Find & Apply For Travel / Tour Guide Jobs in Porter, Indiana

Position Summary Join the SCA to help restore one of the most biologically diverse landscapes in the Midwest while gaining hands-on conservation experience at Indiana Dunes National Park. As part of a Student Conservation Association crew, you'll work alongside National Park Service staff to remove invasive plants, collect native seeds, and improve habitat for wildlife in iconic areas like Cowles Dunes and West Beach. Over 16 weeks, you'll develop practical field skills, contribute to large-scale ecosystem restoration, and make a measurable impact by helping expand invasive species treatment across the park. This is an exciting opportunity for young adults who enjoy working outdoors, want to build a career in conservation, and are ready to leave a lasting mark on a national park. Hosting Organization Indiana Dunes National Park Location Porter, IN Schedule August 10, 2026 - December 18, 2026

Key Duties and Responsibilities Crew Supervision & Safety:

Supervise crew members during daily tasks, model and demonstrate SCA policies and expectations for crew members, maintain a physically and emotionally safe environment as per SCA's Field Guide

TRAINING & DEVELOPMENT

Provide training in conservation skills, tool usage, leadership, environmental stewardship, and personal development, work with local staff to ensure crew is properly train for any work that is expected for members

WORK PROJECT MANAGEMENT

Lead and oversee work projects (e.g., trail maintenance, habitat restoration, tree planting and maintenance), managing tool maintenance, equipment logistics, scheduling, and timely completion

TEAM OPERATIONS & LOGISTICS

Coordinate daily and weekly tasks, transportation, tool logistics, and equipment for efficient team operations

RISK MANAGEMENT

Assess and actively manage risks to ensure a safe work environment, work with local program staff to review any safety concerns, complete JHA (job hazard analysis) before any new element or location of project work

RELATIONSHIP & COMMUNICATION MANAGEMENT

Build and maintain positive relationships with agency partners, local staff and members. Communicate major changes regarding all program logistics, attending weekly check in with program staff, and representing SCA professionally

ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION

Plan and conduct educational sessions aligned with SCA's Conservation Curriculum to enhance environmental understanding and stewardship, support in the field learning, work with local staff to develop and implement educational instructions and activities to youth

ADMINISTRATIVE DUTIES

Manage program documentation, including pre- and post-program paperwork, logs, incident reports, equipment inventories, end of season leader report and budget reconciliation. Weekly check-ins with program staff, administrative tasks will require approximately 5 hours per week outside of the crew workday

PROGRAM REPRESENTATION

Professionally represent SCA in all interactions with agency partners, crew members, parents, and the community. Marginal Duties

ENVIRONENTAL EDUCATION

Leaders will be responsible for planning one crew outing and working with local staff for support

ADDITIONAL

Leaders will work closely with NPS partners to ensure quality of project work, supporting the management of SCA vehicle, managing crew dynamics in the field, collaborating with local organizations and SCA managed teams on joint workdays, other duties required for successful completion of project. Required Qualifications Experience Leading Young Adults Experience Working in Outdoor Settings Basic Understanding of NW Indiana History and Ecosystems Passion for Building the Next Generation of Conservation Leaders

MUST BE 21

years of age or OLDER by Start Date Valid Driver's license US work Authorization Preferred Qualifications Botany or horticulture educational coursework or experience some knowledge of Indiana native and non-native plants experience applying herbicide to non-native invasive species and prior work in natural resources, plant nursery or gardening field experience Leader Responsibilities Understand, adhere to, and communicate with others regarding hazards, procedures, and safety policies. . Wear all required personal protective equipment, including safety glasses, hard hats, gloves, N95 or other approved face mask or shield, and appropriate footwear. Self-manage outdoor and environmental exposure (e.g., temperature, wind, sun, etc.) in a variety of weather conditions. Create an appropriate learning environment for members to learn new skills and develop healthy relationships. Maintain and support professional, healthy, and appropriate relationships with members, agency partners, peers, and SCA staff. Facilitate group processes including group decision-making, hazard analyses, conflict management. Communicate with program supervisor regarding crew, equipment, and programmatic needs. Assess members' skill level, reliability, and judgment in order to adjust supervision level according to the progress of the crew. Appropriately and in line with SCA incident management protocols in times of high stress, such as when encountering large and/or potentially hazardous animals, severe weather, medical emergency, or other incident. Complete various administrative tasks including managing a budget, arranging accommodations, retaining receipts and reconciling purchases, communicating with agency contact, etc., as applicable to the position. Independently carry a backpacking pack weighing approximately 30% of body weight over varied, loose, inclined terrain for up to a maximum of 15 miles per day with adequate breaks. Lift a backpacking pack weighing approximately 30% of body weight with minimal assistance from others. Hours 40 per week Living Accommodations Living accommodations are not provided as part of this program. Candidates in a commutable distance to Indiana Dunes National Park are encouraged to apply. Compensation $900/weekly Subject to applicable federal, state, and local taxes. Additional Benefits Defensive Drive Training First Aid/CPR Equal Opportunity Statement The Student Conservation Association, Inc., is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The SCA strives to cultivate a work environment that encourages fairness, teamwork, and respect among all staff members and is committed to maintaining a work atmosphere where lifestyles may grow personally and professionally.