas in sufficient numbers and sufficient sizes to maintain viable examples of all of Indiana's natural communities. We seek to manage and maintain viable populations of endangered, threatened, and extirpated species. We currently support more than 290 dedicated nature preserves that comprise over 53,000 acres.
Role Overview:
This position oversees the Central Region for the Nature Preserves Program nested in the Division of Fish, Wildlife & Nature Preserves. The Central Region covers 26 counties and the candidate will be responsible for directly managing, monitoring or inspecting over 16000 acres of State Dedicated Nature Preserve properties. This position needs to be highly motivated, independent, and considered an expert in restoration ecology. Candidates should have experience in natural areas management, prescribed fire leadership, and be comfortable using power tools and heavy equipment. This position requires extensive field work and will be exposed to the natural elements. Candidates need to be able to lift and carry 50 lbs. on a regular basis.
Salary:
The salary for this position traditionally starts at $47,320.00 but may be commensurate with education and work experience. Use our Compensation Calculator (https://in.accessgov.com/spd/Forms/Page/spd/compensation-calculator/0) to view the total compensation package.
A Day in the Life:
The essential functions of this role are as follows:
Plan long-range and short-range goals, priorities and deadlines for the optimal operation and management of designated nature preserves or forests in Indiana.
Disseminate information to division staff, the public, educational institutions, and scientific organizations regarding the management of the flora.
Review and submit operation, maintenance, and capital project requests to division leadership.
Enlist aid and cooperation of various public or private natural resource managers.
Coordinate and direct all division activities including work sequence, priorities, and manpower.
Solicit voluntary assistance through schools and governmental agencies for classifying plants, animals, solids, and geological features and for maintenance of the division's properties under management including both public and private.
Recruit, select, onboard, and train employees to ensure role responsibilities and expectations are clearly understood while providing opportunities to continue professional development.
Set expectations, measure progress, provide ongoing feedback, and evaluate the performance of employees. Ensure work adheres to quality standards, deadlines, and proper procedures.
Additional Responsibilities for Nature Preserves Ecologists
Evaluate and recommend to the Natural Resources Commission unique floral, faunal and geological features that warrant dedication of areas as nature preserves.
Prepare and write annual reports and all other reports and information on a divisional level.
The job description 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.
This position is exempt from overtime compensation for additional work hours which may be required to complete essential functions or other assigned work. Exempt employees may work more than 75 hours in a pay period without additional compensation and must report a minimum of 75 hours per pay period of work hours and/or paid leave taken to receive their base biweekly salary.
What You'll Need for Success:
Individuals in this role should minimally be able to articulate or demonstrate the following:
Extensive knowledge of the natural sciences including botany, biology, zoology, and geology.
Working knowledge of management practices associated with maintenance and operation of designated nature preserves or central hardwood forest plant communities.
Analytical, oral, and written skills as related to such duties as annual reports, instruction and training of subordinates and information giving to public and private agencies.
Extensive knowledge of legal repercussions stemming from agency actions.
Ability to develop a cooperative work relationship with those inside and outside the organization.
Ability to implement administrative planning techniques to meet program goals, priorities, and deadlines.
Specialized knowledge of natural resources inventory methods, including interpretation of soil and topographic maps, aerial photos, GIS, and species identifications.
Ability to solicit cooperation of private landowners and interested groups upon whose property unique biota resides to manage and maintain those populations.
Ability to delegate work, set clear direction, and manage workflow.
Ability to effectively give feedback, provide guidance or corrective action, coach, and develop employee skill sets.
Bachelor's Degree that provides basis for ecology including biology, zoology, marine biology, environmental science, wildlife conversation, botany, or another related field.
Individuals should have the ability to perform essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation.
Supervisory Responsibilities/Direct Reports:
This role may be utilized in a supervisory capacity based on agency needs.
Benefits of Employment with the State of Indiana:
The State of Indiana offers a comprehensive benefit package for full-time employees which includes:
Three (3) medical plan options (including RX coverage) as well as vision and dental plans
Wellness Rewards Program: Complete wellness activities to earn gift card rewards
Health savings account, which includes bi-weekly state contribution
Deferred compensation 457(b) account (similar to 401(k) plan) with employer match
Two (2) fully-funded pension plan options
A robust, comprehensive program of leave policies covering a variety of employee needs, including but not limited to:
150 hours of paid New Parent Leave and up to eight weeks of paid Childbirth Recovery Leave for eligible mothers
Up to 15 hours of paid community service leave
Combined 180 hours of paid vacation, personal, and sick leave time off
12 paid holidays, 14 on election years
Education Reimbursement Program
Group life insurance
Referral Bonus program
Employee assistance program that allows for covered behavioral health visits
Qualified employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program
Free Parking for most positions
Free LinkedIn Learning access
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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