To apply for a position, include your resume, a cover letter, and three professional references to employment@duneslearningcenter.org.

No, Dunes Learning Center is an independent non-profit organization. We are the official education partner of the Indiana Dunes National Park and we are located within the National Park, but our staff are not employees of the federal government.

Generally staff will work Monday through Friday. When weekend events and programs occur you will be given advance notice.

Each season begins with in-depth training on the specific upcoming programs to provide necessary skills and background knowledge to all staff on how to deliver effective Environmental Education programs. Additionally, all staff are trained on First Aid, CPR, and how to work with children.

Yes!

In the summer, Dunes Learning Center hosts overnight and day camps. During the school year, our staff lead educational experiences which include school visits, day trips, and overnight adventures within Indiana Dunes National Park. For more information on our school year programs head here.

Meals are provided to staff when groups are present onsite. You have the option to sign up for additional meals if they fall outside your scheduled hours. When groups are not present, generally at least one meal will be provided for staff each work day. Outreach Educators are also invited to meals when they are free during mealtimes.

Cabin Leaders stay in cabins with campers during summer camp, and have access to these cabins during time off and weekends. Environmental Education and Outreach Fellows stay in shared housing (private bedroom) near Dunes Learning Center. Each house is furnished with Wi-Fi, laundry, and parking included. There is a $200 security deposit, which is deducted from the first four paychecks ($50 per paycheck).

Due to the variability in staffing, having an additional job is not recommended.

Professional development opportunities available throughout the year include workshops, guest speakers, museum tours, job shadowing, and more. Dunes Learning Center is enthusiastic to support individual’s applicable areas of interest and growing expertise.

Fellows have an opportunity to apply for a second and third year fellowship, and cabin leaders are welcome and encouraged to apply for the following summer if interested.

Reliable transportation (car, bike) is highly recommended. Carpooling amongst staff is encouraged.

Pets (with the exception of service animals) are not allowed at Dunes Learning Center or in staff housing.

In the summer, Environmental Educators lead their group on day hikes and activities. Hikes include a visit to the river, the dunes, the beach, and other sites around campus. They are engaging kids with team building exercises, exploration opportunities, and games.

Here is a sample schedule for a Frog in the Bog program- our most common program in the fall or spring.

Dunes Learning Center offers winter programs on campus, including “Winter in the Dunes” for grades 3-5, “Dunes Adventure Academy” for middle schoolers, and “Climate Change in the Sugar Maple Range” for high schoolers. When programs are not in session, we work on various projects and engage in professional development opportunities.

Our Outreach Fellowship team develop and operate virtual and in-person programs in area schools and community facilities, as well as “in the field” in natural areas. In the summer, our Outreach team participates in some on-site educational programs for our day and overnight campers.

As traditional school is out of session during the summer, our Outreach Fellows operate the day camp programs at historic Chellburg Farm, and assist with the residential summer camps.

Cabin leaders are responsible for the safety and well-being of our campers overnight and during the afternoon activities, leading water games, movie nights, campfires, night hikes, and tent camping.

Cabin leaders have free time during the day to enjoy Indiana Dunes National Park as they wish.

Cabin leaders stay in the cabins with the campers. There are seven campers per cabin, along with private bathrooms and showers. The cabins are air conditioned.