A Great place to learn and work

Position Title: Naturalist Intern -NOW TAKING APPLICATIONS FOR Summer 2009 & Fall 2009

General Description: Dunes Learning Center (DLC) is a residential education facility within the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore that works in close partnership with the National Park Service (NPS). Naturalist Interns are key members of the program staff at the DLC. Naturalist Interns will develop their naturalist, outdoor education, and resource interpretation skills and techniques. They will instruct children and adults regarding the diversity of ecosystems, plants and animals, and cultural history of the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore and southern Lake Michigan region.

Term of Position: Full-time Summer (June 7 – August 7), Fall (August 23, 2008- June 4, 2010). Involves weekend and evening hours.

Responsibilities

• Present (DLC) programs in natural and cultural history, inquiry-based science, and resource stewardship for children and adults; primarily students in grades 4-12
• Lead half-day and day-long educational/interpretive hikes on Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore trails
• Assist in the design of customized environmental education programs for students
• Attend training workshops and regularly scheduled staff meetings
• Ensure safety and well-being of program participants
• Conduct evening and weekend programs
• Assist in the maintenance of all program supplies, equipment, and facilities
• Assist with other duties as required

Required Qualifications

• BA/BS in Natural Sciences, Biology, Education, Parks and Recreation Management, Environmental Science, Environmental Studies, Resource or Heritage Interpretation, Outdoor or Environmental Education, or related field
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Physically able to work outdoors in all weather conditions and hike several miles over hilly dunes terrain while carrying a 25-lb backpack
• Great independent worker and team player
• Possess valid driver’s license and have reliable transportation (car, bike, etc)

Desired Qualifications

• Prior experience in classroom teaching, outdoor education, residential camp setting, nature centers, or day camps
• Lifesaving and water safety certification

Benefits: $210.00 per week stipend, shared housing located on Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore property, uniforms, National Park Service training and certification in resource interpretation, First Aid and CPR training, meals when groups are in residence.

To Apply: Send a cover letter and resume to Brian Forist, Education Director, Dunes Learning Center, 700 Howe Road, Chesterton, IN 46304; 219-395-9555, ext. 3; bforist@duneslearningcenter.org.

Position Title: Camp Counselor/Naturalist Trainee-NOW TAKING APPLICATIONS FOR Summer 2009

General Description: Dunes Learning Center (DLC) is a over night education facility within the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore that works in close partnership with the National Park Service (NPS). Camp Counselors/Naturalist Trainees are members of the program staff at the DLC and the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore Junior Ranger Program. Camp Counselor/Naturalist Trainees will supervise summer camp residents and develop their outdoor education and resource interpretation skills and techniques. They will assist in the instruction of children regarding the diversity of ecosystems, plants and animals, and cultural history of the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore and southern Lake Michigan region.

Term of Position: Full-time 9 week position, begins June 7- August 7th. Involves weekend and evening hours

Responsibilities

• Supervise summer camp residents overnight in cabins on the campus of the Dunes Learning Center
• Ensure safety and well-being of program participants
• Assist park rangers instructing participants in the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore Junior Ranger Program
• Attend training workshops and regularly scheduled staff meetings

Required Qualifications

• Must be at least 18 years of age
• Currently enrolled in an academic program (Associate or Bachelor level) in Education, Parks and Recreation Management, Natural Sciences, Biology, Environmental Science, Environmental Studies, Resource or Heritage Interpretation, Outdoor or Environmental Education, or related field
• Physically able to work outdoors in all weather conditions and hike several miles over hilly dunes terrain while carrying a 20-lb backpack
• Enthusiastic about working with children in an outdoor setting

Desired Qualifications

• Great independent worker and team player
• Prior experience in outdoor education, residential camp setting, nature centers, or day camps
• Lifesaving and water safety certification

Benefits: $200.00 per week stipend, housing in cabins shared with summer camp residents on the campus of the Indiana Dunes Environmental Learning Center, uniforms, National Park Service training and certification in resource interpretation, First Aid and CPR training, meals when groups are in residence.

To Apply: Click HERE to fill out and e-mail an application OR Send a cover letter and resume to Brian Forist, Education Director, Dunes Learning Center, 700 Howe Road, Chesterton, IN 46304; 219-395-9555, ext. 3; bforist@duneslearningcenter.org.

Our Mission...
...is to provide an in-depth exploration of the dynamic relationship between people and their environments using the natural and cultural resources of the Indiana Dunes region where nature and society coexist.