Intermittent Natural Resources Technician ; Put-In-Bay Aquatic Visitor Center

What We Need

We are seeking energetic, passionate people who enjoy the outdoors and want to play a key role for the position of seasonal, intermittent Natural Resources Technician 1 (2 positions available) within the Division of Wildlife, headquartered at the Put-in-Bay Aquatic Visitor Center, assigned to Ottawa County. The address is 310 State Route 357, Put-in-Bay, OH 43456. To learn more about the Put-in-Bay Aquatic Visitor Center, please visit the Put-In-Bay Aquatic Visitor Center website.

This is a rare opportunity to work on Lake Erie's islands in a hands‑on conservation and education setting. As a seasonal Natural Resource Technician 1 you will gain real‑world experience in animal care, public engagement, conservation education, and outdoor skills instruction—all while working for a professional wildlife agency and engaging with visitors from across Ohio and beyond.

While working at our Put‑in‑Bay Aquatic Visitor Center, an interactive education facility on South Bass Island, you’ll help connect visitors with Lake Erie's fish, wildlife, and aquatic ecosystems.

You’ll build practical, resume‑ready experience, strengthen public‑facing communication skills, and work in one of the most unique natural and tourism environments in the state.

• Provide daily care and maintenance of animal displays and aquaria, including feeding and husbandry of fish, reptiles, and amphibians
• Conduct daily interpretive tours, free fishing activities, and visitor engagement experiences
• Assist visitors by answering questions and providing guidance related to fishing licenses, equipment procurement and proper use
• Support special programs, events, and scheduled group tours
• Perform light janitorial duties and general facility upkeep
• Assist with landscaping, exhibit enhancement, and minor building maintenance, including use of power tools, pressure washers, and herbicide application
• Perform other duties as assigned
• Receive an hourly pay of $19.47/hr

• May 2026 – October 2026, with specific start and end dates to be discussed during the applicant interview process
• This is a maximum duration, 1,000‑hour intermittent (unclassified) position for the Division of Wildlife

• Variable schedule, up to 32 hours per week
• Typically 8‑hour days, with occasional extended days up to 12 hours
• Weekend work required
• Primary work location is the Put‑in‑Bay Aquatic Visitor Center; some programming may occur at off‑site locations
• May occasionally include unusual working hours (e.g., holidays, early mornings and/or late evenings)
• Individuals in this role will be expected to work in inclement weather conditions

• On‑island housing is available for seasonal team members for the duration of employment. Housing details and expectations will be discussed during the interview and hiring process
• If commuting daily to the work location on South Bass Island, team members must purchase a ferry service season pass at their own expense

• Be able to lift at least 35 pounds

This intermittent position will remain at step 1 of the pay range. This intermittent position is not eligible for benefits (e.g., vision, dental, life, health insurance, holiday pay, leave accruals [vacation, personal, sick], any other paid leave, shift differential, pay supplements, etc.).

Formal education in arithmetic that includes addition, subtraction, multiplication & division & in reading & speaking common English vocabulary; valid driver’s license; valid Commercial Driver’s License required if motor equipment is of type & size regulated by Section 4506.01 & 4506.12 of Ohio Revised Code.

Or equivalent of Minimum Class Qualifications for Employment noted above.

Job

Skills:

Natural Resources

D  know Ohio operates 76 state parks, manages over 750,000 acres of diverse wildlife land and more than 2 million acres of water? That’s just the tip of the iceberg of what we do at the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) as we seek to ensure a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all!

Across our 12 divisions and support services, we employ office staff, law enforcement officers, geologists, biologists, engineers, attorneys, communicators, managers, and so much more. Whatever your passion, we likely have a position to fit it and pathways for advancement! Working at ODNR is a special experience. Our employees are afforded opportunities to participate in public events at parks, nature preserves, wildlife areas, and annually at the Natural Resources Park at the Ohio State Fair!

We routinely have Lunch and Learn events at our Assembly Center which are streamed on Teams Live as are monthly updates with our Director.